How to Open a Bank Account in Japan as a Foreigner (2026) — Which Banks Say Yes

You need a Japanese bank account to get paid, pay rent, and handle almost every part of daily life here — and you need one fast. The problem is that banks in Japan are notoriously picky: wrong visa type, wrong documents, or not enough residency history, and you walk out empty-handed. This guide tells you exactly which banks accept foreigners with minimal fuss, what documents to bring, and how to have an account open within a week of landing.

What You Need to Open a Bank Account

• Residence card (在留カード)
• Passport
• Japanese phone number (most banks require this)
• Registered address in Japan (your home address on your residence card)

Some banks also ask for a My Number card or a hanko (personal seal) — but not all of them, so don’t stress if you don’t have those yet.

Best Banks for Foreigners in Japan

1. Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ銀行) — Easiest to Open

This is where most foreigners start, and for good reason. There’s a post office in basically every neighborhood, they accept foreigners with just a residence card, and there’s no minimum balance requirement.

• Available at every post office in Japan
• Accepts foreigners with just a residence card
• No minimum balance required
• English support available at major branches

Best for: People who just arrived and need an account quickly.

2. Sony Bank — Best Online Option

Sony Bank is fully online, the website and app work in English, and they’ve got good exchange rates for international transfers. Free international ATM withdrawals are a real bonus too.

• Entirely online application
• English website and app
• Accepts foreigners on most visa types
• Free international ATM withdrawals

Best for: Tech-savvy users who want everything in English.

3. Shinsei Bank — Good English Support

Similar to Sony Bank but with the added convenience of free ATM withdrawals at 7-Eleven — which is useful given how many 7-Elevens there are in Japan.

• English-language banking
• Online application available
• Free ATM withdrawals at 7-Eleven

Best for: People who want English customer service.

4. Rakuten Bank — Best for Online Shopping

If you’re already using Rakuten for shopping or services, adding a Rakuten Bank account makes sense. The app works in multiple languages and the setup is fully online.

Banks That Are Harder for Foreigners

The megabanks — Mitsubishi UFJ, Mizuho, Sumitomo — can be frustrating. They often require 6 months of residence history, operate in Japanese only, and sometimes reject applicants on certain visa types.

Don’t start with them. Get a Japan Post Bank or online bank account first. You can always add a megabank later once you’ve built more of a track record in Japan.

How to Open at Japan Post Bank (Step by Step)

1. Walk into any post office and find the ゆうちょ銀行 counter
2. Take a number and wait
3. Tell the staff: “口座を開きたいです” (koza wo hirakitai desu) — “I want to open an account”
4. Show your residence card and passport
5. Fill in the application form — staff will help you through it
6. Your cash card arrives by post about 1 week later

That’s genuinely it. It’s about as painless as banking paperwork gets in Japan.

Can You Do This Without Speaking Japanese?

Yes — especially at Japan Post Bank or the online banks. Bring a translation app just in case, but the staff at post offices are generally patient with foreigners. You won’t be the first person to walk in with a residence card and no Japanese.

Summary

Start with Japan Post Bank if you need an account fast. Go with Sony Bank or Shinsei Bank if you want full English support and a modern online experience.

If You Can’t Open an Account Yet: Use Wise as a Bridge

If you’re in your first weeks in Japan or have been rejected, use Wise as a bridge:

• Open a Wise account with just your passport — no Japan residency required
• Get a Wise Mastercard debit card that works anywhere in Japan
• Receive money from abroad in USD/EUR/GBP without a Japanese bank account
• No credit check, no Japanese phone number needed to start

Frequently Asked Questions

Can foreigners open a bank account in Japan? Yes — but you need to go to the right bank first. Japan Post Bank accepts foreigners shortly after address registration. Rakuten Bank, Sony Bank, and SBI Shinsei Bank are foreigner-friendly online options. The major megabanks (MUFG, Mizuho, SMBC) frequently reject foreigners with less than 6–12 months of Japan residency.

What documents do I need to open a bank account in Japan? Essential: residence card (在留カード) and Japanese address registered at city hall. Most banks also require a Japanese phone number for SMS verification. Some ask for My Number card or passport. A hanko (personal seal) is no longer required at most modern banks — a signature is accepted.

How long does it take to open a bank account in Japan? Japan Post Bank: same day (you fill out the application in-branch, card arrives by post in ~1 week). Rakuten Bank and Sony Bank: online application takes 15–30 minutes, approval within 3–5 business days, card arrives in 1–2 weeks. Megabanks: longer due to stricter screening.

Can I open a bank account in Japan as a new arrival? Japan Post Bank accepts new arrivals with just a residence card and registered address — even within weeks of arriving. Most online banks recommend waiting 3–6 months. Megabanks typically want 6–12 months of residency history.

Can I open a Japanese bank account online in English? Sony Bank and SBI Shinsei Bank offer partial English language support online. Rakuten Bank’s application is primarily in Japanese but straightforward with Google Translate. Japan Post Bank requires an in-person visit.

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