Banking10 min read
5 Best Bank Accounts for Foreigners in Japan (2026 Comparison)
Compare the best bank accounts for foreigners in Japan: Wise, Revolut, Sony Bank, Shinsei Bank, and Japan Post. Fees, features, and which one is right for you.
Published: 1/19/2026•Updated: 1/19/2026
Key Takeaways
- Wise is best for immediate banking needs (no waiting period)
- Sony Bank is the best full Japanese bank for English speakers
- Japan Post Bank is easiest to open but has limited English
- Having 2 accounts (Wise + Japanese bank) is the ideal setup
- Most banks require 3-6 months residence in Japan
Overview: Banking Options for Foreigners in Japan
Opening a bank account in Japan as a foreigner can be challenging, but you have several good options. Here's our comprehensive comparison of the 5 best banking options based on ease of opening, features, and foreigner-friendliness.
Key Factors We Compared:
• Ease of account opening for foreigners
• English language support
• Fees and exchange rates
• ATM accessibility
• Online/mobile banking features
• Ease of account opening for foreigners
• English language support
• Fees and exchange rates
• ATM accessibility
• Online/mobile banking features
1. Wise (Recommended for New Arrivals)
Best For: International transfers, multi-currency needs
Pros:
• No minimum stay requirement
• Open account online in minutes
• Excellent exchange rates (mid-market rate)
• Hold and convert 50+ currencies
• Virtual card for online payments Cons:
• Not a traditional Japanese bank account
• No physical ATM card in Japan
• Some landlords may not accept for rent payment Fees: Free to open, low transfer fees (0.5-1%) Best For: Freelancers, remote workers, those who send money abroad frequently → [Open Wise Account](https://wise.com) (affiliate link)
• No minimum stay requirement
• Open account online in minutes
• Excellent exchange rates (mid-market rate)
• Hold and convert 50+ currencies
• Virtual card for online payments Cons:
• Not a traditional Japanese bank account
• No physical ATM card in Japan
• Some landlords may not accept for rent payment Fees: Free to open, low transfer fees (0.5-1%) Best For: Freelancers, remote workers, those who send money abroad frequently → [Open Wise Account](https://wise.com) (affiliate link)
2. Sony Bank (Best Full Japanese Bank)
Best For: Long-term residents wanting a proper Japanese account
Pros:
• Full Japanese bank with English online banking
• Sony Bank WALLET debit card (Visa)
• Competitive exchange rates
• Can receive salary, pay rent, utilities
• Good interest rates on foreign currency deposits Cons:
• Typically need 6+ months residence in Japan
• May require branch visit for some services
• Application can be rejected Fees: Free account, free ATM withdrawals at convenience stores Best For: Working professionals, long-term residents → [Sony Bank Website](https://moneykit.net/en/)
• Full Japanese bank with English online banking
• Sony Bank WALLET debit card (Visa)
• Competitive exchange rates
• Can receive salary, pay rent, utilities
• Good interest rates on foreign currency deposits Cons:
• Typically need 6+ months residence in Japan
• May require branch visit for some services
• Application can be rejected Fees: Free account, free ATM withdrawals at convenience stores Best For: Working professionals, long-term residents → [Sony Bank Website](https://moneykit.net/en/)
3. Shinsei Bank (Good English Support)
Best For: English speakers who want Japanese banking
Pros:
• English-language ATM and online banking
• Free ATM withdrawals at many convenience stores
• PowerFlex account with good features
• Relatively foreigner-friendly Cons:
• Need residence card and phone number
• Some features require higher account tier
• Branch locations limited Fees: Free basic account, fee-free ATM depending on tier → [Shinsei Bank Website](https://www.shinseibank.com/english/)
• English-language ATM and online banking
• Free ATM withdrawals at many convenience stores
• PowerFlex account with good features
• Relatively foreigner-friendly Cons:
• Need residence card and phone number
• Some features require higher account tier
• Branch locations limited Fees: Free basic account, fee-free ATM depending on tier → [Shinsei Bank Website](https://www.shinseibank.com/english/)
4. Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ銀行)
Best For: Those needing maximum ATM accessibility
Pros:
• Easiest to open for foreigners (including students)
• ATMs everywhere (post offices, convenience stores)
• Can open with shorter residence period
• Low/no fees for basic services Cons:
• Limited English support
• Basic online banking
• International transfers are complicated Fees: Free account, most ATM withdrawals free Best For: Students, short-term residents, those in rural areas
• Easiest to open for foreigners (including students)
• ATMs everywhere (post offices, convenience stores)
• Can open with shorter residence period
• Low/no fees for basic services Cons:
• Limited English support
• Basic online banking
• International transfers are complicated Fees: Free account, most ATM withdrawals free Best For: Students, short-term residents, those in rural areas
5. Revolut (Digital Banking Alternative)
Best For: Tech-savvy users, travelers
Pros:
• Easy online signup
• Virtual and physical cards available
• Multi-currency wallet
• Good budgeting features
• Cryptocurrency support Cons:
• Not a Japanese bank
• Premium features require subscription
• Limited acceptance for Japanese services Fees: Free basic tier, ¥980-1,980/month for premium → [Revolut Website](https://revolut.com)
• Easy online signup
• Virtual and physical cards available
• Multi-currency wallet
• Good budgeting features
• Cryptocurrency support Cons:
• Not a Japanese bank
• Premium features require subscription
• Limited acceptance for Japanese services Fees: Free basic tier, ¥980-1,980/month for premium → [Revolut Website](https://revolut.com)
Quick Comparison Table
| Bank | Best For | English | Open Online | Min. Stay |
|------|----------|---------|-------------|------------|
| Wise | Transfers | ✓ Full | ✓ Yes | None |
| Sony Bank | Full banking | ✓ Good | ✓ Yes | ~6 months |
| Shinsei | English support | ✓ Good | △ Partial | ~3 months |
| Japan Post | Accessibility | △ Limited | ✗ No | ~1 month |
| Revolut | Digital banking | ✓ Full | ✓ Yes | None |
Our Recommendation
For Most Foreigners, We Recommend This Strategy:
1. Immediately on arrival: Open Wise account (takes 5 minutes, works worldwide)
2. After 3-6 months: Open Sony Bank or Shinsei Bank for proper Japanese banking
3. Optional: Keep Japan Post Bank if you need maximum ATM access in rural areas
Why This Works:
• Wise gives you immediate banking capability
• Japanese bank gives you credibility for rent, utilities, salary
• You're never stuck without banking access
• Wise gives you immediate banking capability
• Japanese bank gives you credibility for rent, utilities, salary
• You're never stuck without banking access
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally no. You need a residence card (zairyu card) to open most bank accounts. Wise and Revolut can be opened without Japanese residence, but they're not Japanese banks.
Sony Bank or Shinsei Bank are best for receiving salary. Most Japanese employers require a domestic bank account. Wise is not suitable for receiving Japanese salary.
Online applications: 1-2 weeks for card delivery. In-branch: Same day to 1 week. Wise/Revolut: Minutes (instant).
Yes, but you'll face high ATM fees and poor exchange rates. Having a Japanese account (or Wise) is much more economical for daily use.
Last updated: January 19, 2026