Bank Accounts for Foreigners in Japan: Compared [2026]

After you arrive, which bank to open an account with can be surprisingly tricky. This guide compares banks by type on ease, features, documents and tips. For the basic steps, see the account-opening guide.

① The "6-month residence" hurdle

Under foreign-exchange law, for your first 6 months you may be treated as a "non-resident", and ordinary banks may refuse to open an account. Right after arrival, Japan Post Bank or Seven Bank, which can accept an employment certificate, are realistic options.

② Japan Post Bank (good right after arrival)

• Open at any post office; relatively easy right after arrival
• Multilingual guidance/app; usable for salary and utility debits
• Overseas remittance needs a separate procedure and fees

③ Online banks (low fees, app-based)

• Rakuten, Sony, SBI Sumishin, PayPay Bank, etc. Everything in the app; tend to have low ATM/transfer fees
• Generally for registered residents; there is screening and it can be hard right after arrival
• Some are strong for foreign currency / overseas transfers

④ Megabanks / regional banks

• MUFG, SMBC, Mizuho, etc. Convenient for employer salary transfers with full counter service
• Screening is stricter right after arrival; easier once you have a job

⑤ Seven Bank (strong support for foreign nationals)

• An application flow for foreign nationals and multilingual ATMs; also offers overseas remittance
• May accept applications under 6 months of residence with an employment certificate

⑥ What you generally need

• Residence card, passport
• My Number (often requested)
• Seal or signature, a Japanese address and phone number

FAQ

Can I open an account right after arriving?Under 6 months of residence you may be refused, but Japan Post Bank and Seven Bank can sometimes accept you with an employment certificate.

Online bank or Japan Post — which is better?Japan Post and Seven Bank are easier right after arrival; online banks are handy if you care about fees and overseas transfers. Using several is recommended.

What do I need to open an account?Residence card, passport, My Number, a seal or signature, and a Japanese address and phone number.

Is My Number required?Notification is optional in some cases, but it is often requested when opening an account, so have it ready.