What You Need Before Starting
Opening a bank account in Japan follows a specific sequence. Get these prerequisites sorted first.
Residence Card
You need a valid residence card (zairyu card) with mid-to-long-term visa status. Tourist visas don't qualify.
Address Registration
Complete your address registration (juminhyo) at your local ward office within 14 days of moving in.
Japanese Phone Number
Most banks require a Japanese phone number for verification. Get a SIM card first.
Apply for Account
Once you have the above, you can apply online or visit a branch. Timeline varies by bank.
The 6-Month Residency Rule
Most Japanese banks require you to have lived in Japan for at least 6 months before opening an account. This is a significant hurdle for new arrivals. However, there are important exceptions:
- Shinsei Bank (SBI Shinsei) waives the 6-month rule entirely — you can apply from day one
- Sony Bank allows online applications with no minimum residency requirement
- Japan Post Bank (Yucho) may accept new residents with proof of employment
- Your employer may help you open an account at their partner bank regardless of residency length
The Right Sequence Matters
The correct order is: (1) move in and register your address at the ward office, (2) get a Japanese phone number / SIM card, (3) apply for a bank account. Skipping steps or doing them out of order will result in rejected applications. Some banks also require a My Number card or notification, so bring that too if you have it.
Best Banks for Foreigners — Comparison
Not all banks are created equal for foreign residents. Here are the top five options ranked by English accessibility.
| Bank | English Support | Min Residency | Online Banking | ATM Network | Monthly Fee | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shinsei Bank (SBI Shinsei) | Full English online banking, English phone support | None | Full English app & web | 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart (free during banking hours) | Free | New arrivals, first bank account |
| Sony Bank | English UI, English customer support | None | 100% online, multi-currency | 7-Eleven, Aeon (4 free withdrawals/month) | Free | Multi-currency, international transfers |
| SMBC Prestia | English support hotline, English in-branch service | None (with employer reference) | English online banking, 17 currencies | SMBC ATMs, 7-Eleven | Free (with conditions) | High earners, multi-currency needs |
| Rakuten Bank | English online application, partial English UI | 6 months | Full online banking | 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart | Free | Rakuten ecosystem users, cashback |
| Japan Post Bank (Yucho) | Limited (some branches have English staff) | 6 months (waived with employment) | Basic online services | 24,000+ post office ATMs nationwide | Free | Widest ATM coverage, rural areas |
Shinsei Bank — Top Pick
- Why it's #1No 6-month rule
- ApplicationBy mail or online
- Debit cardIncluded, Visa branded
- Cash cardArrives in 2-3 weeks
Sony Bank — Best Online
- Application100% online
- Currencies12 foreign currencies
- Sony Bank WALLETVisa debit, multi-currency
- Approval time3-5 business days
Step-by-Step Account Opening Process
The process differs depending on whether you apply online or visit a branch in person.
Online Application (Shinsei, Sony, Rakuten)
Visit Bank Website
Go to the bank's English website. Select "Open an Account" and choose the account type (standard savings is fine for most people).
Fill Out the Form
Enter your name (as on residence card), address, date of birth, phone number, and occupation. Use your registered address exactly.
Upload Documents
Take photos of your residence card (front and back). Some banks also require a selfie for identity verification.
Receive Your Card
Cash card and account details arrive by mail to your registered address. Shinsei: 2-3 weeks. Sony/Rakuten: 1-2 weeks.
In-Branch Application (Yucho, SMBC Prestia)
Find a Branch
Locate a nearby branch. For Yucho, any post office works. For SMBC Prestia, check their website for branches with English-speaking staff.
Bring Documents
Bring all required documents (see checklist below). Arrive early — the process takes 30-60 minutes and branches close at 3:00 PM.
Fill Out Forms
Complete the application form at the branch. Staff will assist you. You'll choose a 4-digit PIN for your cash card on the spot.
Get Your Account
You'll receive a bankbook (passbook) immediately. Your cash card arrives by mail in 1-2 weeks to your registered address.
Required Documents Checklist
Bring these documents whether applying online or in person:
- Residence card (zairyu card) — valid, with current address on the back
- Passport — some banks require this as secondary ID
- My Number card or My Number notification letter
- Japanese phone number (for SMS verification)
- Proof of employment or student enrollment (for banks requiring it)
- Initial deposit — typically 1 yen minimum, but bring at least 1,000 yen
Timeline by Bank
- Shinsei (by mail)2-3 weeks
- Sony Bank (online)3-5 business days
- Rakuten (online)1-2 weeks
- Yucho (in branch)Bankbook same day, card in 1-2 weeks
- SMBC Prestia (in branch)Card in 1-2 weeks
Branch Visit Tips
- Hours9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (weekdays only)
- Best timeRight at opening, avoid month-end
- LanguageBring a Japanese-speaking friend if possible
- Wait time30-60 minutes typical
Using Your Account Day-to-Day
Once your account is open, here's how to make the most of Japanese banking.
ATMs and Cash
7-Eleven ATMs (Seven Bank) accept all major Japanese bank cards and have full English menus. Withdrawals from your own bank's ATMs are free. Convenience store ATMs charge 110-220 yen outside banking hours (typically 8AM-9PM weekdays). Deposits can also be made at convenience store ATMs.
Online Banking
Set up online banking immediately after receiving your card. Shinsei and Sony Bank offer full English interfaces. You can check balances, transfer funds, and pay bills from your phone. Enable two-factor authentication for security — most banks use SMS or their dedicated authentication app.
Direct Debit Setup
Set up automatic payments (kouza furikae) for rent, utilities, phone bills, and health insurance. Your landlord or management company will provide a direct debit form. Fill it out with your bank details and hanko/signature. This prevents missed payments and late fees.
International Transfers
- Wise (TransferWise)Best rates, fast
- RemitlyGood for larger amounts
- Bank wire transfer3,000-7,500 yen fee
- Sony Bank multi-currencyCompetitive FX rates
- SMBC Prestia17 currencies, English support
Bill Auto-Pay Checklist
- RentDirect debit via landlord form
- ElectricityTEPCO online or form
- GasTokyo Gas online or form
- WaterWard office application
- Phone/InternetProvider's direct debit form
Common Problems and Solutions
Banking in Japan has its quirks. Here's how to handle the most frequent issues foreigners face.
Application Rejected
Common reasons: less than 6 months residency, address mismatch between application and residence card, or incomplete documents. Solution: try Shinsei Bank (no 6-month rule), double-check your registered address at the ward office, and ensure your residence card has your current address on the back.
Hanko vs. Signature
A hanko (personal seal) was traditionally required for all banking in Japan. Good news: most foreigner-friendly banks now accept signatures. Shinsei, Sony, SMBC Prestia, and Rakuten Bank all allow signatures. If a bank insists on a hanko, you can get one made at any hanko shop for 500-3,000 yen in about 30 minutes.
ATM Fees and Limits
Own-bank ATMs are free during banking hours. Convenience store ATMs charge 110-220 yen per transaction outside hours (nights, weekends, holidays). Daily withdrawal limits are typically 500,000 yen. Shinsei Bank offers free convenience store ATM use during daytime hours — a major perk.
Closing Your Account When Leaving Japan
If you're leaving Japan permanently, close your bank account before departing. Visit your branch (or contact online support for internet-only banks) with your residence card, cash card, and bankbook. Withdraw your remaining balance or transfer it to another account. Leaving an account open after your visa expires can result in a frozen account and complications if you return to Japan. For more details, see our Leaving Japan guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions about banking in Japan as a foreigner.
No. All Japanese banks require a valid residence card (zairyu card) with a mid-to-long-term visa status. Tourist visa holders cannot open bank accounts. You need to complete your address registration at the ward office first, then apply.
Most banks require 6 months of residency in Japan. However, Shinsei Bank (SBI Shinsei) waives the 6-month rule entirely, and Sony Bank allows applications from day one with online verification. Japan Post Bank may also accept new residents if you have proof of employment.
Most foreigner-friendly banks now accept signatures instead of a hanko. Shinsei Bank, Sony Bank, SMBC Prestia, and Rakuten Bank all allow signature-based account opening. Some traditional banks like Mizuho or MUFG may still request a hanko, but this is becoming less common.
Yes, but bank wire transfers are expensive (typically 3,000-7,500 yen per transfer plus exchange rate markups). For regular international transfers, services like Wise (formerly TransferWise) or Remitly offer significantly better rates. SMBC Prestia and Sony Bank offer competitive multi-currency accounts for frequent transfers.
You should close your account before leaving Japan permanently. Visit your branch (or call for online-only banks) with your residence card, bankbook, and debit card. Any remaining balance will be withdrawn in cash or transferred to another account. Leaving an account open without a valid residence card can cause it to be frozen. See our Leaving Japan guide for the full checklist.
7-Eleven ATMs (Seven Bank) are the most reliable and accept cards from virtually all Japanese banks, with English language support. Lawson and FamilyMart convenience store ATMs also work with most cards. Your own bank's ATMs are free, while convenience store ATMs may charge 110-220 yen per transaction outside banking hours.
Ready to Open Your Account?
Get your SIM card first, then open your bank account. MoveMate's guides walk you through every step of settling into Tokyo.