MoneyInJapan

Banks with foreign-currency accounts in Japan

A feature comparison of verified foreign-currency accounts, not a ranking of exchange rates or investment returns.

Who this is for: Residents who hold, receive or spend currencies other than yen. · Last verified: 2026-07-29

Quick verdict by situation

Debit-card use case

Sony Bank

Its documented foreign-currency and debit-card fields match this specific use case.

Comparison

BankForeign-currency accountInternational transfersDebit cardEnglish support
Sony BankYesYesYesPartial
SMBC Trust Bank PRESTIAYesYesYesFull
SBI Shinsei BankYesYesYesPartial
SBI Sumishin Net BankYesNot confirmedYesNot confirmed

Key differences

  • Foreign-currency deposits carry exchange-rate risk.
  • Deposit insurance treatment and supported currencies require product-level confirmation.
Methodology — inclusion & exclusion

Included only when the foreign-currency-account field is source-backed.

Read the full bank methodology →

Alternatives

  • au Jibun BankA smartphone-centric online bank in the au (KDDI) economic zone, with Ponta-point integration and links to the au ecosystem.

Before you apply

Who this is for

Residents who hold, receive or spend currencies other than yen.

Selection criteria

Included only when the foreign-currency-account field is source-backed.

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

Foreign-currency deposits carry exchange-rate risk. Deposit insurance treatment and supported currencies require product-level confirmation.

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”.

Sources