This guide provides general information about banking in Japan for foreign residents. Banking requirements and available services change. This is not financial advice. Always verify current requirements directly with the relevant bank. Last reviewed: 2026.
Opening a Bank Account in Japan as a Foreigner
A Japanese bank account is essential for long-term residents — for receiving salary, paying rent, setting up automatic bill payments, and more. Opening an account as a foreign national has historically been challenging, but has become more accessible in recent years as banks have updated their procedures.
General Requirements
Requirements vary by bank, but typically include:
- Residence Card (在留カード) — Essential proof of legal residency. Most banks require this.
- Passport — For identity verification.
- Registered address proof — Many banks accept your Residence Card with your address printed on the back after municipal registration, or a jūmin-hyo (住民票) from your municipal office.
- My Number — Required by many banks for tax reporting compliance (FATCA/CRS reporting obligations).
- Japanese phone number — Required by most banks for OTP verification and contact.
- Seal (hanko) — Increasingly optional at major banks. Check with your specific branch.
Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ銀行)
Recommended for most new residents. Japan Post Bank is available at post offices nationwide and is generally the most accessible option for foreign residents. It does not require a lengthy residence history, accepts a wide range of foreign nationals, and has branches everywhere. The account includes a Tomato card (cash card) for ATM access.
- No minimum balance requirement
- ATMs at every post office and many convenience stores (7-Eleven, etc.)
- International ATM access (Visa/Mastercard/Cirrus network)
- Internet banking available (some English support)
Major City Banks
Japan’s major city banks (都市銀行) are appropriate for those with stable employment or longer residence history:
- MUFG (三菱UFJ銀行) — Japan’s largest bank. Some branches have English-speaking staff. Online banking in English available.
- SMBC (三井住友銀行) — Major bank with extensive branch and ATM network.
- Mizuho Bank (みずほ銀行) — Large branch network; English internet banking available.
- Resona Bank (りそな銀行) — Slightly more flexible for foreign residents; active in Kansai region.
Note: Some major city banks previously required 6 months’ residency. Requirements have been relaxed at many banks — check directly with your branch or the bank’s English website for current policy.
Online/Digital Banks
- Rakuten Bank (楽天銀行) — Full-featured online bank; English app available; integrates well with Rakuten’s ecosystem. Competitive exchange rates for international transfers.
- PayPay Bank (旧ジャパンネット銀行) — Online bank; often used alongside PayPay mobile payments.
- Sony Bank — Good for international money transfers and foreign currency accounts.
Sending Money Internationally
For international money transfers, traditional bank wire transfers are expensive. Better options for foreign residents:
- Wise (formerly TransferWise) — Widely used for JPY ↔ foreign currency transfers; competitive exchange rates; requires Japanese bank account.
- Revolut — Available in Japan with competitive FX rates; linked to your Japanese bank account.
- SBI Remit / Yucho Ginko Kokusai Remittance — Japanese services for specific corridors (Philippines, China, Vietnam, etc.) at low fees.
- Japan Post Bank overseas remittance — Widely available but fees and rates vary by destination.
Practical Tips
- Set up automatic payment (口座振替, kōza furikae) as soon as possible — utilities, rent, and insurance are often paid this way in Japan.
- Keep your jūmin-hyo (住民票) handy — some banks require a recent copy (within 3 months) for the account opening process.
- ATM hours matter — many Japanese ATMs have operating hours and charge fees outside business hours, even at your own bank. Japan Post and convenience store ATMs are generally 24/7.
- Credit cards: Japan is cash-heavy but accepting cards is growing. A Japanese debit or credit card (e.g., Rakuten Card, epos Card) can be useful once you have an established account.
See also: First Steps After Arriving in Japan for the full post-arrival admin checklist, including bank account setup in context.