Top Three Recommended Debit Cards for Use Abroad | Comprehensive Guide on Fees and Benefits

• This article is for reference only as it is merely a translated version of the Japanese article below.
  海外で使えるおすすめデビットカード3選｜手数料やメリット徹底解説 (Japanese version)

Many might wonder, “Want to know about recommended debit cards that can be used abroad”, “Which is better abroad: a credit card or a debit card?”

When planning trips or studying abroad, it’s natural to feel uncertain about which type of card to carry.

Using a debit card for shopping and dining overseas can be more economical than using a credit card, as it often incurs lower fees, offering a cost-effective advantage.

This article will discuss recommended debit cards for international use, including how to choose and use them, as well as the advantages and disadvantages compared to credit cards.

For those considering whether a debit card or a credit card is more suitable for international travel, this guide will be very useful.

Definitive Edition: Top Three Recommended Debit Cards for Use Abroad

The following are three highly recommended debit cards for international use:

• Revolut
• Wise
• SonyBankWallet

Each of these debit cards allows for depositing foreign currency and exchanging it within the account without incurring extra fees.

Here, three carefully selected debit cards suitable for use abroad are introduced.

Revolut

Revolut’s debit card offers free overseas administrative fees, allowing for cost-effective card payments in various countries if the account is pre-funded.

Withdrawals from overseas ATMs are also free up to JPY 25,000 per month, making it convenient to access cash abroad without incurring additional fees.

Revolut also offers the following advantages:

• Currency exchange available 24/7 via the app.
• Disposable virtual cards can be issued.
• Cost-effective international transfers.
• Exchange rates are readily available.

For those who frequently travel abroad and exchange currencies, using a Revolut card can minimize fees, making it both cost-effective and convenient.

Ideal Users for Revolut’s Debit Card

• Those who want to save on exchange fees while abroad.
• Individuals who often shop or source items internationally.

Wise

Wise‘s debit card stands out for its ability to manage over 50 currencies, including less common ones such as the South African Rand and the Romanian Leu.

With exchange fees ranging from 0.6% to 1.9%, it offers a cost-effective option compared to typical debit cards and currency exchange services, allowing for significant savings on fees.

• Free ATM withdrawals twice monthly up to JPY 30,000
• Simple money management via the app
• Cost-effective international transfers and receipts
• Virtual card issuance available

When making card payments or using ATMs abroad, the Wise debit card is convenient for saving on fees.

Ideal Users for Wise’s Debit Card

• Individuals who frequently travel to various countries.
• Those who want to minimize fees for international transfers and receipts.

SonyBankWallet

The Sony Bank-issued debit card, SonyBankWallet, is specifically designed for international use.

By opening a foreign currency account, ATM fees abroad are waived. The “Yen from Assist” feature, which automatically allocates funds from your yen balance when your foreign currency balance is insufficient, is highly recommended.

“Yen from Assist” offers a low fee of 15 sen per dollar for purchases and ATM withdrawals when the foreign currency balance is inadequate.

Additional Benefits of SonyBankWallet:

• Manage over ten different currencies within one account.
• Overseas administrative fees of 1.79%.
• Cashback of 0.5% to 2.0% on domestic usage.
• Available for issuance from age 15.

For those traveling to countries where SonyBankWallet foreign currency accounts can be established, such as in America or Europe, utilizing this card can lead to significant savings.

Recommended Users for Wise’s Debit Card

• Students studying abroad who want to receive remittances from parents.
• Individuals who often travel to countries where they can open foreign currency accounts.

Choosing a Debit Card for Use Abroad

It is advisable to select a debit card for use abroad by comparing fees.

Let’s compare the various fees for the three debit cards introduced in this article.

The best card for you depends on various factors such as how much you plan to spend in each country, whether your stay is for study, travel, or business, and other considerations.

From the three carefully selected cards presented, find the debit card that best suits your needs and make the most of its benefits and convenience.

How to Use a Debit Card Abroad

The method for using a debit card internationally is straightforward: either make purchases directly with the card or withdraw cash from ATMs.

Using a Debit Card for Payments

Debit cards can be used for transactions just like credit cards.

When paying, simply inform the cashier to process the payment as “Visa/Mastercard,” then insert your card, and either enter your PIN or sign for verification.

Moreover, the convenience of contactless payments, including mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay, allows you to simply wave your smartphone over the terminal.

In foreign countries, leveraging the high convenience and security of contactless payments is advisable.

Withdrawing Cash from ATMs with a Debit Card

A debit card can also function like a bank ATM card, enabling cash withdrawals from ATMs abroad. Often in foreign settings, there are scenarios where cash is necessary despite the prevalence of card payments.

First, verify the international brand of your debit card, such as Visa or Mastercard, and locate a compatible ATM to withdraw cash.

Just follow the on-screen instructions and enter your PIN to withdraw cash just as you would in Japan.

Which is Better Abroad: Debit Cards or Credit Cards?

Many people struggle with choosing between debit cards and credit cards for international use.

In terms of cost-effectiveness, debit cards are generally preferred, but the choice depends on what you value most, so it is important to compare the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Advantages of Debit and Credit Cards

When used abroad, the typical advantages of a debit card include the following:

This excludes the common benefits shared with credit cards, such as reduced risk of loss or theft.

Advantages of Debit Cards

• Like credit cards, debit cards can be used for card payments.
• There is no risk of overspending.
• Foreign transaction fees are lower than those of credit cards.
• Cash can be withdrawn from overseas ATMs with reduced fees (subject to a limit).
• Some cards are available to individuals as young as 15 years old.
• There are no strict credit checks, or in some cases, no checks at all.
• There are no annual fees.

Note that not all cards offer these benefits.

Among the cards discussed in this article, the SonyBank Wallet is available for individuals from the age of 15.

The main advantages of using a credit card abroad are as follows:

Advantages of Credit Cards When Used Abroad

• Inclusion of overseas travel accident insurance.
• The ability to get cash advances at overseas ATMs.
• Higher rates of point rewards.
• Protection against fraudulent use.

Note that not all cards offer these benefits.

Cash advances with a credit card at overseas ATMs can often be more cost-effective than currency exchange, even without a balance available.

For those seeking cost-efficiency and convenience, debit cards are the clear choice; however, those who value perks and protection may prefer credit cards.

Disadvantages of Debit and Credit Cards

Next, let’s look at the common disadvantages of using a debit card abroad, excluding points such as ATM troubles that are common with credit cards.

Disadvantages of Debit Cards

• There are places where debit cards are not accepted.
• Lack of perks or limited perks.
• Low or no reward rates.
• No inclusion of overseas travel accident insurance.
• A deposit (security deposit) may be required.
• Only withdrawal transactions are possible.
• Cannot make purchases exceeding the account balance.
• No cash advance option.

Note that not all cards have these disadvantages.

While debit cards can save on fees abroad, they offer no perks or rewards and are simple in their functionality.

The disadvantages of using a credit card abroad are as follows:

Disadvantages of Using Credit Cards Abroad

• Higher transaction fees abroad.
• Interest must be paid on cash advances.
• Potential for overspending.Annual fees apply.
• Some places do not accept non-cash payments.
• Usage is blocked if the credit limit is exceeded.
• There is an expiration date.
• Late payments can damage credit history.

Note that not all cards have these disadvantages.

Credit cards involve fees and annual charges, but they offer perks and rewards.

For those traveling abroad, studying, or on business trips, having a debit card can be a cost-effective way to avoid unnecessary expenses and save money.

Frequently Asked Questions About Using Debit Cards Abroad

Here are some frequently asked questions about using debit cards internationally.

If you have any concerns or questions, please refer to this information.

Can debit cards like Visa or Mitsubishi UFJ not be used abroad?

Debit cards, regardless of the type, can be used for card payments abroad just as credit cards can.

If it is a merchant that accepts international brands of debit cards, you can make card payments and conveniently withdraw money from compatible ATMs.

While there are places or countries where debit cards are not accepted, there should be no issues as long as the card can be used to withdraw cash from ATMs.

Can I travel abroad with only a debit card?

It is perfectly fine to travel abroad with only a debit card.

As long as there is sufficient balance in the account and it’s a major country, you can make card payments and ATM withdrawals with just a debit card.

Revolut is a recommended debit card for such travel.

However, for peace of mind, it might be wise to carry an additional card, such as a credit card.

Are there debit cards that automatically include overseas travel insurance?

Some debit cards automatically include overseas travel accident insurance, but they tend to have higher annual fees and foreign transaction fees.

If you want to minimize fees abroad, the debit cards introduced in this article are recommended.

If you’re anxious, consider utilizing the overseas travel accident insurance provided by credit cards or take out separate travel insurance.

Summary: Benefits and Convenience of Using Debit Cards Abroad

This article has explained the top three recommended debit cards for use abroad, how to choose them, and compared their fees along with the advantages and disadvantages.

Debit cards can significantly save on foreign transaction fees and ATM charges compared to credit cards, making them both convenient and cost-effective.

The following are the top three recommended debit cards for international use:

• Revolut
• Wise
• SonyBankWallet

Those traveling abroad for vacations, study, or business trips should consider obtaining a debit card as a strategy to minimize fees.