6 Banks Where Foreigners Can Open Accounts in Japan【2026】
📋 Table of Contents
- Right after arriving in Japan, Japan Post Bank and Seven Bank are easiest to open with just a residence card.
- Many online banks like SBI Sumishin Net Bank let you complete everything online, but usually require 6+ months of residence and your My Number.
- If you also want to send money abroad, choosing based on multilingual support and remittance features helps you avoid rejection.
Key Notes Before Opening a Bank Account
To open a bank account in Japan, you need a valid residence status and residence card (zairyu card). Short-stay visas are not accepted.
Most banks require at least 6 months of residence in Japan (with exceptions). Prioritize banks that allow foreigners to open accounts soon after arrival.
For the application flow, required documents, and common reasons applications are declined (with fixes) that apply across banks, see our step-by-step guide to opening a bank account as a foreigner.
If you'll make overseas transfers after opening an account, also see how to use Wise, which can often be cheaper than banks.
6-Bank Comparison Table
| Bank | Difficulty | Residence Requirement | How to Open | English Support | Int'l Transfer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japan Post Bank Open right away | Easy | Under 6 months OK | Branch only | △ | ○ |
| Seven Bank | Easy | Under 6 months OK | Mobile app | ○ 8 languages | × |
| SBI Sumishin Net Bank | Moderate | 6 months+ recommended | Mobile app | ○ English | ○ |
| Rakuten Bank | Moderate | 6 months+ recommended | Online | △ | × |
| SBI Shinsei Bank | Easier | 6 months+ recommended | Online | ○ English | ○ |
| MUFG Bank | Stricter | 6 months+ required | Branch / App | △ | ○ |
We don't rank based on whether a bank advertises with us. We compare objectively using the following criteria for foreign residents in Japan.
- Account-opening requirements: whether a residence period and residence card alone are enough
- Availability right after arrival: whether accounts can be opened in under 6 months of residence
- Multilingual support: whether sign-up, the app, and support are available beyond Japanese
- App/ATM convenience: whether it's mobile-only and how many ATMs you can use
- Fit with overseas remittance: whether international transfers are supported and integrate with other services
- Japan Post Bank and Seven Bank are representative examples of banks where you may be able to open an account even if you have been in Japan for less than 6 months.
- Major banks such as MUFG Bank often require at least 6 months of residence, so you may be turned down right after arriving in Japan.
- Seven Bank supports multiple languages, and applications can be completed entirely through its smartphone app (supporting Vietnamese, Chinese, and more).
- If you also want to use international remittance services, banks that support transfers — such as SBI Sumishin Net Bank (linked with Wise), SBI Shinsei Bank, Japan Post Bank, and MUFG Bank — can be options.
Common Required Documents
- Residence card (在留カード) – Required, must be valid
- My Number (Individual Number) – Usually required for online banks
- Passport – As additional ID
- Juminhyo (Certificate of Residence) – Some banks require it
After opening an account, also check tax procedures such as resident tax and annual tax filing. See the Tax Filing & Resident Tax Guide.
FAQ
A. Japan Post Bank (Yucho) and Seven Bank can often accept applications even within your first 6 months. Major banks like MUFG typically require 6+ months, so try these two first.
A. A residence card is required. Most banks also ask for My Number (especially mandatory at online banks), a certificate of residence (juminhyo), or a passport. Short-stay visas generally do not qualify.
A. Seven Bank supports 8 languages including Vietnamese and Chinese, with the full process done by smartphone app. SBI Sumishin Net Bank and SBI Shinsei Bank offer English support.
A. Seven Bank and Rakuten Bank do not support international transfers. If overseas transfers are important, consider SBI Sumishin (Wise integration), SBI Shinsei, Japan Post Bank, or MUFG.
A. Right after arrival, Yucho or Seven Bank are easiest to open. Once settled, SBI Sumishin or SBI Shinsei suit those who prefer English or online banking. MUFG works well as a salary and utilities account once you are more comfortable in Japan.
The bank account you open can also be used to top up and pay with PayPay. For details, see the PayPay guide.
- Want to know if a residence card alone is enough
- Want a card with no annual fee
- Also want to use it for everyday payments like PayPay