How to Open a Bank Account in Tokyo
Complete guide to banking in Japan for foreigners. Learn about account requirements, English-friendly banks, online banking options, and managing your finances in Tokyo.
Overview
Opening a bank account is one of the first major hurdles for new residents in Tokyo. While Japan's banking system has become more foreigner-friendly in recent years, it still presents unique challenges including residency requirements, language barriers, and traditional procedures.
This guide covers everything from choosing the right bank to managing international transfers. You'll learn which banks offer English support, what documents you need, and how to navigate the account opening process successfully.
The good news: Several banks now offer full English online banking, and digital banks have streamlined the process significantly for foreign residents.
Basic Requirements
6-Month Residency Rule
| Visa Type | Can Open Account? | Typical Wait | Best Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist (90 days) | ✗ | Not eligible | None |
| Working Holiday | △ | 0-6 months | JP Post, some digital |
| Student | ✓ | 0-6 months | JP Post, Shinsei |
| Work Visa (1+ year) | ✓ | 0-6 months | Most banks |
| Permanent Resident | ✓ | Immediate | All banks |
Choosing the Right Bank
| Bank | English Level | Requirements | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shinsei (SBI Shinsei) | ★★★★★ | 6 months usually | General banking, ATM network |
| SMBC PRESTIA | ★★★★★ | Higher minimum balance | Premium services, multi-currency |
| Sony Bank | ★★★★ | 6 months residency | Foreign currency, online focus |
| Japan Post Bank | ★★ | Immediate | First account, nationwide ATMs |
| Rakuten Bank | ★★★ | Flexible | Digital banking, points |
Best First Account
Types of Bank Accounts
Account Opening Process
Prepare Documents
Gather all required documents and update your address
Apply Online or In-Branch
Submit application with documents
Identity Verification
Video call or branch visit for confirmation
Wait for Approval
Usually 1-2 weeks for processing
Receive Cash Card
Delivered to registered address
Activate Services
Set up online banking and features
Setting Up Online Banking
Online banking is essential for managing your finances efficiently in Japan.
| Bank | English App | Key Features | Transfer Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shinsei | ✓ Full | All services in English | ¥10 million/day |
| PRESTIA | ✓ Full | Multi-currency, investments | ¥10 million/day |
| Sony Bank | ✓ Full | FX trading, Visa debit | ¥5 million/day |
| Rakuten | △ Partial | Points program, shopping | ¥3 million/day |
| JP Post | ✗ | Basic services only | ¥1 million/day |
Using Your Bank Account
Making Transfers
| ATM Location | Availability | Typical Fee | English? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7-Eleven | 24/7* | ¥110-220 | ✓ |
| Lawson | 24/7* | ¥110-220 | ✓ |
| FamilyMart | 24/7* | ¥110-220 | ✓ |
| JP Post | Varies | ¥0-110 | △ |
| Bank ATMs | 8AM-9PM | ¥0 | △ |
International Banking
Sending money internationally from Japan requires understanding your options:
Compliance Requirements
| Method | Fee | Exchange Rate | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire | ¥4,000-8,000 | Poor (1-4% markup) | 2-5 days |
| WISE | ¥750-1,500 | Excellent | 1-2 days |
| PayPal | 3-4% | Poor | Instant |
| Sony Bank | ¥3,000 | Good | 2-3 days |
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Where to Find English Banking Support
| Bank | Location | English Staff | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shinsei Shinjuku | Shinjuku Financial Center | Daily | Main English branch |
| PRESTIA Akasaka | Akasaka Head Office | Daily | Premium services |
| JP Post Tokyo Central | Tokyo Station | Sometimes | Largest JP Post branch |
| MUFG Marunouchi | Otemachi | Business hours | Corporate focus |
Practical Banking Tips
Daily Banking Tips
Building Banking Relationships
Closing Your Account
Planning to leave Japan? Handle your banking properly:
Essential Japanese Banking Phrases
| English | Japanese | Romaji |
|---|---|---|
| I want to open an account | 口座を開きたいです | Kouza wo hirakitai desu |
| ATM card | キャッシュカード | Kyasshu kaado |
| Withdraw money | お金を引き出す | Okane wo hikidasu |
| Transfer money | 振込 | Furikomi |
| Balance inquiry | 残高照会 | Zandaka shoukai |
| Bank book | 通帳 | Tsuchou |
Frequently Asked Questions
Most banks require 6 months of residency, but Japan Post Bank (Yucho) accepts new arrivals immediately. Some digital banks like Shinsei may accept you earlier if you have employment proof. Always check specific bank requirements first.
Shinsei Bank (SBI Shinsei) and SMBC Trust Bank (PRESTIA) offer the most comprehensive English support, including full English online banking, phone support, and English-speaking staff at major branches. Sony Bank also provides excellent English digital services.
While traditionally required, several banks now accept signatures instead of hanko, including Shinsei, PRESTIA, and some digital banks. However, having a hanko is still useful for various Japanese administrative procedures beyond banking.
Basic accounts at most Japanese banks are free with no monthly fees. However, you may pay for: ATM usage outside free hours (¥110-440), transfers to other banks (¥220-880), and international transfers (¥4,000-8,000).
Services like WISE typically offer better rates and lower fees (¥750-1,500) compared to traditional bank transfers (¥4,000-8,000 plus poor exchange rates). Sony Bank is good for larger amounts with its competitive exchange rates.
Some banks allow non-resident accounts with limited functions, but most require you to close your account when leaving Japan permanently. Consider keeping it open if you expect tax refunds or pension repayments.
Overview
Opening a bank account is one of the first major hurdles for new residents in Tokyo. While Japan's banking system has become more foreigner-friendly in recent years, it still presents unique challenges including residency requirements, language barriers, and traditional procedures.
This guide covers everything from choosing the right bank to managing international transfers. You'll learn which banks offer English support, what documents you need, and how to navigate the account opening process successfully.
The good news: Several banks now offer full English online banking, and digital banks have streamlined the process significantly for foreign residents.
Basic Requirements
6-Month Residency Rule
| Visa Type | Can Open Account? | Typical Wait | Best Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist (90 days) | ✗ | Not eligible | None |
| Working Holiday | △ | 0-6 months | JP Post, some digital |
| Student | ✓ | 0-6 months | JP Post, Shinsei |
| Work Visa (1+ year) | ✓ | 0-6 months | Most banks |
| Permanent Resident | ✓ | Immediate | All banks |
Choosing the Right Bank
| Bank | English Level | Requirements | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shinsei (SBI Shinsei) | ★★★★★ | 6 months usually | General banking, ATM network |
| SMBC PRESTIA | ★★★★★ | Higher minimum balance | Premium services, multi-currency |
| Sony Bank | ★★★★ | 6 months residency | Foreign currency, online focus |
| Japan Post Bank | ★★ | Immediate | First account, nationwide ATMs |
| Rakuten Bank | ★★★ | Flexible | Digital banking, points |
Best First Account
Types of Bank Accounts
Account Opening Process
Prepare Documents
Gather all required documents and update your address
Apply Online or In-Branch
Submit application with documents
Identity Verification
Video call or branch visit for confirmation
Wait for Approval
Usually 1-2 weeks for processing
Receive Cash Card
Delivered to registered address
Activate Services
Set up online banking and features
Setting Up Online Banking
Online banking is essential for managing your finances efficiently in Japan.
| Bank | English App | Key Features | Transfer Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shinsei | ✓ Full | All services in English | ¥10 million/day |
| PRESTIA | ✓ Full | Multi-currency, investments | ¥10 million/day |
| Sony Bank | ✓ Full | FX trading, Visa debit | ¥5 million/day |
| Rakuten | △ Partial | Points program, shopping | ¥3 million/day |
| JP Post | ✗ | Basic services only | ¥1 million/day |
Using Your Bank Account
Making Transfers
| ATM Location | Availability | Typical Fee | English? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7-Eleven | 24/7* | ¥110-220 | ✓ |
| Lawson | 24/7* | ¥110-220 | ✓ |
| FamilyMart | 24/7* | ¥110-220 | ✓ |
| JP Post | Varies | ¥0-110 | △ |
| Bank ATMs | 8AM-9PM | ¥0 | △ |
International Banking
Sending money internationally from Japan requires understanding your options:
Compliance Requirements
| Method | Fee | Exchange Rate | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire | ¥4,000-8,000 | Poor (1-4% markup) | 2-5 days |
| WISE | ¥750-1,500 | Excellent | 1-2 days |
| PayPal | 3-4% | Poor | Instant |
| Sony Bank | ¥3,000 | Good | 2-3 days |
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Where to Find English Banking Support
| Bank | Location | English Staff | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shinsei Shinjuku | Shinjuku Financial Center | Daily | Main English branch |
| PRESTIA Akasaka | Akasaka Head Office | Daily | Premium services |
| JP Post Tokyo Central | Tokyo Station | Sometimes | Largest JP Post branch |
| MUFG Marunouchi | Otemachi | Business hours | Corporate focus |
Practical Banking Tips
Daily Banking Tips
Building Banking Relationships
Closing Your Account
Planning to leave Japan? Handle your banking properly:
Essential Japanese Banking Phrases
| English | Japanese | Romaji |
|---|---|---|
| I want to open an account | 口座を開きたいです | Kouza wo hirakitai desu |
| ATM card | キャッシュカード | Kyasshu kaado |
| Withdraw money | お金を引き出す | Okane wo hikidasu |
| Transfer money | 振込 | Furikomi |
| Balance inquiry | 残高照会 | Zandaka shoukai |
| Bank book | 通帳 | Tsuchou |
FAQs
Most banks require 6 months of residency, but Japan Post Bank (Yucho) accepts new arrivals immediately. Some digital banks like Shinsei may accept you earlier if you have employment proof. Always check specific bank requirements first.
Shinsei Bank (SBI Shinsei) and SMBC Trust Bank (PRESTIA) offer the most comprehensive English support, including full English online banking, phone support, and English-speaking staff at major branches. Sony Bank also provides excellent English digital services.
While traditionally required, several banks now accept signatures instead of hanko, including Shinsei, PRESTIA, and some digital banks. However, having a hanko is still useful for various Japanese administrative procedures beyond banking.
Basic accounts at most Japanese banks are free with no monthly fees. However, you may pay for: ATM usage outside free hours (¥110-440), transfers to other banks (¥220-880), and international transfers (¥4,000-8,000).
Services like WISE typically offer better rates and lower fees (¥750-1,500) compared to traditional bank transfers (¥4,000-8,000 plus poor exchange rates). Sony Bank is good for larger amounts with its competitive exchange rates.
Some banks allow non-resident accounts with limited functions, but most require you to close your account when leaving Japan permanently. Consider keeping it open if you expect tax refunds or pension repayments.