Opening a Bank Account in Japan (Foreigner Guide)

Open a bank account in Japan

Compare banks, navigate the famous 6-month rule, send money abroad — what foreigners actually need to know.

Important Notice

Most Japanese banks require at least 6 months of residency before opening an account. However, some foreigner-friendly banks accept new arrivals. English support varies widely between institutions.

Foreigner-Friendly Banks

Not all banks in Japan welcome foreign residents equally. Here are your best options, ranked by accessibility for newcomers.

SBI Shinsei Bank

The most foreigner-friendly option. Full English online banking, no minimum balance requirement, and a relatively simple application process. Often the first choice for new arrivals.

English online banking

No minimum balance

Easy application

SMBC Prestia

Full English support including phone banking. Strong international transfer capabilities. Requires an in-person appointment at a branch, but staff are accustomed to foreign clients.

Full English support

International transfers

Appointment required

Japan Post Bank (Yucho Bank)

The widest ATM network in Japan with branches in every post office. Lower residency requirements than major banks. Limited English support, but simpler procedures overall.

Widest ATM network

Lower requirements

Limited English

SMBC / MUFG (Major Banks)

Japan's largest banks with the most services. However, they are stricter with new foreign residents and often require 6+ months of residency. Best once you are established.

Most services

Harder for newcomers

Best once established

Required Documents

Prepare these documents before visiting a bank. Requirements vary by institution, but most will ask for the following:

Residence Card

Your primary ID in Japan. Must be valid and show your current address. This is the most important document for opening an account.

Passport

Your original passport — copies are not accepted. Some banks may also ask for your entry stamp or visa page.

Proof of Address

A recent utility bill, rental contract, or residence certificate (juminhyo) from your local city hall. Must match the address on your residence card.

Inkan (Personal Seal) or Signature

Some banks require a personal seal (inkan/hanko). Others accept a signature instead. Shinsei and Prestia typically accept signatures.

Japanese Phone Number

Required for SMS verification and account security. A prepaid SIM number works — you do not need a postpaid contract.

My Number Card (optional)

Not always required at account opening, but banks will eventually ask for it for tax reporting purposes. Having it ready speeds up the process.

The 6-Month Problem

Many banks in Japan will refuse to open an account if you have been in the country for less than 6 months. This creates a frustrating Catch-22: you need a bank account to receive your salary, but banks will not give you one because you just arrived.

How to get around it

Ask your employer for a letter confirming your employment — some banks will waive the 6-month rule with employer sponsorship. Otherwise, try SBI Shinsei Bank or SMBC Prestia first, as they are more flexible with new arrivals. Japan Post Bank is also known to be lenient in some branches.

SIM & Bank: The Chicken-and-Egg Problem

You need a phone number to open a bank account, but some phone contracts require a bank account for payment. This circular dependency catches many newcomers off guard.

Solution: Get a prepaid SIM first (Sakura Mobile, Mobal, or a convenience store SIM). These accept credit card payment and do not require a Japanese bank account. Then use that phone number to open your bank account.

Break the loop: get a SIM without a bank account

Digital Alternatives While Waiting

If you cannot open a bank account right away, these services can bridge the gap for daily transactions and international transfers.

Wise (formerly TransferWise)

Multi-currency account with a debit card. Excellent exchange rates for international transfers. Can receive salary in some cases. Sign up online before arriving in Japan.

Revolut

Digital banking app with competitive exchange rates. Useful for spending in Japan with a foreign-issued card while waiting for a local account.

PayPay

Japan's most popular mobile payment app. Can be linked to a credit card (including foreign cards) for cashless payments at millions of stores, restaurants, and vending machines.

Practical Tips

ATM hours are limited

Unlike most countries, many Japanese ATMs close at night and on weekends. Plan your cash withdrawals during business hours. Convenience store ATMs (especially 7-Eleven) have extended hours.

7-Eleven ATMs accept foreign cards

If you need cash before opening a local account, 7-Eleven ATMs (operated by Seven Bank) accept most international Visa, Mastercard, and bank cards. Fees are around ¥110 per transaction.

Avoid unnecessary transfer fees

Bank transfers (furikomi) in Japan can cost ¥200-¥800 per transfer. Some banks offer free monthly transfers — Shinsei offers up to 10 free transfers on their standard plan.

Japan is still a cash society

Despite growing cashless adoption, many small shops, restaurants, and clinics only accept cash. Always carry some yen, especially outside major cities.

International Money Transfer

Sending money back home? These services consistently offer better rates than bank wire transfers. Compare and pick based on your corridor and urgency.

Fee

Speed

Corridors

Fees and speed are typical ranges as of 2026 — always check the live rate on the provider's site before sending. Listed here as a convenience; Keigo is not affiliated with any of these providers.

Mid-market rate, transparent flat fee

Minutes–1 day

Global (200+)

SBI Remit

Strong on SEA corridors, low flat fees

Same day

VN, PH, ID, IN, NP, BR…

Seven Bank International Money Transfer

Send via 7-Eleven ATMs across Japan

Minutes (Western Union)

200+ countries via WU

GoRemit (Shinsei)

Shinsei Bank account holders, flat ¥2,000

¥2,000 flat

1–3 business days

Global

SMBC Prestia (Global Pass)

Multi-currency account with built-in transfers

Same day–3 days

Global (major currencies)

How to open an account — in order

Some banks ask for ~6 months' residence first. Shinsei, Prestia and Yucho are usually the most flexible for newcomers — try those first.

On a short visa (under 1 year / Working Holiday)?

When you renew your visa later, tell your bank your new residence-card details promptly — your account then keeps working smoothly through the change.

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