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[A Must-Read for International Travelers] Exploring the Benefits of the Revolut Metal Plan
2024-08-07
- This article is for reference only as it is merely a translated version of the Japanese article below.
【海外旅行者必見】Revolut メタルプランのメリットなどを解説 (Japanese version)
This article contains promotions from REVOLUT TECHNOLOGIES JAPAN.
Created on: August 4, 2023
This article is based on Revolut’s terms and conditions that will be revised on February 26, 2024.
The Metal Plan is Revolut’s premium offering.
It boasts attractive features such as “1.0% Cashback” and “Free ATM Withdrawals up to 100,000 JPY Monthly.”
This article provides an in-depth look at the Revolut Metal Plan, including its pricing structure, service details, and both its advantages and disadvantages.
Those seeking a premium, beautifully designed card should definitely read on.
Conclusion
- The Metal Plan is Revolut’s highest-tier plan.
- Monthly fee: 1,980 JPY, Annual fee: 19,800 JPY (paid in advance).
- One physical card is free in principle.
- Deposits (charges) made via credit cards, prepaid cards, and Mastercard-branded debit cards incur a 1.7% fee.
- The recommended charge method, which has no usage restrictions or fees, is a bank transfer.
- 1.0% cashback is available, up to 5,000 JPY equivalent per month.
- Overseas transfers are free in principle.
- Free domestic transfers: up to 5 times per month.
- Over 35 types of foreign currency exchanges are free and unlimited in principle.
- No ATM fees for withdrawals up to 100,000 JPY equivalent per month.
- Complimentary lounge access for the cardholder and up to 3 companions if a flight is delayed by more than an hour.
- Up to five disposable virtual cards can be issued per day.
This article introduces the Metal Plan, but for those who want to compare Revolut’s plans, please refer to the article below.
Comparison of Revolut’s Three Plans
The Metal Plan is Revolut’s Premium Offering
Revolut Metal Plan
| Type | Service | Content |
| General | Application Conditions | 18 years and older |
| Monthly Fee | 1,980 JPY | |
| Annual Fee (Prepaid) | 19,800 JPY | |
| Physical Card Issuance Fee | First card free | |
| Design Customization of the Physical Card | ○ | |
| Contactless Payment with the Physical Card | ○ | |
| Supported Brands for Deposits (Top-Ups) | VISA, Mastercard | |
| Deposit (Top-Up) Fees | Credit Card: 1.7% VISA Debit Card: Free*3 Other Debit Cards: 1.7% Bank Transfer: Free | |
| Deposit (Top-Up) Limit | Up to 1,000,000 JPY per single deposit | |
| 1% Cashback | Up to 5,000 JPY per month | |
| 3D Secure | ○ | |
| Apple Pay | × | |
| Google Pay | ○ | |
| International Money Transfer | Free International Transfers*4 | ○ |
| Domestic Money Transfer | Number of Free Domestic Transfers | 5 times per month |
| Travel | Foreign Currency Exchange (Monthly) | Free (Weekdays) |
| Free Overseas ATM Withdrawal Fees (Monthly)*1 | Up to 100,000 JPY | |
| Airport Lounge Access | ○ (Discount Applied) | |
| SmartDelay*2 | Free for Member + Up to 3 Guests | |
| International Shopping | Disposable Virtual Card (Up to 5 times per use) | ○ |
*2 Free lounge access is provided if the flight is delayed by more than one hour.
*3 Excluding business cards and cards issued overseas.
*4 Overseas transfers are limited to funds transferred via bank transfer. Depending on the policies of the originating bank, bank transfer fees may be charged. If a remittance involves intermediary banks, additional fees may also be incurred by those intermediary banks. Before making an overseas transfer, it is necessary to submit a My Number Card in advance.
The “Revolut Metal Plan” is the highest-tier plan offered by Revolut.
Users can enjoy exclusive services such as “1.0% Cashback” and “Free ATM Withdrawals up to 100,000 JPY Monthly,” only available with this plan.
This service is highly recommended for business professionals who frequently travel abroad or individuals who travel internationally often.
Pricing of the Revolut Metal Plan
Monthly and Annual Fees
Revolut Metal Plan Fees
- Monthly Fee: 1,980 JPY
- Annual Fee: 19,800 JPY (paid in advance)
Monthly Fee Payment Timing
The timing for paying the monthly fee is based on the date of application.
For example, if membership begins on the 15th, the monthly fee will be due on the 15th of each month.
Revolut Metal Plan Service Details
One Free Physical Card
Customers who opt for the Metal Plan can receive one free contactless payment-enabled physical card called the “Revolut Metal Plan.” This card can be delivered via express shipping at no extra charge.
Additional cards can be issued for a fee of 6,000 JPY per card.
Customizable Design
A unique feature of Revolut is the ability to customize the card’s design to suit personal preferences.
Card customization can be done directly through the app.
Steps to Customize Card Design:
- Open the “Cards” tab in the app.
- Tap “Add Card.”
- Select a preferred design.
Additionally, the Revolut Metal Plan allows engraving on the card itself.
This feature is recommended for those who enjoy personalization or have specific design preferences.
Deposit (Charge) Fees Depend on the Method
Deposit (Charge) Fees
- Credit Card: 1.7%
- Prepaid Card: 1.7%
- Mastercard-branded Debit Card: 1.7%
- VISA-branded Debit Card (domestically issued): Free
Excludes business cards and cards issued overseas. - Bank Transfer: Free
It is important to note that fees for deposits made with debit cards vary depending on the brand.
Details about deposits (charges) are explained in the article below.
It covers topics such as how to charge the account, the time it takes for the balance to reflect, and important points to consider when making a charge.
Starting February 26, 2024, funds charged from a debit card will no longer be available for transfers or ATM withdrawals and can only be used for foreign currency exchanges and Revolut card payments. Due to the limited use cases, using a debit card for deposits is not recommended for those wishing to perform international transfers.
Considering the usage and fees, the most recommended method for depositing into a Revolut account is via bank transfer.
Please note that bank transfer fees may apply depending on the handling of the originating bank.
Explanation of Revolut Deposits (Charges)
1.0% Cashback
The Metal Plan offers a 1.0% cashback on card spending.
This cashback is an exclusive benefit available only with the Metal Plan.
The maximum cashback amount is capped at 5,000 JPY per month, applicable to shopping up to an equivalent of 500,000 JPY per month.
Free Overseas Transfers
All plans allow for free use of the international money transfer service.
For more details about Revolut’s overseas transfer service, refer to the article below.
Revolut’s International Money Transfer Service
Free Domestic Transfer Fees Up to 5 Times a Month
The Metal Plan allows up to five domestic bank transfers per month without any fees. Starting from the sixth transfer, a fee of 220 JPY per transaction will be charged.
Over 35 Types of Foreign Currency Exchange Are Free and Unlimited in Principle
The Metal Plan offers foreign currency exchange that is free and unlimited in principle*.
For those who frequently travel abroad for leisure or business, there is no need to worry about fees or limits on foreign currency exchanges.
*Excludes Saturdays from 7:00 AM to Monday at 8:00 AM Japan time (during New York Daylight Saving Time, Saturdays from 6:00 AM to Monday at 7:00 AM) or “Fridays at 5:00 PM to Sundays at 6:00 PM in New York.”
No ATM Fees Up to 100,000 JPY Equivalent Per Month
The Metal Plan provides free ATM withdrawals for amounts up to 100,000 JPY equivalent per month*.
*If the limit is exceeded, a fee equivalent to 2% of the withdrawal amount will be charged. Additionally, ATM usage fees (fees paid to local ATM operators, etc.) may also apply.
Details on ATM fees are explained in the article below.
Details of Revolut Overseas ATM Fees
Discounted Access to Airport Lounges
Lounge passes can be purchased at discounted rates provided by Revolut.
Complimentary Lounge Access Due to Flight Delays
In the event of a flight delay of over one hour, the Metal Plan allows free lounge access (up to 4 people: the cardholder plus 3 companions).
Disposable Virtual Cards
Disposable virtual cards can be issued with all plans, not just the Metal Plan.
Details on disposable virtual cards are explained in the article below.
How to Issue and Use Revolut Disposable Virtual Cards
Cancellation Policy for Revolut Metal Plan
Cancellation penalties vary depending on the contract period.
Cancellation Within 14 Days of Contract
For both monthly and annual members, a partial or full refund of the subscription fee will be provided.
If the Metal Plan card has already been issued, a card issuance fee of 6,000 JPY and shipping costs will be charged.
Cancellation Between 14 Days and 10 Months of Contract
Monthly members will incur a cancellation fee equivalent to two months’ worth of subscription fees. Annual members can cancel their automatic renewal without any fees.
However, any paid fees are non-refundable.
Cancellation After 10 Months of Contract
No cancellation fees will be charged for either monthly or annual members.
However, any paid fees are non-refundable.
Disadvantages of the Revolut Metal Plan
High Subscription Fees
The monthly fee of 1,980 JPY or the annual fee of 19,800 JPY may be considered a significant financial burden for some users.
Those who find the subscription fee high should consider the free plan or the Premium Plan, which has a monthly fee of 980 JPY.
As an exclusive benefit, the Premium Plan offers three months of free subscription fees.
For those interested in the Premium Plan, please refer to the article below.
Premium Plan Free for 3 Months!
1.0% Foreign Exchange Fee on Weekends
Foreign exchange is fee-free on weekdays, but a 1.0% fee applies on weekends.
Technically, weekends are from 17:00 New York time on Friday to 18:00 New York time on Sunday, and weekdays are all other times.
If foreign exchange cannot be done on weekdays, a fee must be paid.
1.7% Fee for Deposits via Various Cards
A 1.7% fee is charged for deposits made with credit cards, prepaid cards, or Mastercard-branded debit cards.
Although credit card point rewards are attractive, it is not efficient to earn points when depositing into Revolut.
For those looking to earn credit card points through deposits, it is recommended to explore other options.
Benefits of the Revolut Metal Plan
Metal Cashback Eligible
The 1.0% cashback is an exclusive benefit available only with the Metal Plan.
By using the Revolut physical card or the virtual card in the app* for eligible payments, a cashback of up to 5,000 JPY per month can be applied.
This is a very attractive benefit for those who frequently engage in online shopping.
*Not compatible with Apple Pay but compatible with Google Pay.
No ATM Fees for Amounts Up to 100,000 JPY Per Month
The Metal Plan offers no ATM fees for amounts up to 100,000 JPY per month.
*However, additional ATM usage fees (such as those paid to local ATM companies) may apply.
Typically, overseas ATM fees range from 1.5% to 3%, so the higher the withdrawal amount, the higher the fees.
For those who frequently withdraw cash from overseas ATMs, switching to the Metal Plan can help keep fees to a minimum.
Complimentary Lounge Access for Up to 3 Family Members or Friends If the Flight is Delayed
The Metal Plan allows free lounge access for “the cardholder plus up to 3 people” if a flight is delayed by over an hour.
Even in the face of unexpected accidents, it is possible to spend time comfortably in the lounge with family or friends.
Recommended for People with Revolut Metal Plan
Those Who Spend the Equivalent of 200,000 JPY or More on Overseas Online Shopping Each Month (Break-even Point)
By spending 200,000 JPY per month through the Revolut account, a cashback of 2,000 JPY can be received, covering the monthly fee of 1,980 JPY.
This plan is recommended for those who have high business purchase amounts or significant personal payment amounts.
Those Who Withdraw Over 50,000 JPY Equivalent Per Month from Overseas ATMs
The Premium Plan, which is a downgrade from the Metal Plan, offers free ATM fees for amounts up to 50,000 JPY per month.
However, if withdrawing more than 50,000 JPY per month, a fee of 2.0% applies.
For those who withdraw an amount equivalent to 50,000 JPY or more monthly, the Metal Plan is recommended.
Application Procedure for Revolut Metal Plan
Creating a Revolut account and applying for the Metal Plan are both done through the app.
Detailed instructions with smartphone screenshots are provided in the article below.
Applying for Revolut
Summary
An overview of the Revolut Metal Plan has been provided. Here is a summary of the key points:
- The Metal Plan is Revolut’s highest-tier plan.
- Monthly fee: 1,980 JPY, Annual fee: 19,800 JPY (paid in advance).
- One physical card is free in principle.
- Deposits (charges) made via credit cards, prepaid cards, and Mastercard-branded debit cards incur a 1.7% fee.
- The recommended charge method, which has no usage restrictions or fees, is a bank transfer.
- 1.0% cashback is available, up to 5,000 JPY equivalent per month.
- Overseas transfers are free in principle.
- Free domestic transfers: up to 5 times per month.
- Over 35 types of foreign currency exchanges are free and unlimited in principle.
- No ATM fees for withdrawals up to 100,000 JPY equivalent per month.
- Complimentary lounge access for the cardholder and up to 3 companions if a flight is delayed by more than an hour.
- Up to five disposable virtual cards can be issued per day.
＼ The 980 JPY monthly fee is free for the first three months! ／
