How to get a credit card in Japan as a foreigner
All you need to know about getting a credit card in Japan as an expat or visitor: eligibility, card choices, and what to do if your application is rejected.
Does Wise work in Japan? Fees, ATMs, and how to use Wise in Japan
Wise debit cards are used across the globe for payments, money transfers, and ATM cash withdrawals. Spend less money with Wise without any hidden cost. Wise offers seamless transactions with Wise app and makes your life easier in Japan.
This guide will cover all the information necessary to answer the question, “Does Wise work in Japan?” We’ll introduce Japan ATMs and their fees along with warnings of using Wise in Japan.
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Does Wise work in Japan?
Tourists and expats can use their Wise account from overseas and use it in Japan. Same goes for Wise cards. Just because you use it in Japan, your account and card will not be blocked by Wise. All you need to do is top up your card and convert to JPY in real time using the Wise app.
Ensure you have a pincode set on your Wise card, just in case contactless payment doesn’t work. Also, it’s good to remember that all stores in Japan might not have cashless payment. It’s always a great idea to carry some cash with you.
What are the fees for using your Wise card in Japan?
If you use a Wise card issued in Japan, the following fees will apply (different regions have different conditions and fees, please check the conditions of regions you currently hold your account).
Wise ATM Withdrawal Limits and Fees
For withdrawals up to 30,000 JPY per month
| Condition | Fee |
|---|---|
| First 2 withdrawals per month | Free |
| 3rd withdrawal onwards | ¥70 per withdrawal |
For withdrawals exceeding 30,000 JPY per month
| Condition | Fee |
|---|---|
| Amount over 30,000 JPY | 1.75% of the amount exceeding ¥30,000 |
| 3rd withdrawal onwards | ¥70 + 1.75% fee applies |
※ For Japan-issued Wise debit card
※ Withdrawal limits will vary based on region. Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information
Wise Conversion Fees
There is a transparent conversion fee at Wise. Compared to banks and different organizations, Wise uses the mid-market rate. You can use Wise’s rate-tracker to set your own rate alerts and get them sent to your email inbox daily.
Conversion fees are usually from 0.73% and it will vary from currency to currency
※ For Japan-issued Wise debit card
※ Conversion fee will vary based on region. Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information
Where can I withdraw money with my Wise card in Japan?
Below are some of the possible ATMs that you can use to withdraw money from.
Japan Post Bank ATM
Japan Post Bank ATMs can be found in Japan Post Bank branches near the entrance. Also, you can find them in some convenience stores such as FamilyMart.
On the ATM, there is a “language” option where you can select “English.” The withdrawal limit for a single transaction is 50,000 JPY. If you use a card issued abroad, an ATM usage fee of 220 JPY (incl. tax) per transaction may apply.¹
Seven Bank ATM
Seven Bank ATMs are found inside of SEVEN-ELEVEN convenience stores. Seven Bank has instructions in English and by default, the daily withdrawal limit is 500,000 JPY. ²
Seven Bank ATM Service Fees:
| Type of Transaction | Fees³ |
|---|---|
| Withdrawals | 0:00-7:00 ¥110 7:00-19:00 Free 19:00-24:00 ¥110 |
| Deposits | Free |
| Balance Inquiries | Free |
Note:
- Regarding money transfers, a separate transfer fee is required.
- International Money Transfer Service requires an additional transfer fee.
Tips to avoid extra costs
Always make sure to pay in local currency. If you’re in Japan, choose to pay in JPY at the ATM and decline any conversion.
If you see an operator fee, it’s charged by the ATM owner, not Wise. If one ATM declines, try another network or branch.
Can I open a Wise account in Japan?
Yes, you can open a Wise account in Japan. Wise Card will be delivered to you too!
Existing Wise users
For existing Wise users who moved to Japan, you do not need to close your account. Instead, you’ll need to change your address to Japan.
You’lll need to contact the Wise help desk and provide the following.
- Japanese-Issued Identification: Must show your new address.
- Official Document: Should display your name, date of birth, and new address. It must be issued within the past 6 months and include your My Number information.
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Opening a Japanese Wise account for new users
If you’ve never had a Wise account, don’t worry. You can make a new Wise account online, even if you’re in Japan. Here are the requirements and steps to open a Wise account.
Required documents
Wise will verify your identity and address in Japan to make sure your money is safe and complies with Japanese regulations.
Valid photo IDs will be required for Identity Verification, but depending on your residency status, the accepted IDs vary. Please check the chart below:
| Residency Status | Accepted Photo IDs |
|---|---|
| Japanese National | My Number card (recommended) |
| Japanese driver’s licence | |
| Japanese passport (issued before Feb 2020) | |
| Permanent Resident | My Number card |
| Japanese driver’s licence | |
| Residence card (Zairyu card) | |
| Long-term stay visa | My Number card |
| Japanese driver’s licence | |
| Residence card (Zairyu card) |
Important Notes:
- My Number cards with a returned or move out stamp will not be accepted unless you have officially re-registered your address after returning to Japan.
- The name, date of birth, and address on your photo ID, your MyNumber Card, and your Wise profile must all exactly match. Please update any outdated documents or Wise profile if you need to before starting the verification.
How to open a Japanese Wise account: step-by-step guide
- Register online by downloading the Wise app
- Verification process (e.g. send money, card order, top up, etc.)
- Select your residency status
- Japanese National
- Permanent Resident
- Long-term stay visa holder
- Choose your valid photo ID (check the chart above)
- Write down the 4-digit code
- Make sure to write down clearly on a piece of paper as it expires after 30 minutes.
- Take photos of your ID following the instructions
- Front of you ID with 4-digit code paper placed directly below it
- Showing the thickness of your ID by tilting it slightly
- Back of your ID (without the code)
- Take a selfie
- holding the paper with 4-digit code next to your face
- Upload your My Number document (If you used My Number in Step 4, this is not required) One of these documents showing My Number is accepted:
- Valid My Number card (front and back)
- Juminhyo(residence certificate) issued within the last 6 months, showing your 12-digit My Number
- My Number notification slip
- Wait for review (usually takes one working day)
Important Notes:
- Make sure your photos are not blurry. All texts must be sharp and readable.
- Even the tilted photos should show the ID details clearly.
- If you don’t have a My Number card, use the up-to-date My Number notification slip or Juminhyo(residence certificate) instead.
- New Japanese passports issued February 2020 or later cannot be used for verification because they don’t have the information on the Bearer page.
- If you think your document was rejected by mistake, contact the Wise support team.
Key Takeaways
- Wise works in Japan. Wise can also be registered from Japan in minutes and you can order a Wise Card.
- Wise has a conversion fee from 0.73% but the exchange rate is based on mid-market rate so it’s lower than other institutions and services.
- If you withdraw money from Japanese ATMs, be aware of the withdrawal limits and fees as they can vary depending on the company and institution of the ATM.
FAQ
Can I use my Wise card for online shopping in Japan?
Yes, you can use a Wise card to pay for online shoppings. However, note that Wise cards can sometimes be declined, because some Japanese online shopping websites may only accept locally issued cards.
How do I withdraw cash in Japan?
- Convert the amount of money you need to JPY currency first
- Visit the Japanese local ATM
- Insert your Wise card and enter PINcode
- Select JPY for the transaction
- Enter the amount of cash you wish to withdraw
You’ll be able to find a local ATM by using the ATM locator offered by your card network (Visa, Mastercard, etc).
Can I link my Japanese Wise card to Apple Pay or Google Pay?
No, Wise cards issued in Japan don’t work with Apple Pay nor Google Pay.
If your Wise card was issued in different countries, you would be able to link your card to Apply Pay and Google Pay. Each has a different list of counties—Check the following:
Why was my Wise card declined in Japan?
Keep in mind that not all Japanese ATMs will be compatible with foreign issued cards. It may only work on certain ATMs or stores that are compatible with your card brand.
Can residents in Japan get a Wise card?
Yes. Japanese residents can get a Wise card. Once you open a Wise account and complete the Identity Verification, there is an option to order the debit card. Standard delivery to Japan takes 7-10 days, and expedited delivery takes up to 4 working days.
Sources:
- International ATM Service-JAPAN POST BANK
- What are the daily transaction limits at Seven Bank ATMs? : Frequently Asked Questions
- Information about charges for Seven Bank accounts
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
