Easier said than done, Banking in Japan: How to Open an Account & Send Money
I’m here to share my experience about opening a bank account here, even if you’re not fluent in Japanese.
You’ve all heard the scary stories of how difficult it is to open a bank account as a foreigner anywhere in the world. Well, opening a bank account in Japan can feel tricky, too, but understanding the steps makes it easier (I think). This simple guide will give you some information on how to open and manage a bank account as a foreigner in Japan, and Ill highlight the best banks for you to consider.
Popular Banks for Foreigners (外国人向けの銀行 / Gaikokujin Muke no Ginkō)
Most banks in Japan allow foreigners to open accounts, but they have different requirements. Some banks are more foreigner-friendly, providing English language support and simpler application processes.
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Yucho Bank (JP Bank)/ ゆうちょ銀行 (Yūcho Ginkō) – Run by Japan Post, this bank is easy for foreigners to use.
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SMBC (Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation) / 三井住友銀行 (Mitsui Sumitomo Ginkō)– Offers some English support and is popular with foreigners.
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MUFG Bank (Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group) / 三菱UFJ銀行 (Mitsubishi UFJ Ginkō) – One of Japan’s largest banks, with many ATMs and branches.
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Rakuten Bank / 楽天銀行 (Rakuten Ginkō) – An online-only bank that has a simple sign-up process.
Documents You Need to Open a Bank Account (必要な書類 / Hitsuyō na Shorui)
Before you visit a bank, make sure you have these documents:
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Residence Card (在留カード / Zairyū Kādo)– Shows your residency status in Japan.
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Passport (パスポート / Pasupōto) – Needed for identity verification.
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Japanese Phone Number (日本の電話番号 / Nihon no Denwa Bangō) – Some banks require a local number for verification.
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Proof of Address (住所証明 / Jūsho Shōmei) – This can be a utility bill, your residence card with your updated address, or a letter from your ward office (市役所 / Shiyakusho).
Hanko (判子 / Personal Seal) – Some banks may still ask for this, but many now accept signatures.
Note: Some banks might request proof of employment (雇用証明書 / Koyō Shōmeisho) or a student ID (学生証 / Gakuseishō) if you are a student.
Maintaining Your Bank Account
Once your account is open, keep these points in mind:
ATM Withdrawals (ATM引き出し / ATM Hikidashi) – ATMs have specific operating hours, and fees may apply outside regular banking hours.
Online Banking (オンラインバンキング / Onrain Bankingu) – Banks like Rakuten Bank and SMBC offer easy online banking in English.
Transferring Money (振込 / Furikomi) – Bank transfers within Japan are common, but fees may apply depending on the bank.
Receiving Payments (入金 / Nyūkin) – If you work in Japan, give your employer your bank details to receive your salary.
Final Tips
Choose the right bank. If you want a physical branch for help, consider Yucho Bank or MUFG. If you prefer online banking, Rakuten Bank is a good option.
Expect paperwork. Japan often requires filling out several forms.
Check operating hours. Many banks close early, and ATMs may charge fees at night.
Opening a bank account in Japan is key to managing your money while living here. With the right preparation, you can set up your account easily and start handling your finances efficiently.
Hope you have a smooth banking experience!