Category
Banking in Japan for Foreigners
Opening a bank account is one of the first things you need after arriving in Japan. This page compares the major banks, explains eligibility rules, and helps you choose the right option.
What is here
- Comparison of foreigner-friendly banks in Japan.
- The 6-month rule and banks that waive it.
- Key features: English support, online application, app language.
New to Japan?
See the full setup guide before you make the next move
If you are still sorting out essentials like SIM, banking, utilities, or insurance, use the checklist page to keep the overall order clear.
Key facts
What foreigners need to know about banking
1. Check eligibility
Most banks require 6+ months of residence. SBI Shinsei Bank is an exception.
2. Gather documents
Bring your residence card, passport, My Number notification, and a Japanese phone number.
3. Visit or apply online
Some banks allow online applications. Others require an in-person visit to a branch.
How it works
Bank comparison
Compare the major banks by English support, minimum residence, and foreigner friendliness.
| Card | English | Min. residence | Online apply | App (EN) | Foreigner friendly | Best for | Official site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Japan Post Bank (Yucho) The most accessible bank with branches inside every post office nationwide. | Limited | 6+ months | No | Yes | ★★★★★ | Newcomers, rural areas | Official site |
SBI Shinsei Bank One of the few banks that accepts applications from residents with less than 6 months in Japan. | Full | None | Yes | Yes | ★★★★★ | Under 6 months in Japan | Official site |
SMBC Prestia (SMBC Trust Bank) Full English banking with online services, strong international transfer support. | Full | 6+ months | Yes | Yes | ★★★★☆ | English-first banking | Official site |
MUFG Bank Japan's largest bank. Extensive branch and ATM network. Limited English at branches. | Partial | 6+ months | No | Yes | ★★★☆☆ | Salary accounts, wide ATM access | Official site |
Mizuho Bank One of Japan's mega-banks. Good for salary accounts if your employer uses Mizuho. | Partial | 6+ months | No | Yes | ★★★☆☆ | Employer-recommended accounts | Official site |
Sony Bank Online-only bank with excellent multi-currency features. Note: English online account opening was discontinued in June 2025 — applications are now Japanese only, but the app and services remain available in English after opening. | Partial | 6+ months | Yes | Yes | ★★★☆☆ | International transfers, multi-currency | Official site |
Seven Bank Open an account at any 7-Eleven ATM. Supports 9 languages — the strongest multilingual support of any Japanese bank. Employment proof may allow opening even under 6 months. | Full | None* | Yes | Yes | ★★★★★ | Newcomers, multilingual support | Official site |
Rakuten Bank Online bank with English guidance during sign-up. After registration, the interface is primarily Japanese. Integrates with the Rakuten ecosystem for points and shopping. | Partial | 6+ months | Yes | Partial | ★★★★☆ | Rakuten users, online banking | Official site |
PayPay Bank Linked to the PayPay mobile payment app. Foreigners must apply by mail (online application not available). Two forms of ID required. | Partial | 6+ months | No (mail only) | No | ★★★☆☆ | PayPay users | Official site |
Related categories
Other life setup topics
Banking connects to many other steps in your life setup.
Live now
Credit Cards
Compare beginner-friendly cards for foreigners, students, and early-stage residents in Japan.
Open the credit card comparison
Live now
SIM / Mobile
Understand how to get a phone number in Japan, what documents you need, and how SIM setup connects to banking, contracts, and daily life.
Read the SIM setup guide
Live now
Apartment / Housing
Understand the Japanese rental system — upfront costs, guarantor requirements, lease contracts, and move-in paperwork — before you start searching.
Read the housing guide
FAQ
Banking FAQ for foreigners
Common questions about opening and using a bank account in Japan.
Can foreigners open a bank account in Japan?
Yes. However, most banks require 6+ months of residence. SBI Shinsei Bank accepts applications from residents with less than 6 months.
What is the 6-month rule?
Many Japanese banks refuse to open accounts for foreigners with less than 6 months of residence due to anti-money-laundering regulations. Japan Post Bank and SBI Shinsei Bank are exceptions.
What documents do I need to open a bank account?
Typically: residence card, passport, My Number notification card, and a Japanese phone number. Some banks may require additional documents.
Which bank has the best English support?
SMBC Prestia and SBI Shinsei Bank offer full English online banking and English mobile apps. Seven Bank supports 9 languages — the strongest multilingual support among Japanese banks. Sony Bank discontinued English account opening in June 2025, but English is still available after opening.
What happens if I don't have a bank account?
You'll have difficulty receiving salary, setting up automatic rent and bill payments, and using credit cards. A bank account is essential for life in Japan.
What should I do if my bank account application is rejected?
Try Japan Post Bank, SBI Shinsei Bank, or Seven Bank — they have strong track records of accepting foreigners. Applying online avoids branch-level discretion risks. Submitting employment proof or a certificate of employment can significantly improve your approval chances.
Can foreigners use digital banks like Minna no Ginko?
Minna no Ginko is limited to Japanese nationals, so foreigners cannot use it. Among digital banks, Seven Bank is the most foreigner-friendly (9 languages, account opening at ATMs). Rakuten Bank offers English guidance during sign-up only — the interface is primarily Japanese after registration.