Sony Bank
ソニー銀行Online bank · Sony Bank
- Monthly fee
- Free
- English
- Partial
An online bank popular with residents who want strong foreign-currency features, a well-regarded app, and comparatively English-friendly service.
Opening a bank account in Japan
The documents, choices, and common snags when opening your first Japanese bank account.
Direct answers
With a residence card and a Japanese address you can open an account at most banks; online banks and English-friendly banks are the usual starting points.
Key points
- Core requirement is a residence card; some banks also want My Number, a phone number, and a few months of residency.
- Online banks win on fees and apps; megabanks help for branches and official dealings.
- Your name is registered in katakana — keep it consistent everywhere.
- Update address and residency status to avoid a restricted account.
What you need
The anchor document is your residence card (在留カード). Most banks also ask for a Japanese address and a phone number, and increasingly for a My Number. Some banks impose a waiting period (often six months of residency) before a new arrival can open certain accounts, while others open immediately — Japan Post Bank and some online banks are often accessible early.
Prepare a personal seal (hanko) or be ready to sign, and expect your name to be registered in katakana. Keep that katakana spelling identical across your employer, utilities, and cards to avoid transfer and verification problems later.
Which bank to choose
If you want low fees and a good app, start with an online bank such as Rakuten Bank or Sony Bank. If English support is essential, SMBC Trust Bank PRESTIA and Sony Bank are the names people research first. If you need a branch network or expect official and corporate dealings, a megabank or Japan Post Bank can be the practical anchor. Many residents keep two accounts for different jobs.
Who this is for
- New residents opening a first account
- Anyone comparing online vs megabank options
What this is not
- Business/corporate account setup
- Personalized advice on a specific bank
Important cautions
- Never share one-time passwords or app approval codes with anyone.
Related products & services
SMBC Trust Bank PRESTIA
プレスティアBank (English support) · SMBC Trust Bank PRESTIA
- Monthly fee
- Varies
- English
- Yes
The bank most often recommended for English-language service, multi-currency accounts, and international needs, aimed at globally minded residents.
Rakuten Bank
楽天銀行Online bank · Rakuten Bank
- Monthly fee
- Free
- English
- Partial
Japan’s large online bank, tightly integrated with the Rakuten ecosystem (card, points, securities) and popular for everyday banking.
Japan Post Bank
ゆうちょ銀行Bank (nationwide) · Japan Post Bank
- Monthly fee
- Free
- English
- Partial
A bank with the widest branch and ATM network in Japan, often accessible for new residents and useful in rural areas.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to open a bank account in Japan as a foreigner?
You generally need a residence card (在留カード), a Japanese address, and often a Japanese phone number and a personal seal (hanko) or signature. Some banks also ask for a My Number, and a few require six months of residency before opening. Online banks (Rakuten Bank, Sony Bank) and English-friendly banks (SMBC Trust Bank PRESTIA) are common starting points. Requirements differ by bank, so confirm on the provider’s page before applying.
Which banks in Japan have the best English support?
SMBC Trust Bank PRESTIA and Sony Bank are the most commonly cited for English-language service, apps, and foreign-currency features. Rakuten Bank and SBI Shinsei Bank offer partial English support. Megabanks have limited English at most branches. If English support is essential, verify the current app language and support hours on the bank’s official site, because these change.
Can I open a Japanese bank account without a job?
Yes, employment is usually not required to open a basic deposit account — a residence card and address are the core requirements. Students and dependents routinely open accounts. Employment matters more for credit cards and loans than for opening a bank account itself. Requirements vary, so check the specific bank.