Wise
International transfers · Wise
- Fees
- Varies
- English
- Yes
A licensed money-transfer service that uses the mid-market exchange rate with a transparent, upfront fee — often cheaper than bank wires for personal transfers.
Best multi-currency accounts in Japan
Wallets versus bank deposits — Wise, Revolut, Sony Bank, and PRESTIA — compared on supported currencies, holding limits, cards, receiving details, and the different legal protections that matter for savings.
Direct answers
Wise gives the broadest currency coverage and app conversion, Revolut the best card and travel functions, and Sony Bank and PRESTIA offer conventional foreign-currency bank deposits — and wallets and bank deposits carry different limits and legal protections.
Key points
- Wise: broadest currency coverage (40+), transparent conversion, local receiving details subject to eligibility; Japan holding limit defaults to ¥1m.
- Revolut: strong app, card controls, and travel use; watch market-hour and allowance rules.
- Sony Bank and PRESTIA: conventional foreign-currency bank deposits with statements and branch support.
- A wallet balance and a bank deposit have different holding limits and legal protections — the distinction matters for savings.
Wallet versus bank deposit
A multi-currency wallet (Wise, Revolut) holds balances in many currencies, may give local receiving details, and pairs with a card — but it is not necessarily a bank deposit, and it may have holding limits and narrower protection. A foreign-currency bank deposit (Sony Bank, PRESTIA) is a conventional deposit with statements and branch support, better for foreign salary or pension receipt and direct bank-to-bank foreign-currency transfers.
For breadth and app conversion, Wise leads with 40+ currencies, though a Japan address defaults to a ¥1 million total holding limit (temporarily raisable). Revolut leads on card and travel functions. Sony and PRESTIA lead where you want a real deposit relationship. The legal-protection difference matters most if you intend to hold significant savings.
Choosing for your use
For travel and everyday multi-currency spending, a wallet with a good card (Wise or Revolut) is usually best. For receiving a foreign salary or pension and holding it as a real deposit, a bank (Sony or PRESTIA) fits better. Many residents keep both — a bank deposit for income and long-term holding, and a wallet for conversion and travel.
Compare supported currencies, holding limits, card conversion cost, ATM allowances, incoming receiving details, and deposit protection before committing a large balance to any one product.
Who this is for
- People holding or converting several currencies
- Travellers and those receiving foreign income
What this is not
- Anyone who only ever needs yen
Important cautions
- A wallet balance is not the same as a bank deposit; confirm holding limits and protection before storing significant savings.
Related products & services
Revolut
レボリュートMulti-currency account · Revolut
- Fees
- Varies
- English
- Yes
A multi-currency app account with a card and fee allowances for currency exchange, useful for people who spend or hold multiple currencies.
Sony Bank
ソニー銀行Online bank · Sony Bank
- Monthly fee
- Free
- English
- Partial
An online bank popular with residents who want strong foreign-currency features, a well-regarded app, and comparatively English-friendly service.
SMBC Trust Bank PRESTIA
プレスティアBank (English support) · SMBC Trust Bank PRESTIA
- Monthly fee
- Varies
- English
- Yes
The bank most often recommended for English-language service, multi-currency accounts, and international needs, aimed at globally minded residents.