How to Open a Bank Account in Japan as a Foreigner (Without Losing Your Sanity)

So, you’ve landed in Japan, found an apartment the size of a shoebox, and now you need a bank account to make life official. Easy, right? Well… kind of. Japan’s banking system still loves paperwork, hanko (personal seals), and in some cases, even fax machines (yes, really). But don’t worry—I’ll walk you through the process and help you avoid unnecessary headaches.

For visa-related requirements that might affect your ability to open an account, check out our Japan Visa Page.

TL;DR: Quick Summary

Who Can Open a Bank Account in Japan?

✅ You need to be a resident of Japan (most banks want you to have lived here for at least six months).
✅ A zairyu card (residence card) and a registered Japanese address are required.
✅ A Japanese phone number is needed for verification (because banks love to call).
✅ Some banks still require a hanko (personal seal), but plenty accept signatures now.

Steps to Open a Bank Account in Japan

Pick a bank (some are foreigner-friendly, others… not so much).
Prepare your documents (zairyu card, passport, phone number, etc.).
Apply in person or online (where available).
Fill out the application form (hope you remember your katakana).
Receive your bank book and ATM card (either instantly or by mail).

Who Can Apply for a Bank Account?

Banks in Japan don’t just let anyone open an account—here’s what they usually require:
✔️ A valid zairyu card (residence card) with a local address.
✔️ A Japanese phone number (some banks insist on this for SMS verification).
✔️ A hanko (some old-school banks won’t budge on this).
✔️ Proof of employment, student status, or another valid reason for needing an account.

Can I Open a Bank Account as a Fresh Off-the-Plane Foreigner?

Most major banks want you to have six months of residency before they even look at your application. The exceptions? Japan Post Bank and Seven Bank. They’ll let you set up an account pretty much immediately, making them solid choices for new arrivals.

New to Japan and unsure about money matters? Check out our Cost of Living in Japan Guide.

Step-by-Step Process for Opening a Bank Account

Step 1: Choose the Right Bank

Not all banks are created equal, especially when it comes to dealing with foreigners. Here’s what to consider:

English support: Some banks, like Shinsei Bank, offer services in English. Others? Not so much.
Online vs. in-person banking: If you’d rather do everything from your phone, check out online banks like Sony Bank.
ATM access: Japan is still very much a cash-based society, so having an ATM nearby is a big plus.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

Here’s what you’ll need:
📌 Zairyu card (residence card)
📌 Passport
📌 Japanese phone number
📌 Hanko (if required)
📌 Proof of employment or student status (sometimes requested)

Step 3: Visit the Bank or Apply Online

In-person: Be ready to fill out paperwork in Japanese and possibly answer some questions.
Online: Some banks offer online applications, but you’ll still need to verify your identity.

Step 4: Fill Out the Application Form

Expect to enter your name, address, phone number, occupation, and possibly make an initial deposit.
If you’re at a traditional bank, brace yourself for a lot of paperwork.

Step 5: Get Your Bank Book & ATM Card

Most banks still hand out bank books (tsūchō) that record transactions (yes, it feels old-school).
Some banks mail your ATM card within 1-2 weeks. Others give it to you on the spot.

What to Expect Once You Have an Account

Bank Books & ATM Cards

Bank books (tsūchō) are still a thing, though online banking is catching up.
ATM cards work at most major banks, but getting a debit or credit card as a foreigner can be another battle.

ATMs & Banking Hours

Convenience store ATMs (like 7-Eleven) are 24/7.
Regular bank ATMs? They close at 7 PM or earlier—yes, even in 2025.
Bank branches operate Monday–Friday, 9 AM–3 PM.

Online & Mobile Banking

Some banks offer English-friendly online banking (Shinsei Bank, Sony Bank).
Traditional banks? You might need to brush up on your kanji skills.

Which Banks Are Foreigner-Friendly?

Bank Name	English Support	Online Banking	Residency Requirement	Notes
Shinsei Bank	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	6+ months	No hanko required; popular with expats
SMBC Trust (Prestia)	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	6+ months	Multi-currency accounts, but fees apply if balance is low
Sony Bank	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	6+ months	Online-only; great for foreign transactions
Japan Post Bank	❌ Limited	❌ Limited	Immediate	Easy to open but limited English support
Seven Bank	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Immediate	Convenient 24/7 ATMs inside 7-Eleven stores
MUFG, Mizuho	❌ No	❌ No	6+ months	Traditional Japanese banks with stricter requirements

If you want hassle-free, English-friendly banking, Shinsei Bank and SMBC Trust Bank are solid choices.

For more banking insights, check out our Japanese Banking Guide (Coming Soon).

FAQ: Common Banking Questions

Can I Open a Bank Account as a Tourist?

❌ Nope. You need a zairyu card and a Japanese address.

Do I Need a Japanese Phone Number?

✅ Most banks require it for verification.

**Do I Need a Hanko?**

❌ Not always! Foreigner-friendly banks (like Shinsei) accept signatures instead.

How Long Does It Take to Open a Bank Account?

⏳ In-person: About an hour. Online: 1-2 weeks.

Which Banks Let Foreigners Open an Account Immediately?

✔️ Japan Post Bank and Seven Bank.

Starting a new job in Japan? Check out our Japan Job Interview Guide for tips.

Final Thoughts: Opening a Bank Account Without Losing Your Mind

Getting a bank account in Japan can feel like an initiation into bureaucracy, but if you pick the right bank and show up prepared, it’s (mostly) painless.

Key Takeaways:

New to Japan? Japan Post Bank and Seven Bank are your best bet.
Prefer online banking? Sony Bank is great, but you’ll need some Japanese skills.
Want an English-friendly experience? Shinsei Bank and SMBC Trust Bank are the way to go.

With the right approach, you’ll be up and running

How to Open a Bank Account in Japan as a Foreigner: Step-by-Step Guide