Is a Revolut card the best way to withdraw cash and pay for things during my upcoming trip to Japan?

Is a Revolut card the best way to withdraw cash and pay for things during my upcoming trip to Japan? With its unique culture, natural beauty, and delicious food, Japan has long been on the bucket lists of many world travelers. For many years, however, there was one problem: the cost. Part of this was a perception more than a reality, shaped by images of Japan from the 1980s before the bubble era. But now—the word is out. A combination of factors including the weakening of the Japanese yen has made Japan more affordable than it has ever been, with tourists flocking to the country from all over the world to fulfill their long-held dreams of strolling the red torii gates of Fushimi-Inari Shrine, devouring all the good food in Osaka, or shopping in Tokyo’s Ginza district. However, while it might be cheaper in Japan these days than ever before, it’s not free! To make the most of your trip to Japan, you’ll need easy, reliable ways to pay for all those things you want to do (and buy! and eat!). This article checks out Revolut, one of the top providers in the world of debit cards for travelers, with information on its Japan services, plans, and its English customer service, as well as how it rates against the competition.

What is Revolut?

Revolut is a new type of financial service geared particularly to world travelers who need to make card payments or cash withdrawals in different countries around the world. Founded in 2015, Revolut has quickly risen to prominence due to the flexibility that it offers travelers, and now operates in nearly 40 countries and is closing in on 65 million users. As of 2026, the company became the title partner of the Audi F1 racing team as well as the sponsor of Manchester City’s women’s football team.

What services does Revolut offer?

Revolut in Japan offers financial services including debit card payments, ATM withdrawals, domestic and international bank transfers, investing opportunities in commodities, eSIMs, as well as dedicated service for Kids & Teens.

While many users choose to use Revolut primarily through the app (virtual card) to make digital payments, the company does also provide physical cards (Standard, Premium, Metal) that can be used exactly like any other debit or credit card.

For travelers to Japan, Revolut offers its Japanese Yen Card. This card allows you to save money while in Japan by paying in Japanese yen (¥) wherever you go or withdrawing Japanese yen directly from Japanese ATMs, all without incurring hefty extra currency exchange fees or low exchange rates each time you do. You can spend your money in Japan just like a local, without any of those annoying additional hassles or fees that can be so annoying as a traveler.

What kinds of credit and debit cards does Revolut provide?

The credit cards and debit cards that Revolut provides to customers are Visa debit cards. Visa is the most widely accepted card in the world.

Does Revolut provide debit cards?

Yes, the primary service that Revolut provides is Visa debit cards. These debit cards work exactly like a credit card in practice, with payments made in person or online. The main difference is that with a debit card, the money is directly and immediately withdrawn from your bank account. This has the advantage of making it very easy to keep track of both your spending and your current bank balance. For travel in Japan, a Revolut debit card is probably a better option. 

Does Revolut provide credit cards?

Yes, Revolut does offer Visa credit cards, but these have more limitations than their debit cards, as they are limited to certain countries and require a slightly more complicated application process. With a credit card, the advantage is that you can use the card now and pay your bill later (the disadvantage being that you need to keep track of how much you spend to be sure you can pay it off later!). For travel in Japan, a Revolut debit card is probably a better option.

Does Revolut provide virtual or physical cards? 

Yes, the Revolut app is extremely popular with young users who have become accustomed to paying with their phones instead of with physical cards. Physical cards can be easily damaged or lost, which can be particularly frustrating if you are traveling in another country. The Revolut app has been praised for its simple user-friendly interface, which is essentially a virtual card that the merchant scans when you make a payment.

Are digital payments accepted in Japan?

Not everywhere. While the adoption of digital payments is rapidly spreading across Japan, there are still many places where you will need a physical card to pay. Japan also still has small shops and restaurants that only accept cash.

Another thing to consider is network connectivity. To use your Revolut app, you will need to be able to connect to the Internet. Japan has limited public WiFi, so unless you are carrying Pocket WiFi, using Revolut eSIM, or have bought an eSIM or SIM card via one of our Selectra partners, you might not be able to use the app.

The best approach is to carry all three. Have your Revolut app ready to go on your phone, but have your Revolut debit card in your wallet as a backup. And just in case they only take cash, use your Revolut debit card to withdraw Japanese yen from a local ATM to be prepared.

What kinds of services can I access with my Revolut subscription?

Subscribers to Revolut in Japan get access to a wide range of financial services including online and in-person card payments, ATM withdrawals, domestic and international bank transfers. While many users choose to use Revolut primarily through the app (virtual card) to make digital payments, the company does also provide physical debit cards (Standard, Premium, Metal).

For travelers to Japan, Revolut offers its Japanese Yen Card. With the Japanese Yen Card card, you can pay directly with your card at shops, hotels, restaurants, or anywhere else that accepts Visa. You can also withdraw cash directly from Japanese ATMs. And because this is done in Japanese yen, you can do it all without incurring hefty extra currency exchange fees or low exchange rates each time you use your Revolut card!

Debit card payments in Japan

Conventional debit cards are still relatively uncommon in Japan, with most people still using cash or credit cards. Many merchants in Japan may not even know what a debit card is! Luckily, if you have a Revolut Visa debit card, it is processed by the payment terminal in the same way as a credit card. When paying, simply tell the cashier that you are using a 'credit card' or Visa to ensure a smooth transaction, and the money will be directly withdrawn from your account, so it’s easy to keep track of.

ATM withdrawals in Japan

Using your Revolut debit card, you can withdraw cash from any Japanese ATM that accepts withdrawals using Visa cards.

Avoid excess ATM fees!

Be sure to select NO when asked by ATM if you want to convert currencies during a withdrawal. Simply withdraw in Japanese yen to get the best rate. You might also want to check which ATMs charge a service fee, as this is something that Revolut cannot control.

International currency exchange

You can exchange money between over 40 different currencies, with no additional fees charged by Revolut. These services are limited to Monday to Friday (please check hours for your location)*. STANDARD cards are limited to ¥300,000 per month for currency exchange, but PREMIUM and METAL are both unlimited.

*Currency exchange outside of foreign exchange market hours - Friday 17:00 to Sunday Eastern Time (ET) - will incur a 1% exchange fee. 

Domestic and international money transfers

With Revolut, you can transfer money domestically and internationally between over 200 countries and regions. PREMIUM offers discounted fees on international transfers with no limits, while METAL offers free international transfers with no limits

Fancy some airport lounge access to make your travels more comfortable?

Revolut offers its PREMIUM and METAL customers the added benefits of discounted access to over 1000 airport lounges worldwide.

Can I use my Revolut debit card in Japan?

Yes! Because your Revolut Japanese Yen Card is a Visa debit card, you can use it anywhere in Japan where Visa is accepted (and Visa is the most widely accepted card in Japan). You can also use your Revolut Visa debit card to make cash withdrawals in Japanese yen from Japanese ATMs that accept withdrawals using Visa cards.

What are the different debit card plans offered by Revolut?

Revolut offers 3 tiers of debit card plans to customers: STANDARD, PREMIUM, and METAL. Below, we list the details of each plan along with a handy comparison chart to help you decide which Revolut debit card plan is right for you.

The 3 different Revolut plans and their benefits

Revolut has 3 different debit card plans that offer slightly different levels of service to their customers. These 3 Revolut debit card plans are:

• STANDARD - no frills, no fuss, no worries, just the basic services you need. Your card will be issued for 500 yen, or you can pay 700 yen to customize your card if you’d like!
• PREMIUM - get added benefits such as discounted fees on international transfers and higher amounts for withdrawals and unlimited currency exchanges, as well as special access to airport lounges. Choose your card from the PREMIUM range of Sage Green, Midnight Blue, and Slate Grey and personalize it the way you like.
• METAL - get added benefits such as discounted fees on international transfers and higher amounts for withdrawals and unlimited currency exchanges, as well as special access to airport lounges. Your personalized card will be one of Revolut’s exclusive metal cards, all made of ultralight stainless steel and available in sleek shades of black, gold, bronze, and silver.

Comparing Revolut plans to find the right Revolut debit card plan for you (Benefits/Services)

*No additional withdrawal fees will be charged by Revolut, but ATMs may charge withdrawal fees. Be sure to withdraw in Japanese yen to avoid currency exchange charges.

How much will a Revolut debit card cost me per year?

Revolut debit cards charge nominal annual fees to their users, which vary based on the plan that you choose (STANDARD, PREMIUM, or METAL). These 3 plans make it easy to find the right fit for your needs and your price range.

Comparing Revolut plans to find the right Revolut debit card plan for you (Prices/Rates)

What are the pros and cons of using a Revolut debit card while traveling in Japan?

Revolut is becoming a popular choice among travelers to Japan, who appreciate the flexibility and reliability of its Visa debit cards. As with any financial service, however, Revolut debit cards come with pros and cons that are important to consider when deciding whether they are the right choice for you and your trip to Japan.

The pros of using a Revolut debit card for visitors to Japan

• Widely Accepted - because your Revolut debit card is a Visa debit card, you can use it anywhere in Japan that accepts Visa cards.
• Easy ATM Withdrawals - if you need quick cash in Japan, just find an ATM (7-Eleven, Post Office, FamilyMart are all good options) and withdraw Japanese yen using your Revolut debit card.
• Different Card Plans - with 3 different Revolut card options (STANDARD, PREMIUM, METAL), you can choose the card that suits your needs and budget best.
• Currency Exchange - exchange currency into Japanese yen to spend while you are traveling in Japan.
• Digital Payments - as well as your physical card, a virtual card is available via the Revolut app (though in Japan, be sure to have a physical card as backup).
• Exclusive Benefits and Offers - access to airport lounges, travel insurance, and partner discounts on lifestyle and travel services.
• English Customer Service - negotiating the Japanese banking system without English customer service would be very difficult. As an international financial service, Revolut has full customer service in English (as well as several other languages).
• Lost or Stolen Cards - obviously, no one wants to lose a card, or have a card stolen, anywhere, but if it happens when you're traveling internationally, well, it's a hassle. Luckily, you can immediately freeze a card if you suspect that it has been stolen or lost (See the section "What if my Revolut card gets damaged or stolen?" below for more details) 

The cons of choosing a Revolut debit card for visitors to Japan

• Limited ATM Access - While you can withdraw Japanese yen with your Revolut debit card at many ATMs (such as 7-11, and Japan Post Bank), not all ATMs in Japan accept international cards. You may need to look for specific ATMs that support foreign cards, especially outside major cities. 
• Virtual Cards Not Accepted Everywhere - digital payments are catching on in Japan, but they are still far from universal. Also, you will need to have an internet connection to use your digital Revolut card through the app. All said, you should definitely carry a physical card with you as well.
• Limited Cash Withdrawals - yes, there are still places in Japan that only accept cash, though the internet tends to over-emphasize this a bit. These days, places that only accept cash tend to be mostly smaller private-owned shops and restaurants, especially in rural areas. Make sure you have cash as a backup and use your card when you can, but there’s no need to carry mountains of cash with you these days.
• Annual/Monthly Fees - yes, there are fees for the Revolut PREMIUM and METAL plans, but these come with benefits that may far outweigh these nominal fees, especially for those who travel often. The STANDARD plan has no annual or monthly fees and the card itself is free of charge (all you need to pay is a small delivery charge).

How do Revolut cards compare with other travel cards when it comes to visiting Japan?

Like Revolut, there are several other companies out there on the market these days offering travel cards that allow world travelers to avoid unfavorable rates from their home credit card companies.

The main established competitor to Revolut these days is the company Wise. While many customers seem to enjoy both companies for use domestically, people who travel frequently have tended to gravitate to Revolut for its specific focus on services that benefit and assist global travelers. Travelers to Japan in particular seem to have found Revolut to be reliable and simple for their time spent in the country.

What if my Revolut card gets lost, damaged or stolen?

We really hope this doesn’t happen to you, of course, but in the event that your Revolut card is lost, damaged, or stolen—don’t worry, all is not lost!

If you suspect your Revolut card has been lost or stolen, you can freeze your card immediately via the Revolut app on your phone. If your phone is also missing or stolen, you can log into the Revolut website and freeze your card there.

If you think a fraudulent transaction has been made on your Revolut card, log into the Revolut and go to Transactions. Tap the suspicious transaction and click Get Help, then follow the ensuing steps to initiate a review process.

If your Revolut card has been damaged, lost, or stolen and you need a new card to replace it, contact Revolut customer support for assistance.

Does Revolut Provide Service to Customers in English?

Yes! Revolut is designed with international travelers in mind, so the company offers service to customers in English, Japanese, and several other languages. The company’s website is available entirely in English and is extremely simple and easy to navigate.

Is it easy for an English speaker to sign up for Revolut?

Yes! Registration for Revolut is extremely simple in English. Just go to the Revolut homepage and review their 3 main card plans, then select the one that works for you. Because the 3 Revolut plans only really vary in terms of their fees and benefits, the differences between them are very easy to quickly scan and understand (see the tables above in this article for super easy comparisons!).

When you’ve found the right Revolut Visa debit card plan for you, simply click Pick Your Plan or Join Revolut, and you will be directed to a page where you can enter your personal info, ID verification to receive your brand new Revolut Visa debit card.

Does Revolut offer customer support in English?

Yes! Revolut provides full customer support in English on their website, with English-speaking operators standing by to assist you.

Review: Is Revolut my best option for cash withdrawals, card payments, and currency exchanges during my upcoming trip to Japan?

Whether you have been waiting your whole life for this trip to Japan or just can’t wait to get back, you’ve no doubt got a long list of things you want to do (and eat!) while there. So…instead of spending your time in Japan messing around with expensive and crowded airport currency exchanges (rip off alert!) or searching through cities for an ATM that will take your card from home, it might be a better idea to opt for a Revolut Visa debit card that makes paying in hotels, restaurants, taxis, and shops a breeze throughout your time in the country.

Because Revolut Visa debit cards provide the ability to pay via card wherever Visa is accepted in Japan (or via the app in select locations), but also allow you to make ATM withdrawals of Japanese yen, you will always have a backup plan when it comes to having funds available while you are in Japan.

Japan might be cheaper to visit these days than in years past, but a Revolut Visa debit card will ensure that your hard-earned money isn’t going to bank fees and exchange charges, but instead into the pockets of local people in Japan who welcome you into their ryokans, grill your takoyaki, drive your trains, and show you all of what their wonderful country has to offer.