Set Up a Bank Account in Japan With Ease

So, you’ve landed in Japan, ready to conquer the world (or at least pay your rent without stuffing cash into envelopes like it’s the Edo period). One of your first tasks? Setting up a bank account. If the idea of navigating Japan’s bureaucratic maze fills you with dread, don’t worry—I’ll walk you through the process, step by step, and help you avoid the common pitfalls.

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Step 1: Pick the Right Bank

Not all banks in Japan are foreigner-friendly. Some require extensive paperwork, a long history of residency, or an unusual ability to decipher bank forms written in kanji-dense legalese. To save yourself frustration, consider these options:

Foreigner-Friendly Banks:

1. Japan Post Bank (Yucho) – Widely available, but paperwork-heavy and may require some Japanese ability.
2. Shinsei Bank – English-speaking staff, online banking in English, and a simple application process.
3. Prestia (SMBC Trust Bank) – Formerly Citibank Japan, good for international transfers and English support.
4. Rakuten Bank – Fully online, easy to apply if you have a residence card and My Number.

If you work for a Japanese company, they may require you to open an account at a major domestic bank like MUFG, Mizuho, or Resona. These banks have fewer English-friendly services, but they’re doable if you don’t mind a bit of kanji-related suffering.

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Step 2: Gather the Required Documents

Showing up unprepared will earn you the dreaded “ムリ (muri)”—a polite way of saying, “Not happening.” Here’s what you’ll need:

✅ Residence Card (在留カード, Zairyū Kādo) – This proves you’re legally a Resident in Japan.
✅ Japanese Address – A utility bill or rental contract may be required.
✅ Phone Number – A Japanese cellphone number (not your overseas SIM) is usually needed.
✅ Hanko (Personal Seal) – Optional – Some banks still insist on this, though many accept signatures now, particularly for Foreign Residents.
✅ My Number Card – Optional – Some banks ask for it, especially for online applications.

If you’re a student or just arrived in Japan, some banks may require proof of employment or enrollment at a school, so bring along your Certificate of Employment (COE) or Student ID.

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Step 3: Visit the Bank (or Apply Online, If Possible)

For most banks, you’ll need to visit a physical branch. Prepare for a wait—bring a book or be ready to scroll through your phone for an hour.

When you arrive, take a ticket from the machine and wait for your number to be called. Once at the counter, hand over your documents and brace yourself for a few rounds of form-filling. If your Japanese is shaky, try asking:

📌 “Eigo ga hanasemasu ka?” (英語が話せますか？) – Can you speak English?

If that fails, Google Translate and a bit of patience will get you through.

Online Banking Options:

Some banks, like Rakuten and Shinsei, allow online applications. This is a lifesaver if you’d rather avoid in-person interactions. Just note that verification might take longer, and you’ll still need to provide a Japanese phone number and address.

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Step 4: Set Up Online Banking

If your Japanese isn’t strong, make sure the bank you choose has an English-friendly online banking system. Otherwise, every transaction will be an adventure in kanji interpretation.

Pro tip: Some banks require you to enable online banking in person. Don’t assume it’s automatic!

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Step 5: Get Your Cash Card

Unlike Western banks, Japanese banks don’t issue debit cards by default. Instead, you’ll get a cash card (キャッシュカード), which you can use at ATMs. Note that some cash cards are provided a week or two, which will be delivered to your address. So initially, they would provide a bank book for you to access their ATMs.

If you want a debit card, you’ll usually need to apply separately—Shinsei and Rakuten make this easier than traditional banks. Credit cards are a whole different beast in Japan, often requiring credit history and a stable job.

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Step 6: Deposits, Withdrawals, and Transfers

ATMs in Japan can be tricky. Some things to keep in mind:

💰 Convenience Store ATMs (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart) – These work with most bank cards and often have English menus.
💰 Bank ATMs – Can be free of charge but often have limited hours (some close early, even on weekdays).
💰 Money Transfers (振込, Furikomi) – Can be done via ATMs, online banking, or at the counter. Some banks charge fees for domestic transfers. A lot of the ATMs can have the Furikomi option in Japanese language.

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Common Roadblocks (and How to Overcome Them)

🚧 “You need to be in Japan for six months before applying.”

• Some banks (especially major ones like MUFG) have this rule. If rejected, try Shinsei or Japan Post Bank.

🚧 “You need a hanko.”

• If required, get a cheap hanko made at a Don Quijote or online. Many banks now accept signatures instead.

🚧 “Your Japanese isn’t good enough.”

• Some banks have English-speaking staff—Shinsei and Prestia are your best bets. Otherwise, prepare to point at forms and use Google Translate.
• Make sure you’re able to write down your name or address in Japanese Kanji, Hiragana, and/or Katakana. At times it can be tricky, so take note of the proper spelling!

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Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple

If you want to avoid headaches, Shinsei and Rakuten Bank are the easiest options for foreigners. If you need a traditional bank, Japan Post Bank is the most accessible but requires more paperwork and Japanese.

Once your account is set up, pat yourself on the back—you’ve just cleared one of Japan’s many bureaucratic hurdles! Now, onto your next challenge: figuring out why your train pass just stopped working…

Need more help with life in Japan? Let me know!