How to Open a Bank Account in Japan as a Foreigner

When to open a bank account 口座開設のタイミング

Opening a bank account should be one of the first things you do after arriving in Japan. You will need it for your salary, paying rent, setting up utility bills, and everyday life. Most employers require a Japanese bank account for salary deposits — they typically cannot pay into a foreign account.

Here is the recommended timeline:

• ● Week 1: Complete your 住民届 (residence registration) at the ward office and get your 在留カード updated with your address. You cannot open a bank account without a registered address.
• ● Week 1-2: Open a bank account at ゆうちょ銀行 (Japan Post Bank) or your employer's preferred bank. ゆうちょ is the easiest option for newcomers — Post Offices are everywhere and generally foreigner-friendly.
• ● Week 2-4: Consider opening a second account at Shinsei Bank or Sony Bank for English online banking and international transfers. You can apply online.
• ● Month 2-3: Set up automatic payments (自動引落) for utilities, phone, and rent. Apply for a credit card once your employment is established.

Best banks for foreigners 外国人におすすめの銀行

Not all Japanese banks are created equal when it comes to serving foreign residents. The biggest differentiators are English-language support, ease of opening, online banking quality, and international transfer capabilities. Here is a detailed comparison:

Required documents 必要書類

The exact requirements vary by bank, but here is what you will need in almost all cases:

Tip for the application form: Bank application forms (口座開設申込書) are in Japanese. Write your name in katakana (as it appears on your 在留カード) and your address in Japanese. If you are unsure about your address in Japanese characters, check your 在留カード — the ward office writes it on the back when you register.

Step-by-step: Opening your first account 口座開設の手順

Here is the typical process for opening a bank account in Japan, whether in person or online:

Option A: In person at a branch (ゆうちょ, MUFG, SMBC, Mizuho)

1. Visit the branch. Go to a branch near your home or workplace. Arrive during business hours (typically 9:00-15:00, Monday-Friday). Some branches close at 15:00 sharp, so arrive early. Take a numbered ticket (番号札) at the entrance and wait to be called.
2. Request account opening. Tell the staff: 口座を開設したいのですが (kōza wo kaisetsu shitai no desu ga — "I would like to open an account"). They will hand you the application form.
3. Fill out the form. Complete the application with your name (katakana), address (Japanese), date of birth, phone number, occupation, and purpose of the account (usually 給与受取 / salary receipt or 生活費 / living expenses). Staff can help you fill it out.
4. Submit documents. Hand over your 在留カード and passport (originals, not copies). The staff will make copies and return the originals.
5. Provide your seal or signature. Either stamp with your 印鑑 or sign your name where indicated. This becomes your registered seal/signature — you will need it for future transactions.
6. Make an initial deposit. Deposit some cash to activate the account. Even ¥1,000 is fine for most banks.
7. Receive your passbook and card. You will receive your 通帳 (passbook) immediately. Your cash card (キャッシュカード) will be mailed to your registered address within 1-2 weeks.

Option B: Online (Shinsei Bank, Sony Bank, Rakuten Bank)

1. Visit the bank's website. Go to the English-language version of the bank's site (Shinsei and Sony both have excellent English application flows).
2. Start the application. Click "Open an Account" and select the account type. For most people, a regular savings account (普通預金) is what you want.
3. Enter your personal details. Fill in your name, address, date of birth, nationality, visa status, occupation, and purpose of the account.
4. Upload identity documents. Take photos of your 在留カード (front and back) and passport identification page. Upload them directly through the website or app.
5. Verify your identity. Some banks use eKYC (electronic Know Your Customer) — you will be asked to take a selfie holding your 在留カード or to do a short video verification.
6. Wait for approval. Processing takes 3-10 business days. You will receive an email notification when approved.
7. Receive your card. Your cash card and welcome package will be mailed to your registered address. For Shinsei, this includes a card that doubles as a Visa debit card. For Sony Bank, you receive the Sony Bank WALLET (Visa debit).

Online banking setup インターネットバンキング

Once your account is open, setting up online banking is essential for managing your finances without visiting a branch. Here is what to expect from each bank:

• ■
  Shinsei Bank PowerDirect: Full English online banking from day one. Web and app interfaces are clean and well-translated. You can check balances, make domestic transfers, convert currencies, and manage term deposits — all in English. One of the best English online banking experiences in Japan.
• ■
  Sony Bank: The Sony Bank WALLET app is available in English and is arguably the best banking app in Japan. Beautiful interface, real-time notifications for card usage, multi-currency wallet management, and the ability to switch between 12 currencies instantly. Excellent for people who travel or receive payments in foreign currencies.
• ■
  ゆうちょダイレクト: ゆうちょ's online banking is functional but basic and primarily in Japanese. You can check balances, make transfers, and set up automatic payments. Registration requires your passbook and a mail-in verification (or app-based setup). The app has partial English support.
• ■
  MUFG/SMBC/Mizuho: All three mega-banks have online banking and apps with partial English support (varying quality). They work fine for basic tasks like checking balances and making transfers, but advanced features may require navigating Japanese menus. SMBC's Olive app is the most modern of the three.

Cashless payments: Japan has rapidly adopted cashless payment services. Link your bank account to PayPay (the most widely accepted), LINE Pay, or Rakuten Pay to pay at convenience stores, restaurants, and shops using your phone. Many of these services offer points and cashback campaigns. Setting up is straightforward — download the app, register, and link your bank account or credit card.

Sending money abroad 海外送金

One of the most common financial needs for foreigners in Japan is sending money back home — whether to support family, pay off student loans, save in your home country currency, or invest abroad. The method you choose can save (or cost) you thousands of yen per transfer.

Here is a comparison of the main options:

The real cost: The fee you see is only part of the story. The exchange rate markup is where banks make their real money. A Japanese bank might charge ¥5,000 in fees but also apply a 2-3% markup on the exchange rate. On a ¥500,000 transfer, that hidden markup costs you ¥10,000-15,000 on top of the fee. Wise and Revolut use the mid-market rate (the rate you see on Google) with no hidden markup — making them significantly cheaper overall.

Tax note: International remittances from Japan are monitored. Banks are required to report transfers exceeding ¥1,000,000 to the authorities. There is no tax on simply sending your own money abroad, but the tax office may ask about the source if large amounts are flagged. Keep records of all transfers. If you are a "non-permanent resident" (in Japan less than 5 years), only money remitted to Japan from overseas sources may be taxable — consult a 税理士 for complex situations. (外国為替及び外国貿易法)

Credit cards for foreigners 外国人向けクレジットカード

Getting a credit card in Japan as a foreigner can be challenging — Japanese credit card companies rely on domestic credit history, which you do not have when you first arrive. However, several cards are known for being foreigner-friendly, and your approval chances improve significantly once you have stable employment and a few months of residency.

Cards known to approve foreigners:

Tips to improve your approval chances:

• ● Apply after starting employment. Having a stable job with a Japanese employer significantly improves your chances. Freelancers have a harder time.
• ● Use your registered address. Make sure the address on your application matches your 在留カード exactly.
• ● Start with one card. Do not apply for multiple cards simultaneously — multiple applications in a short period trigger fraud flags.
• ● Set a low borrowing limit. When asked about your desired キャッシング (cash advance) limit, set it to ¥0 or the minimum. This reduces the bank's risk and improves approval odds.
• ● Visa type matters. Permanent residents and those with longer visa durations have higher approval rates. Some cards may not approve short-term visa holders.

Alternative: Debit cards. If you cannot get a credit card yet, use a debit card instead. Shinsei Bank issues a Visa debit card with your cash card, and Sony Bank WALLET is a Visa debit card with excellent multi-currency support. Debit cards work at most places that accept credit cards — the money is simply deducted directly from your bank balance.

Frequently asked questions よくある質問