You’ll need a Japanese bank account fast — for receiving salary, paying rent, utilities, school fees, and pretty much every recurring bill. The catch: most Japanese banks won’t open accounts for foreign residents until you’ve been in Japan 6+ months. Here’s how to navigate the system as a new arrival, which banks do open early, and what to bring.
Banks that open accounts on day-1
Yucho Bank (Japan Post Bank)
- Most foreigner-friendly day-1 option
- Accept residents with any visa from arrival
- Branches at every post office — easy access
- English: limited but post office staff often help
- Remittance abroad is more expensive than dedicated services
Shinsei Bank
- Strong English UI; foreigner-friendly
- Online application possible
- Free ATM withdrawals at 7-Eleven nationwide
- Higher international transfer fees but smooth interface
SMBC Trust Bank PRESTIA
- Premium expat-focused; English banking and dedicated relationship managers
- Higher minimum balance (¥500K+ to avoid fees)
- Multi-currency accounts and competitive remittance
- Fukuoka branch in Tenjin
Banks that typically require 6+ months residence
- Mitsubishi UFJ (MUFG), Mizuho, SMBC: standard mega-banks; large branch networks
- Fukuoka Bank, Nishinippon City Bank: regional banks, accept foreigners with stable address
- Easier to open after first salary deposit at Yucho establishes Japan banking history
- Worth it long-term: better mortgage access, broader product range
Step-by-step: opening at Yucho on day-1
Required documents
- Residence card (zairyu card) — must show Fukuoka address
- Passport
- My Number card or notification (within 7 days of address registration; can present later)
- Phone number (Japanese SIM)
- Personal seal (inkan/hanko) — optional, signature accepted at most banks
The visit
- Visit any post office during banking hours
- Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00-16:00 (banking); ATM extended hours vary by location
- Fill out application form (Japanese; staff helps)
- Account opens same day or within 1 week
- Cash card mailed to your address in 7–10 days
- PIN (4-digit) set during application
Cash card vs debit vs credit
- Cash card: ATM withdrawal/deposit only; default issued with account
- Debit card: cash card + Visa/JCB debit functionality; often free with account upgrade
- Credit card: separate application; foreign residents often denied first 6–12 months — try Rakuten Card or Epos as foreigner-friendly first cards
Paying bills: how it works
- Direct debit (kouza furikae): set up at bank or directly with utility companies; most rent and recurring bills go this way
- Convenience store (kombini) payments: pay paper invoices at 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart; cash only typically, ¥0 fee
- Bank transfer (furikomi): for one-off larger payments; ¥110–880 fee per transfer
- Pay-easy: bank ATM/online for taxes and government fees
- QR payments (PayPay, LINE Pay): increasingly common; link bank for top-up
Setting up direct debits
- Visit bank with utility paperwork (or fill at utility company); takes 2–4 weeks to activate
- Until activated, pay paper bills at convenience store
- Once active, monthly auto-debit on fixed date — no action needed
Sending and receiving money internationally
Sending money abroad
- Wise (formerly TransferWise): best rates, fast, online — recommended over banks
- Revolut: similar; multi-currency wallets
- SBI Remit: Japan-based remittance; good for Asia transfers
- Bank international transfer: ¥4,000–7,000 fee + worse FX rate; use only for large/sensitive transfers
Receiving money from abroad
- Provide sender: bank name, branch, account type (futsu = ordinary), 7-digit account number, your name in roman characters
- Receiving fee: ¥0–¥3,000 typically
- Wise/Revolut work for receiving too — often cheaper than direct bank wire
Cash culture and ATM use
- Japan still partly cash-based; carry ¥10,000–20,000 in wallet typical
- Withdraw at convenience stores 7-Eleven (24/7, free with most banks) or post office ATMs
- Mega-bank ATMs charge fees outside business hours (¥110–220)
- QR payment adoption growing fast — PayPay accepted at most family-relevant places (supermarkets, convenience stores, restaurants)
Salary deposit setup (kyuyo furikomi)
- Submit account info to employer HR — typically Yucho works for most Japanese companies
- Some employers prefer specific banks; switch later if so
- First salary takes 1–2 cycles to land smoothly; budget cash for first 30–60 days
Joint accounts for couples
- Japan typically doesn’t have “joint accounts” — each adult holds individual accounts
- Some banks offer couple-linked services; many couples maintain separate accounts and one shared “household” account
- Power of attorney (ininjyo) lets one spouse access another’s account in emergencies
Children’s accounts
- Most banks allow opening accounts for kids with parent permission
- Useful for school savings, gift money (otoshidama)
- Yucho is easiest; bring kid’s residence card + parent ID
Common pitfalls
- Account freeze risk — if you don’t use account for 5+ years, dormant; some banks close inactive accounts
- Address mismatch — when you move, update bank within 30 days; mail to old address can lock account
- Phone number change — banks use SMS verification; update immediately when changing carrier
- Tax forms — banks may ask for FATCA/CRS forms (US/global tax compliance); fill honestly