Transfer cost, FX treatment, weekend charges, receiving, cards, ATMs, and limits compared for personal and moderate multi-currency use in Japan.
Wise is the more transparent transfer and receiving tool with the broadest currency coverage and a ¥150m Type I ceiling for qualifying transfers, while Revolut is the stronger everyday card and travel app — but adds 1% outside market hours; the cheaper one depends on your amount, timing, and plan.
Wise shows the mid-market rate with a transparent fee, holds 40+ currencies, offers local receiving details subject to eligibility, and supports qualifying Japan-based Type I large transfers up to ¥150 million (default ¥1 million holding limit for Japan addresses, temporarily raisable). This makes Wise the more natural choice for receiving foreign income and for larger transfers.
Revolut is a registered Type II provider whose transfer and receiving features depend on the account and route; some SWIFT routes have no Revolut transfer fee but can incur intermediary fees. For pure transfer transparency and receiving details, Wise generally leads.
Revolut’s strength is the everyday card: strong controls, travel usability, and no listed Standard exchange fee for regular customers during market hours within allowances. The catch is a 1% charge on fiat exchanges outside market hours (and 0.5% on high-frequency Standard use). Wise’s card converts from a matching balance or at a currency-dependent fee and advises choosing local currency at ATMs.
The verdict is situational: for receiving income and larger, transparent transfers, Wise usually wins; for card spending, subscriptions, and weekday travel, Revolut often wins. Because allowances and market-hour rules change what you pay, compare a same-time quote for your specific amount, timing, and plan.
International transfers · Wise
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.
Fees: Transparent per-transfer fee plus mid-market rate — compare the recipient amount.
Multi-currency account · Revolut
A multi-currency app account with a card and fee allowances for currency exchange, useful for people who spend or hold multiple currencies.
Fees: Plan-based; free FX up to allowances, then a fee — verify current terms.