Japan Guide 
Opening a bank account in Japan is an important first step for daily life. You need it for salary payments, rent, utilities, mobile bills, and online shopping.
The process can feel confusing at first, but it’s manageable if you prepare the right documents.
This guide explains how to open a bank account in Japan in simple language, plus banks that are foreigner-friendly.
Who Can Open a Bank Account in Japan?
You can usually open a bank account if you:
- Have lived in Japan for more than 6 months, or
- Are working and receiving a salary, or
- Are a student with proper documents
Tourists cannot open a bank account.
What You Need (Prepare These First)
Bring these documents to the bank:
- Residence Card (Zairyū Card)
- Passport
- Japanese Address (written exactly as registered)
- Personal Seal (Hanko) or Signature
- Phone Number in Japan
- Proof of Employment or Student Status (sometimes required)
💡 Some banks accept signatures instead of hanko.
Step-by-Step: How to Open the Account
Step 1: Choose the Right Bank
Not all banks are foreigner-friendly. Choose one that supports English or is known to work with foreigners.
(Recommended banks are listed below 👇)
Step 2: Visit a Branch (or Apply Online)
- Go during weekday business hours
- Some banks allow online applications
- Large city branches are more foreigner-friendly
Step 3: Fill Out the Application Form
- Forms may be in Japanese
- Staff may help or use translation tablets
- Take your time and double-check details
Step 4: Identity Check
The bank will confirm:
- Your visa type
- Length of stay
- Address and contact info
Step 5: Receive Your Cash Card
- Some banks give the card same day
- Others send it by mail (1–2 weeks)
Once you get the card, your account is active.
Best Foreigner-Friendly Banks in Japan
1. Japan Post Bank (Yucho Bank) ⭐ Most Popular
Why it’s good
- Branches everywhere
- Simple requirements
- Good for beginners
Language
- Limited English, but staff are patient
🔗 https://www.jp-bank.japanpost.jp/en/
2. SMBC Prestia (Best English Support)
Why it’s good
- English service
- Online banking in English
- International transfers
Good for
- Professionals
- Long-term residents
🔗 https://www.smbctb.co.jp/en/
3. Shinsei Bank (SBI Shinsei Bank)
Why it’s good
- English website
- Online application
- Debit card included
Good for
- Salary accounts
- International users
🔗 https://www.sbishinseibank.co.jp/english/
4. MUFG Bank (Large Japanese Bank)
Why it’s good
- Reliable
- Many branches
Note
- Limited English support
- Better in big cities
🔗 https://www.bk.mufg.jp/global/index.html
5. Online / Digital Banks (Easy Option)
Sony Bank
- Online only
- English support
- Good for transfers
Rakuten Bank
- Easy app
- Good if you use Rakuten services
🔗 https://www.rakuten-bank.co.jp/english/
Common Problems (And How to Avoid Them)
❌ No Japanese address
✅ Register your address at city hall first
❌ Less than 6 months stay
✅ Choose Japan Post Bank or online banks
❌ Language difficulty
✅ Bring a Japanese friend or use translation apps
Bank Comparison Table (Foreigner-Friendly Banks in Japan)
Below is a clear, practical comparison table you can drop straight into your blog. It focuses on what matters most for foreigners: language support, ease of opening, online banking, and international use.
🔍 Quick Comparison
| Bank | English Support | Easy for Foreigners | Online Banking | Debit Card | International Transfers | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japan Post Bank (Yucho) | Limited | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Basic | Yes | Limited | New arrivals, students |
| SMBC Prestia | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Excellent | Yes | Excellent | Professionals, long-term residents |
| SBI Shinsei Bank | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Good | Yes | Good | Salary accounts, expats |
| MUFG Bank | Limited | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | Good | Yes | Limited | Stability, large branch network |
| Sony Bank (Online) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Excellent | Yes | Excellent | Online-first, transfers |
| Rakuten Bank (Online) | Limited | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | Excellent | Yes | Limited | Rakuten ecosystem users |
🏆 Which Bank Should You Choose?
- Just arrived / student: Japan Post Bank
- Need English + global use: SMBC Prestia
- Salary + decent English: SBI Shinsei Bank
- Prefer big traditional bank: MUFG
- Online & international transfers: Sony Bank
- Shopping & points: Rakuten Bank
Can You Open a Bank Account Without Japanese?
Yes, but it depends on the bank.
SMBC Prestia, Shinsei, Sony Bank are the easiest for non-Japanese speakers.
Tips for a Smooth Experience
- Go in the morning
- Bring extra documents
- Dress neatly (business casual is fine)
- Be polite and patient
Final Thoughts
Opening a bank account in Japan may feel slow, but once it’s done, daily life becomes much easier.
Start with a foreigner-friendly bank, prepare your documents, and don’t hesitate to ask for help.