How to Open a Japanese Bank Account

Opening a bank account in Japan is essential so that you can sign up for services, and receive direct deposits from work, among many other useful things. However, it is probably one of the most verification-intensive processes you’ll encounter in Japan, aside from immigration-related paperwork. While the method and policies will vary from bank to bank, at the very least, we can hopefully help you get a clear understanding of what you’ll encounter during the process.

Banks to Choose From

First, you’ll need to decide on a bank with which to open your account. Here are three popular options:

Shinsei Bank

If you don’t speak any Japanese, Shinsei is a great option, as they offer full-service English support. You can apply either via mail or in person.

Seven Bank

Seven Bank is another excellent option with English support. One drawback is that they do not have physical bank branches anywhere–they are mainly an online bank. However, their ATMs are much easier to access, as they can be found at basically every 7-Eleven convenience store in Japan! You can apply online, or via mail.

JP Post Bank

It might be confusing at first glance, but that is correct, this bank is brought to you by the Japanese postal service. While you’ll be better served knowing at least some Japanese, language barriers aside, JP Bank is one of the most reputable and foreigner-friendly banks around. That said, their account numbers work a little differently than other banks, making transfer and remittance processes a bit more complicated. You must apply for an account in person at a post office with banking services.

Things You’ll Need to Apply

While every bank has different policies and procedures, there are a few things that will stay the same. Banks generally require foreign nationals to provide proof of employment, especially if you have only been in Japan for less than six months, before opening an account. In addition to proof of employment, you will typically also need to produce the following:

Your residency card with your address printed on the back（在留カード）
Proof of address (This can be a juumin-hyou 住民票 from the city hall, or a utility bill. Some banks only ask for an up-to-date residency card.)
A personal phone number
A hanko/inkan (Most banks no longer require the personal seals, requiring a signature instead. See this blog post for more info. Seals must be custom to you and include either your first or last name, or both.)
For US passport holders, your Social Security or Tax Identification Number (Sorry, the IRS wants to know about your foreign accounts, too!)
Details regarding the place of your employment (industry, the name of the company, your position/title, and the number of employees)
Proof of employment (usually an employment letter or contract is best)
Your birthdate by Japanese era (You can refer to Japan-guide’s post to convert your birth year from the Gregorian calendar. The bank staff may also be able to help you.)
Time — expect this to take an hour or two, especially if the branch is busy!

While rarely a requirement nowadays for a bank account, a hanko is a neat, unique-to-japan keepsake!

How to Apply

So, as mentioned, the exact procedures for each bank are going to vary. However, there are some general similarities that you can expect.

Step 1 — Find the best method to apply.

Each bank has different ways to apply, whether it’s in-person, via mail, or online. Find out what bank and application method is most convenient for you, and proceed accordingly.

Step 2 — Begin the paperwork.

The next step is going to be to start filling out paperwork to open your account. Generally, this will, at the minimum, consist of the main application form, and a form to confirm that you are not related to a diplomatic official nor involved in the Japanese mafia, and any necessary forms associated with signing up for a cash or debit card, and possibly online banking. Much of the information will be repetitive, but the bank staff or provided instructions should guide you through the process relatively smoothly. If you are American or have citizenship in any other country requiring that you report your foreign bank accounts, you will be asked to fill out the respective forms. You may also need to fill out an extra form to affirm residency if you have only been in Japan for less than six months.

Step 3 — Select the appropriate features for your account.

During this paperwork process, the bank staff may ask you if you would like to use various features and services. These may include services for international transfers, online banking, debit cards, a transaction book, and more. Most do not require any special eligibility qualifications (aside from loans and credit cards) but may need a little additional paperwork depending on your application method.

Step 4 — Wait for your documents/card(s).

Once the paperwork is accepted and processed, you will then receive your documents and card(s). Many banks will provide your account information on the spot and then mail your card(s) within two weeks, and others will provide everything to you on the spot. (You may even receive a gift for signing up for an account, such as a calendar or notebook!) However, once you have your branch and account number, your account is considered open.

Transaction books are usually provided by Japanese banks and can be quite handy if you’re more of a pen-and-paper person. Nowadays, most banks offer digital record-keeping as an alternative.

Characteristics of Japanese Bank Accounts

Every country handles its banking systems differently, with some differences and similarities between each. Some characteristics specific to Japanese bank accounts are:

Account Types

Many countries offer checking accounts as the standard, with a savings account as an option for earning interest. However, savings accounts are the standard in Japan, keeping paper checks reserved for checking accounts, typically used only for business matters. Savings, aka regular accounts in Japan, allow interest (very little of it, but it's there) to accrue while also providing a debit card and ATM card.

ATM and Debit Cards

Most, if not every account in Japan will come with a cash (ATM) card. Cash cards will allow you to use ATMs and manage your account, but cannot be used to pay for goods and services. Debit cards, which may or may not be combined with your cash card, aren't usually used to access ATM features but are meant to use for purchasing goods and services. A bank account does not always inherently include a debit card, so make sure to verify that the bank will provide you with one. You can read our post about using money in Japan.

Transaction Books（通帳）

Transaction books are used in Japan to record your withdrawal and deposit history automatically via the ATM. When inserted, the ATM will print the most up-to-date information into the book. Nowadays, many banks offer an “eco” online alternative through their web portal or smartphone app.

Credit Cards

Credit cards in Japan are notoriously difficult to obtain as a foreign national, as banks consider the inherent limited-term nature of visas as a potential flight risk, or as a means to avoid paying off a balance. If you don’t already have credit in Japan, the bank will most likely deny you for a credit card if you choose to apply for one along with your bank account.

However, some credit cards are friendly to applicants with little or no credit, such as Rakuten Card. Also note that the monthly statements are settled every month by automatically withdrawing the full balance from a linked bank account, unless you specifically enroll in revolving payments. Many foreign nationals in Japan are surprised by this opt-in system when opening a credit card, as many countries use an automatic revolving payment system (which makes it easy to accrue debt faster) by default. If you can’t afford a payment and need to pay down the balance in installments, it is still possible to convert your purchases to either revolving or divided payments.