📖 In this guide
🏦 Why You Need a Japanese Bank Account
A Japanese bank account isn't optional — it's essential. Without one, basic life in Japan becomes extremely difficult:
❌ Without a Japanese bank account you can't:
- Receive your salary (most companies pay by domestic transfer only)
- Set up automatic rent payment (口座振替)
- Pay utility bills automatically
- Sign a mobile phone contract at most carriers
- Use many Japanese online services
✅ With a Japanese bank account you can:
- Receive salary directly from your employer
- Pay rent and utilities automatically
- Access 24-hour ATMs at convenience stores
- Use IC cards (Suica/Pasmo) linked to your account
- Apply for credit cards
2026 update: banks are stricter than before
Japanese banks tightened their KYC (Know Your Customer) procedures through 2025–2026 due to rising phone fraud cases. The informal flexibility some branches previously extended to new arrivals is less common now. Preparation matters more than ever. Walking into a branch without complete documents often results in rejection.
📋 Basic Requirements for All Banks
Before comparing banks, understand that every Japanese bank requires these without exception:
1
Residence Card (在留カード / Zairyu Card)
Issued at immigration when you enter Japan on a long-term visa. Tourist visa holders cannot open a bank account — no exceptions.
2
Registered Japanese address
You must have registered your address at your local city hall (市区町村役所) first. This creates your Juminhyo (住民票) — proof of residence. Do this within 14 days of moving in.
3
Japanese phone number
Required for SMS verification and account security. An overseas number will not work. Get a Japanese SIM before starting the bank account process.
Do things in this order
① Get housing → ② Register address at city hall → ③ Get Japanese SIM → ④ Open bank account
Skipping steps creates problems. You need a registered address before a bank will accept you, and a phone number before most online banks will verify you.
🛂 Which Bank to Use — By Visa Type
This is the section other guides skip. Your visa type significantly affects which banks will accept you and how smooth the process is.
| Your Visa Type | Best Bank | Why | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineer / Specialist (技人国) | SBI Shinsei or Japan Post Bank | Most accepted. Shinsei has full English app. Post Bank easiest for new arrivals. | Mizuho/MUFG may reject — have backup ready |
| Highly Skilled Professional (高度専門職) | SBI Shinsei or SMBC Prestia | SMBC Prestia targets international professionals. English support. | SMBC Prestia requires higher minimum deposit |
| Spouse Visa (配偶者等) | Japan Post Bank or SBI Shinsei | No employment required. Post Bank accepts most visa types without residency minimum. | Some banks ask for employment proof — not required for spouse visa |
| Permanent Resident (永住者) | Any bank | No restrictions. You have the same banking rights as Japanese nationals. | Nothing — full access |
| Student (留学) | Japan Post Bank or Sony Bank | Post Bank has no residency minimum. Sony is fully online and easy. | Some banks require 6 months residency — ask first |
| Specified Skilled Worker (特定技能) | Japan Post Bank | Most accessible. Some banks are cautious about this visa category. | Call ahead before visiting a branch |
| Business Manager (経営管理) | SBI Shinsei or SMBC Prestia | Business banking features. English support important for this visa type. | May need business registration documents |
🏦 Bank Comparison — 5 Best Options for Foreigners
🏆
SBI Shinsei Bank（新生銀行）
Best for English speakers
Full English app and website. Most banking tasks can be done without visiting a branch. Accepts foreigners with 6+ months remaining on their visa. No hanko required. ATMs at 7-Eleven nationwide.
✓ Full English interface
✓ No hanko required
✓ Opens with 6+ months on visa
✓ Free 7-Eleven ATM withdrawals
✓ English customer service (7 days)
✗ No physical branches
Requires: Residence card · Passport · Japanese phone number · My Number Card (optional but speeds up verification)
📮
Japan Post Bank（ゆうちょ銀行）
Easiest for new arrivals
Available at post offices nationwide — including in rural areas. No 6-month residency minimum, making it ideal for new arrivals. Application forms available in 14 languages. 24,000+ ATMs. Most popular choice among new arrivals.
✓ No residency minimum
✓ 14-language application forms
✓ 24,000+ ATMs nationwide
✓ Branches in rural areas too
✗ Branch visit required
✗ Online banking only in Japanese
Requires: Residence card · Passport · Japanese phone number · Initial deposit ¥1+
📱
Sony Bank
Best online-only option
Fully online application in English. No branches needed. Competitive exchange rates for international transfers — good alternative to Wise for some use cases. Apply via app using photo of your residence card and passport.
✓ English app application
✓ No hanko required
✓ Good international transfer rates
✗ No physical branches
✗ ATM fees apply at some locations
Requires: Residence card (photo) · Passport (photo) · Japanese phone number · Registered address
💎
SMBC Prestia（三井住友信託）
Premium / HSP visa holders
Formerly Citibank Japan. Targets international professionals and expats. Full English telephone support. Multi-currency accounts available. Higher minimum balance but premium services. Ideal for HSP visa holders and higher earners.
✓ Full English telephone support
✓ Multi-currency accounts
✓ Premium service level
✗ Higher minimum balance required
✗ Fewer branch locations
Requires: Residence card · Passport · Proof of address · Japanese phone · Initial deposit ¥10,000+
🦅
Rakuten Bank（楽天銀行）
Online · English application
English online application via PC or smartphone. Links with Rakuten ecosystem (Rakuten Pay, Rakuten Card). Good for those already using Rakuten services. Application is straightforward for most work visa holders.
✓ English application process
✓ Rakuten ecosystem integration
✓ No monthly fees
✗ Online banking mainly in Japanese
✗ ATM fees apply
Requires: Residence card · Passport · Japanese phone number · Registered address
💡 While you wait for your account
Receive salary and send money internationally — without a Japanese bank account
Wise gives you local bank details in Japan, the UK, EU, and US. Your employer can pay you directly. Free to set up.
📄 Documents Checklist
✅ Always required
✓ Residence Card (在留カード) — original
✓ Passport — original
✓ Japanese mobile phone number
✓ Registered Japanese address
⚠️ Sometimes required
! Juminhyo (住民票) — proof of address certificate from city hall
! My Number Card (マイナンバーカード)
! Hanko/Inkan (personal seal) — traditional banks
! Employment contract or student ID
! Initial deposit (¥1–¥10,000 depending on bank)
🪜 Step-by-Step Application Process
1
Register your address at city hall (市区町村役所)
Do this within 14 days of moving in. Bring your passport and residence card. You'll receive your Juminhyo (住民票) which proves your registered address — required by most banks.
2
Get a Japanese SIM card
Required for SMS verification at all banks. IIJmio and Rakuten Mobile are foreigner-friendly options. Your overseas number will not work for Japanese bank verification.
3
Choose your bank (based on your visa type)
Use the visa-type table above to choose. For most people: start with SBI Shinsei (best English) or Japan Post Bank (easiest approval). Always have a second choice ready.
4
Submit application (online or at branch)
Online banks (Shinsei, Sony, Rakuten): complete via app or website. Branch banks (Post Bank, SMBC): visit in person with all documents. Branch visits often require 30–60 minutes.
5
Receive your cash card by mail (1–2 weeks) ✅
Your cash card and PIN arrive separately by registered mail. Do not discard any mail from your bank — it contains important codes and passwords for online banking. Account is active immediately but you need the card for ATM access.
🚫 Common Rejection Reasons — And How to Avoid Them
| Rejection reason | Which banks | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Visa has less than 6 months remaining | Most major banks | Use Japan Post Bank (no minimum) or renew your visa first |
| Address not registered yet | All banks | Register at city hall BEFORE applying. Get your Juminhyo first. |
| No Japanese phone number | All banks | Get a Japanese SIM before starting the bank application |
| Branch staff discretion (informal rejection) | Mizuho, MUFG especially | Use SBI Shinsei or Japan Post Bank instead. Don't rely on major banks. |
| Purpose of account unclear | Some banks | Say "salary deposit" (給与振込) as your purpose — simple and universally accepted |
| Tourist visa | All banks | Not possible. You need a long-term residence card. No exceptions. |
Mizuho and MUFG frequently reject foreigners
Even when you meet all requirements, individual branch staff at Mizuho and MUFG have discretion to decline foreign applicants. This is not official policy, but it happens regularly. Do not rely on these banks as your primary option. Start with SBI Shinsei or Japan Post Bank.
⏳ What to Do While Waiting for Your Account
Bank account approval takes 1–2 weeks. In the meantime, you still need to manage money. Here's how:
💸
Use Wise as a temporary bank account
Wise gives you local bank details in multiple countries including Japan. Your employer can pay your salary directly. You can use the Wise debit card at Japanese convenience stores and ATMs. This is the most practical solution while waiting for your Japanese bank account.
🏧
Use 7-Eleven or Post Office ATMs
7-Eleven ATMs accept most international cards (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro) and operate in English. Japan Post ATMs also accept international cards. Use these for cash while your account is being processed.