Banking in Japan: Complete Guide for 2026

When you first move to Japan, one of the first things you need to do is open a bank account. It’s one of the first steps toward becoming a resident.

After all, you’ll need a bank account to rent an apartment, buy furniture, and get a cellular contract. You even need it to receive your paycheck, which will be deposited into your bank account each month.

Therefore, learning the basics of banking as soon as possible can save you the headache, but with an abundance of options to discover and new terms to learn, this may seem daunting at first sight.

No need to worry, though. Luckily, banking in Japan isn’t that different from most other countries in the world, and familiarizing yourself with the few existing nuances shouldn’t be hard at all.

In this guide, I’ll talk about banking in Japan, how it works, and what you need to learn first and foremost. Then, I’ll give you a rundown on the best Japanese banks and which ones are the best for foreigners specifically.

Now, let’s get down to business.

Bank Accounts in Japan: What You Need To Know

Banking isn’t really that different in Japan than in the rest of the world. However, you need to be aware of a few things that may or may not be the same in your country of origin, so let’s start with the types of banks that exist in Japan.

Japanese Bank Types: Megabanks, Regional Banks, and More

Mainly, we can sort the banks in Japan into three categories. 

First, there are megabanks, which are also known as “city banks.” These are nationwide banks that are traditionally structured like any other typical bank in the world. 

These banks have ATMs all over the big cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, hence the name “city banks,” but it’s usually a struggle to find an ATM of a megabank in rural areas. Sumitomo Mitsui and Mitsubishi UFJ are great examples of megabanks that can be found in pretty much all big cities in Japan.

Then, there are regional banks. As opposed to city banks, these banks operate only in certain regions, and banks like Hokkaido Bank and Kyoto Bank are good examples of this. 

The biggest advantage of using a regional bank is the ability to find branches and ATMs easily, as there are usually plenty within the bank’s region of operation. Also, a regional bank can be a great choice if you’re not living in a big city. Do keep in mind, though, that you’ll have trouble finding ATMs and branches when you travel to other regions of Japan.

In addition to these banks, you can also find some non-traditional banks in Japan. These banks have been gaining popularity in recent years, and some of them can be great alternatives for foreigners. 

For instance, online banks like Rakuten Bank and Seven Bank operate completely digitally without any physical branches. There’s also NEOBANK (Sumitomo SBI Net Bank).  And banks like Lawson Bank are also in this category since they’re basically department store banks. Opening an account at one of these banks can even have some perks, like gaining store credit.

Now that we’re clear on the existing bank types in Japan, let’s go into more detail.

Using ATMs: Withdrawing Money, Using Other Banks’ ATMs

Unless you enjoy going to a branch and waiting in line, apart from online banking, ATMs will be your main way to interact with your bank account in Japan, which isn’t much different than anywhere else. 

However, there’s one difference that you need to learn as soon as possible if you like planning your budget to a tee, and that is the working hours of your bank.

In Japan, most banks only let you withdraw money free of charge during the usual work hours of the bank. This means that if you don’t plan accordingly, you might end up having to pay a fee just to access your money.

For net banks, usually you’ll get a certain number of free withdrawals per month (often depending on your status, such as “platinum” membership).  And some will let you specify another bank account at a traditional bank to transfer your salary and other essentials for free.  So fees shouldn’t be too big of an issue.

Also, some ATMs can be straight-up closed for a few hours every night. If the only ATM in your area is closed in the middle of the night, and you have an emergency that requires cash, this might put you in a pinch.

Lastly, another thing you need to know about the ATMs in Japan is that if you withdraw money from another bank’s ATM, you might have to pay a fee. 

This isn’t always the case, as some banks are affiliated with other banks, and the fee is usually only a small amount. However, it can still be annoying if you’re not aware.

Transferring Money

Bank transfers are called “furikomi” in Japan, and these can be easily made on your phone through an app, at an ATM, or at a designated machine at your local branch.

Normally, for regular payments like rent and bills, you have the option to automate your transfers so that you don’t have to deal with them regularly. However, you still might need to transfer money for other purposes.

For domestic transfers, the process is very simple, and you can do it pretty much instantly. However, you need to make the transfer within the business hours of your bank, or the transfer will be processed the next day when the bank is operational again. 

Although some banks allow you to transfer money free of charge, most banks will have a fee. The transfer fee, which is paid by the sender, can range from 100 to 600 JPY.

Transferring money overseas, however, isn’t as cheap. 

If you want to send money overseas, you’re better off using an alternative like Wise or Revolut. Overseas transfer through your regular Japanese bank can be very costly, and it can take a long time as well, so it’s best to avoid it if you can.

Alternatively, if your bank is not a regional bank or a megabank, and you’re using one of the online ones like Seven, you might be able to transfer money overseas more easily and quickly. It may not be as cheap as the other options, but it’ll work faster than traditional banks.

Taking a Loan

While opening a bank account and even getting a credit card can be relatively easy in Japan for a foreigner, the same cannot be said about taking a loan.

Usually, most banks require you to be a Japanese citizen or a permanent resident in Japan in order to apply for a loan. In some cases, being married to a Japanese citizen can also be sufficient, but it depends on the bank and the merits of your application.

Just like in any other country, banks consider your level of income and whether you are a seishain (a full-time employee) when they process your application. Additionally, they might require you to have registered property in your name or a guarantor who can back you up financially.

While it’s generally hard to get a loan as a foreigner in Japan, this may not be the case if you’re applying for a loan to start a business. I have a detailed guide on starting a business in Japan, and it may come in handy at many points throughout your journey, so I recommend you check it out.

How to Open a Bank Account in Japan

The first requirement for opening a bank account in Japan is to be a Japanese resident or a citizen. As long as you have a residence card, you’ll be able to open an account in no time.

Even though this may change from bank to bank, generally speaking, you only need your residence card, your passport, and an employment contract or a student certificate to open your account. 

Additionally, some banks may require your personal seal (inkan), but that’s a pretty basic requirement, as you’ll need an inkan for almost all government procedures anyway. As long as you have everything ready at the bank branch, you only need to fill out an application form to open your bank account.

Credit Cards: How They Work in Japan

Credit cards work a little differently in Japan.

For one, if you’re from the United States, you’ll find that they’re much harder to get in Japan. Most banks require you to at least have a resident status, Japanese bank account, stable income, and some may even require you to have a history of paying taxes in Japan.

Also, taking out credit works differently in Japan. You need to pay the full amount due at the end of the statement period from your credit company, which will be deducted from your bank account. You do have some options for paying in installments, but it’s nowhere near as flexible as the credit cards in the U.S.

I talked about this extensively in my other post on the best credit cards in Japan, which you can check out to learn more. You can also find out about the best card for foreigners living in Japan there.

Choosing the Right Japanese Bank: Best Banks in Japan For Foreigners

Now that you know all the basics of banking in Japan, you’re ready to pick a bank and open your account. Here’s a list of the best banks in Japan for foreigners, which might make deciding easier.

Japan Post Bank

Japan Post Bank is one of the biggest banks in Japan and is owned by Japan Post, which is the national postal service. It’s a great bank for recent expats, as setting up an account is easy and straightforward.

Because Post Bank is megabank and a subsidiary of the post office, you’ll find ATMs pretty much everywhere you go. The only downside is that the ATMs are usually located inside a post office, which means that they’ll be closed outside of work hours and on the weekends.

Post Bank has no withdrawal fees unless you would like to receive or deposit coins or use an ATM located outside of the post office. A fee is charged for money transfers.

SBI Shinsei Bank

SBI Shinsei Bank is another great option for foreigners, though it now has specific requirements for opening an account.

Essentially, you must have been a resident of Japan for at least 6 months, be working in a company with an office located in Japan (excluding part-time jobs), and own a personal Japanese telephone number. Note that workplace phone numbers or someone else’s phone number will not be accepted according to their website.

The best thing about SBI Shinsei Bank is that, in addition to the bank’s own ATMs, you can also withdraw money from several other banks’ ATMs.

Specifically, you can withdraw cash free of charge at Seven Bank, E.net, Lawson, AEON Bank, Patsat, and View Altte ATMs up to five times per month. From the sixth withdrawal onward, you’ll have to pay 110 JPY for each withdrawal. You’ll also be charged 110 JPY to withdraw from Japan Post Bank, Mitsubishi UFJ Trust Bank, and Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank ATMs.

Money transfers are not free of charge, which is expected.

The bank also has a great English interface, which isn’t so common in Japan. In fact, it’s one of the only banks that allows you to complete the application form entirely in English.

Seven Bank

Seven Bank is an online bank, which means that it has no branches, and everything's done online. Its largest shareholder is Seven-Eleven Japan, the company behind the well-known konbini store, 7-Eleven, with trading company ITOCHU as the second largest.

Even though Seven Bank doesn't have traditional branches, foreign nationals can open an account at a Seven Bank ATM. All you need is your residence card (zairyu card), with at least 3 months' validity, and your cash card should arrive by mail in around 2 weeks. For everything else, you'll need to use the online app.

Just note that Seven Bank can't accept residence cards issued from June 14, 2026, at its ATMs or online at this time.

It's fairly easy to set up an account at Seven Bank, and withdrawals at Seven Bank ATMs are free from 07:00 to 19:00 every day, including weekends and holidays. Outside those hours, you’ll pay 110 JPY.

Seven Bank is a great choice if you frequently transfer money overseas, as its international wire costs tend to be cheaper than other banks. Fees range from 400 JPY to 2,000 JPY, depending on the amount, destination country, and how the money is received. Domestic transfers to another Seven Bank customer are free via the app, 55 JPY at a Seven Bank ATM, or 165 JPY to other banks (regardless of whether you use the app or an ATM).

Sony Bank

Sony Bank is another online bank with no physical branches whatsoever. The bank offers all services in English, which makes it another great choice for foreigners.

Sony Bank is great for personal use as it allows free withdrawals up to four times a month, but you can’t open an account as a business. Therefore, business-related transfers are also not possible through Sony Bank.

After four withdrawals, the bank charges a fee of 110 JPY per withdrawal. The bank also allows you to transfer money free of charge once a month to other banks, but transfers between Sony Bank accounts are free.

SMBC Prestia

SMBC Prestia Bank is another popular choice among foreigners, as it doesn’t even require an inkan (personal seal) to open an account.

You can deposit money in 17 currencies, which is considerably more than what competing banks allow. The customer service and the online services are all in English and very easy to use.

If you use a Sumitomo Bank ATM, withdrawals are free of charge, but otherwise, there’s may be a withdrawal fee. There are requirements you can fulfill to get it waived (e.g having at least 200,000 yen in your account) but please keep this in mind.

Another downside of Prestia Bank is that there’s an account maintenance fee, which is 2,200 JPY monthly.  

Mitsubishi UFJ Bank

Mitsubishi UFJ Bank, or MUFG Bank, is one of Japan’s largest banks, and it’s a nationwide megabank. 

Foreigners need to open their accounts at an MUFG Bank branch, and a personal seal is required, so it's not exactly the best choice for newcomers. However, bank transfers within the same bank are free of charge, as well as withdrawals.

Speaking of which, you’ll have no problem withdrawing money, as there are MUFG Bank branches and ATMs wherever you go in Japan.

Mizuho Bank

Mizuho Bank is another megabank in Japan, and it’s pretty well-established. However, English customer service is pretty much non-existent, and you even need to speak Japanese to open an account. Your personal seal is also required.

While withdrawals are free of charge between 8:45 and 18:00, there’s a sort of complicated system in place. You pay 110 JPY for withdrawals between 8:00 and 8:45 and from 18:00 to 23:00. Outside of these hours, the fee is 220 JPY.

As it’s a very popular bank in Japan with over 50,000 ATMs and 800 branches, you’ll have no trouble finding an ATM.

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation

Last but definitely not least, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, also known as SMBC, is another megabank in Japan. You may be familiar with SMBC, as the banking group also owns the Prestia Bank, which I've also covered in this list.

However, unlike Prestia, the bank has a fully functional English app that allows you to do nearly everything you can do at a branch. Also, since it's a nationwide bank that's pretty popular, you'll have no problem finding an ATM.

Withdrawals are free when you use SMBC's own ATMs on weekdays between 08:45 and 18:00, and all day on the 25th and 26th of each month*. Outside those hours, including weekends and public holidays, you pay 110 JPY.

Convenience store ATMs charge 220 JPY on weekdays between 08:45 and 18:00 and 330 JPY at all other times. You can also withdraw for free on the 25th and 26th of each month* between 08:45 and 18:00, but you’ll be charged 110 JPY outside those hours.

*If the 25th is a Saturday, Sunday, or public holiday, free withdrawals apply the previous day. If the 26th falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or public holiday, you can withdraw for free the following day.

Receiving domestic yen transfers is free, but there's a fee for sending money:

• Bank transfers: Free to SMBC accounts; 154-220 JPY to other banks.
• International money transfers: 3,000-3,500 JPY via SMBC Direct; 7,000-7,500 JPY at an in-store counter.
• Receiving money from overseas: 1,500 JPY per transfer, or at least 4,000 JPY if the money is sent in yen.

The fee for receiving overseas transfers makes this a less-than-perfect choice for foreigners.

FAQ

Can foreigners open a bank account in Japan without visiting a branch?

Yes, some Japanese banks allow foreigners to open bank accounts without visiting a branch:

• Japan Post Bank lets you apply through its ゆうちょ手続きアプリ (Yucho Tetsuzuki app), which works in English and 3 other languages.
• SBI Shinsei Bank lets you apply online, then mail back the form it sends you. You'll need to have lived in Japan for 6 months or more, or work full-time for a company in Japan.
• Seven Bank lets you apply at one of its ATMs with just your residence card, or online.
• Sony Bank lets you open an account in its English app. No minimum stay required.
• SMBC Prestia lets you apply online in English, as long as your residence card is valid for at least 3 months.
• Mizuho Bank lets you apply online if you've been in Japan for 6 months or more, or work for a company in Japan.
• SMBC lets you apply in the SMBC app with your residence card.

When are ATM withdrawals free in Japan?

It depends on your bank and which Japanese ATM you use:

• Japan Post Bank ATMs inside post offices are generally free at any time. Its ATMs elsewhere, like stations and FamilyMart, are free on weekdays from 08:45 to 18:00 and Saturdays from 09:00 to 14:00.
• SBI Shinsei Bank gives you 5 free withdrawals a month (“Standard” tier) at partner ATMs like Seven Bank, Lawson, and E-net, at any hour.
• Seven Bank ATMs are free from 07:00 to 19:00 every day, including weekends and holidays.
• Sony Bank gives you 4 free withdrawals a month at partner ATMs, at any hour.
• SMBC Prestia withdrawals are free at SMBC ATMs.
• MUFG Bank ATMs are free from 08:45 to 21:00 every day.
• Mizuho Bank ATMs are free on weekdays from 08:45 to 18:00.
• SMBC ATMs are free on weekdays from 08:45 to 18:00. They're also free all day on the 25th and 26th of each month, or the nearest business day if either date falls on a weekend or holiday.

How much do international transfers cost at Japanese banks?

International transfer fees vary a lot between banks in Japan.

Here's what some charge to send money abroad:

• Japan Post Bank charges 3,000 JPY online.
• Seven Bank charges 400 to 2,000 JPY, depending on the amount, the destination, and how the money is received.
• Sony Bank charges 3,000 JPY, with some transfer exemptions on higher account statuses.
• SMBC Prestia charges 3,500 JPY online, or 7,000 JPY at a branch or by phone.
• MUFG Bank charges 2,500-3,000 JPY online, or 7,000 JPY at a branch.
• Mizuho Bank charges 5,000 JPY via its app, or up to 8,500 JPY at a branch.
• SMBC charges 3,000-3,500 JPY online, or 7,000-7,500 JPY at a branch.

Do Japanese banks offer English-language apps or support?

Yes, many Japanese banks that are popular with foreign residents offer English apps and online banking. Some also have English-speaking customer service, but the English support you get varies by bank, so check before you open an account.

For example, Sony Bank has an English app, and SMBC Prestia offers English phone support and branches with English-speaking staff.

Final Words on Banking in Japan

Opening a bank account is one of the first things you'll do after moving to Japan. You'll need it for your salary, rent, and phone contract.

As long as you have a residence card with at least 3 months left on your period of stay, opening an account is pretty straightforward.

Megabanks like MUFG, Mizuho, and SMBC have plenty of ATMs around Japan, but their rules for foreign residents differ.

MUFG requires a branch visit, while Mizuho lets you apply online once you've been in Japan for 6 months or if you work for a company in Japan. SMBC lets you apply through its app. Seven Bank is one of the easiest options for foreign newcomers, since you can open an account right at an ATM.

Whichever bank you pick, check its ATM hours to avoid withdrawal fees. And if you send or receive money from abroad, compare each bank's international transfer fees before you choose one, since they range from a few hundred yen to several thousand.