Rakuten Securities
楽天証券Brokerage (NISA/iDeCo) · Rakuten Securities
- Fees
- Varies
- English
- Partial
A leading low-cost brokerage for NISA and index-fund investing, integrated with Rakuten points and Rakuten Bank.
Choosing a brokerage in Japan
What to compare across Rakuten Securities, SBI Securities, and Monex.
Direct answers
Rakuten Securities and SBI Securities are the default low-cost choices for NISA and index funds; Monex is a common alternative, especially for US stocks.
Key points
- Compare fund fees, NISA/iDeCo support, and point integration.
- Rakuten and SBI dominate on low-cost funds; Monex is strong on US stocks.
- Ecosystem fit (bank, points) often decides between the top two.
- Interfaces are Japanese-first; verify current fees.
What to compare
For most beginners the decision comes down to a handful of factors: the fund lineup and fees (all three offer major low-cost index funds), NISA and iDeCo support (all three have it), point-program integration, and how well the brokerage links to a bank you already use. Rakuten Securities pairs naturally with Rakuten Bank and points; SBI Securities offers the widest lineup and multiple point options; Monex is often chosen for US-stock access and research tools.
Who this is for
- Beginners opening a first brokerage/NISA account
What this is not
- Active-trading platform comparison
- A definitive “best broker” ranking
Important cautions
- Interfaces are largely Japanese; confirm fees and NISA handling before opening.
Related products & services
SBI Securities
SBI証券Brokerage (NISA/iDeCo) · SBI Securities
- Fees
- Varies
- English
- Partial
Japan’s largest online brokerage by accounts, with a very broad low-cost fund lineup and full NISA/iDeCo support.
Monex Securities
マネックス証券Brokerage (NISA/iDeCo) · Monex
- Fees
- Varies
- English
- Partial
An established online brokerage often chosen for US-stock access and research tools, with NISA and iDeCo support.
Frequently asked questions
What should a beginner invest in inside NISA?
This is education, not a recommendation. Most beginners research low-cost, broadly diversified index funds — for example all-country (全世界株式) or S&P 500 trackers — rather than picking individual stocks, because low fees and diversification are within your control while returns are not. Understand that values fall as well as rise, match the risk to your time horizon, and never invest money you may need soon.
Can foreign residents open a NISA account in Japan?
Generally yes, if you are a tax resident of Japan (with a My Number) and at least 18. NISA is tied to residency, not citizenship, so most foreign residents qualify — with two big cautions: US citizens and green-card holders face US tax complications with Japanese funds, and NISA generally cannot continue after you leave Japan. Confirm eligibility and the current rules on the FSA site and with your chosen brokerage.