Author: Kenji Watanabe | Japan relocation consultant, 9 years in Tokyo. Helped 400+ expats navigate Japanese banking, residency procedures, and daily life setup. Last verified: March 2026.
⚡ Bottom Line (for those in a hurry)
The easiest bank to open as a foreigner in Japan right now: Sony Bank (online, English-supported, no in-person visit needed) or Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ銀行) (accepts residents with just Residence Card + passport, same-day opening). Most major city banks like MUFG or SMBC require 6+ months of residence — don't waste time there first.
🏦 Which Banks Actually Accept Foreigners in 2026?
This is the question I get most from new arrivals. The short answer: not all Japanese banks are equally open to foreigners, and the rules vary by branch even within the same bank. Here's what actually works based on helping 400+ expats since 2015.
Sony Bank（ソニー銀行）Best for Newcomers
Online application ｜ English interface available ｜ No branch visit required
✅ ProsFully online signup. English support. Works with 3+ months residence. Free international transfers. Visa/Mastercard debit included.
⚠️ ConsATM fees apply at convenience stores (¥110/use on some plans). No cash deposit at ATM for online accounts.
Japan Post Bank（ゆうちょ銀行）Easiest In-Person
Post office branch ｜ Same-day account opening ｜ 24,000+ ATMs nationwide
✅ ProsAccepts new residents (even under 6 months). Minimal documents. Branch at almost every post office. Free ATM at 7-Eleven.
⚠️ ConsJapanese-only staff at most branches. International wire transfers require separate application. App is Japanese only.
Rakuten Bank（楽天銀行）
Online bank ｜ English available ｜ Requires 6+ months residence
✅ ProsHigh interest rates. Free transfers between Rakuten accounts. Good for those with Rakuten ecosystem.
⚠️ ConsStricter on residence period. ID verification can take 1–2 weeks.
📋 Documents You Need — Exact List
Requirements differ slightly by bank, but this is what to bring to any appointment:
- Residence Card (在留カード) — Required at all banks. Must show your current address.
- Passport — Always bring the original.
- My Number Card (マイナンバーカード) or My Number notification letter — Required since 2021 tax law changes.
- Phone number — A Japanese SIM is strongly recommended. Many banks won't proceed with a foreign number.
- Initial deposit — Japan Post Bank requires ¥1,000 minimum; most others are free to open.
- Hanko (印鑑) — Some older branches still ask for this. Not required at Sony Bank or online banks.
⚠️ Address on Residence Card must match what you tell the bank. If you moved recently and haven't updated your card at the city hall (役所), do that first — banks will reject mismatched addresses, and you'll have to start over.
📝 Step-by-Step: Opening Sony Bank Online
1Apply on the Sony Bank website
Go to moneykit.net (Sony Bank's portal) → click "口座開設" → choose "個人口座". Select English language in settings. Fill in your details as they appear on your Residence Card — romanized name must match exactly.
2Upload your ID documents
Upload a clear photo of your Residence Card (front and back) and your passport. The review usually takes 2–5 business days. You'll get an email confirmation.
3Receive your cash card by mail
Sony Bank mails your ATM card to the address on your Residence Card. Arrives in 7–10 business days. The PIN setup is done online before the card arrives. If mail isn't delivered, the card returns to Sony Bank — make sure your mailbox name matches.
4Activate and make your first deposit
Log in, activate the card, then transfer in some funds. Use a konbini (convenience store) ATM to deposit cash, or receive a transfer from another Japanese bank account. The account number is ready to use immediately.
【Real Case】What happened when I tried MUFG first
A client from Germany (arrived January 2026) tried to open a Mitsubishi UFJ account at a Tokyo branch after 2 weeks of arrival. She was told they require 6 months of residence and a work visa (not tourist/short-stay). She then tried Japan Post Bank at the local post office — walked out with an account in 45 minutes with just her Residence Card and passport. That's the difference between knowing which bank to target vs. which to skip.
❓ Can I open a Japanese bank account without a residence card?
No. A Residence Card (在留カード) is required to open a bank account in Japan. This means you must have registered your address at the local city hall first. Tourist visa holders cannot open personal bank accounts at most banks. Some options exist for those on working holiday or student visas immediately upon arrival, but most require at least a Residence Card.
❓ How long does it take to open a bank account in Japan?
Japan Post Bank: same day at the branch (30–60 minutes). Sony Bank: 3–5 business days for review + 7–10 days for card delivery. MUFG/SMBC: typically 2–4 weeks including review, and often requires an appointment. For fastest access, go to Japan Post Bank in person.
❓ Which Japanese bank is best for international transfers?
Sony Bank offers competitive international transfer rates (mid-market rate for USD/EUR). Wise (formerly TransferWise) linked to any Japanese bank account is usually the cheapest option. Japan Post Bank allows international transfers but fees are higher (¥2,500+ per transfer). Avoid using convenience store ATM international wire services — fees can exceed ¥3,000.
❓ Do I need a Japanese phone number to open a bank account?
Most banks require a Japanese phone number for SMS verification and ongoing authentication. Sony Bank and Rakuten Bank both require one. Japan Post Bank is more flexible — some branches accept foreign numbers. Getting a Japanese SIM (IIJmio, Mineo, or a physical store SIM) is strongly recommended before starting any bank application.
📘 Need Help with Your Japan Setup?
Bank account, residence registration, phone, insurance — Japan admin can be overwhelming. Browse our complete guides for foreigners living in Japan.
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