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Banking in Japan

Best banks in Japan for expats & digital nomads

Opening a bank account is one of the first things you do after moving to Japan. Here are the accounts that work for newcomers and non-residents, plus the fintech we would set up before you fly.

How to open a bank account in Japan

Japan is notoriously hard for newcomers. Most banks require a residence card (zairyu card), a My Number and a registered address, and often 3-6 months of residency. Japan Post Bank and Seven Bank accept new arrivals earliest; the megabanks (MUFG, Mizuho, SMBC) frequently reject those with under 6-12 months' residence.

Our top pick

Wise multi-currency account

Wise is the option we recommend for almost anyone moving to Japan: hold and convert 40+ currencies, get local account details to be paid like a local, and send money at the real exchange rate with low, transparent fees. It works before you even arrive, so you can receive income and pay deposits while your local account is still being set up.

Open a free Wise account →

Affiliate link: we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Wise is a fintech, not a bank; balances are safeguarded, not covered by deposit insurance.

Top banks in Japan

Japan Post Bank (Yucho)

traditional
New arrivals

Most accessible for foreigners; can open shortly after registering an address. ATMs at post offices and 7-Eleven.

Seven Bank

digital
Fast opening with residence card

Opens with a residence card only; ATM in every 7-Eleven; multilingual app.

Sony Bank

digital
English app / FX

Fully online with English support and good foreign-currency/FX features.

SBI Shinsei Bank

digital
International transfers

English interface and customer service; competitive transfer rates.

Rakuten Bank

digital
Rewards / online spending

Online bank linked to the Rakuten ecosystem; application mainly in Japanese.

SMBC Prestia

traditional
Long-term / premium expats

English support and multi-currency services; usually wants established residence.

PayPay Bank

digital
Digital account tied to PayPay

Online bank with a foreigner application flow.

International accounts & neobanks

Revolut

Full personal accounts in Japan (operated via Rakuten Bank), with a per-transaction cap (reported ~JPY 1,000,000).

Payoneer

Used to receive international payments.

Availability changes; confirm on each provider's site.

Next steps in Japan

See the full Japan tax, cost and visa profile, or compare Japan with other destinations. Not sure where to go yet? Take the finder quiz.