Personal bank accounts for freelancers in Japan
Compare personal accounts for separating freelance cash flow by fees, online access and ecosystem; this is not business-account guidance.
Who this is for: Sole proprietors considering a second personal account for bookkeeping. · Last verified: 2026-07-29
Quick verdict by situation
Its verified fee and ecosystem fields make it a measurable option for existing Rakuten users.
Comparison
| Bank | Monthly account fee | Online application | Digital-only | Point ecosystem |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rakuten Bank | Free | Yes | Yes | Rakuten Points |
| SBI Sumishin Net Bank | Free | Yes | Yes | Not confirmed |
| PayPay Bank | Free | Yes | Yes | PayPay Points |
| GMO Aozora Net Bank | Free | Yes | Yes | Not confirmed |
Key differences
- Confirm that the bank permits your intended personal-account use.
- A separate account simplifies records but does not change tax treatment.
Consumer accounts are included for bookkeeping separation; no business-account claims are made.
Corporate and dedicated business accounts are excluded pending separate research.
Alternatives
- Seven Bank — A bank built around its ATMs in 7-Eleven stores nationwide, with an international money-transfer service and multilingual support often used by foreign residents.
Before you apply
Who this is for
Sole proprietors considering a second personal account for bookkeeping.
Selection criteria
Consumer accounts are included for bookkeeping separation; no business-account claims are made.
Eligibility and documents
Eligibility depends on the bank, residence status and current documents. We do not predict approval.
How to apply
Check the official application page, prepare identity and residence documents, and keep your registered name consistent.
Fees and limits
Fee schedules, free-use allowances, exchange rates and transaction limits can change; verify them for your route before applying.
Trade-offs
Confirm that the bank permits your intended personal-account use. A separate account simplifies records but does not change tax treatment.
Warnings
No placement implies approval, universal suitability or future value. Never send passwords or one-time codes.
FAQ and banking terms
Use the linked account-opening guide, banking FAQs and glossary for residence card, identity verification and transfer terminology.
Frequently asked questions
Does this comparison guarantee account approval?
No. Check each bank’s current eligibility and document requirements. We do not estimate approval likelihood.
Can I choose based on this fee table alone?
No. Fees, free-use allowances, exchange rates and limits change; verify the official schedule before applying.
Does “Not confirmed” mean a feature is unavailable?
No. It means official evidence was not established, so we do not turn an unknown into “No”.