Wise
International transfers · Wise
- Fees
- Varies
- English
- Yes
A licensed money-transfer service that uses the mid-market exchange rate with a transparent, upfront fee — often cheaper than bank wires for personal transfers.
How to make a large international transfer from Japan
Sending more than ¥1 million: Type I services and banks, negotiating the FX rate, preparing source-of-funds documents, verifying the beneficiary, timelines, and when to involve a professional.
Direct answers
For a large transfer, use a Type I provider or a bank, obtain same-time written quotes and ask for a negotiated FX rate, pre-clear source-of-funds documents, verify the beneficiary independently, and start weeks ahead — because on large amounts the exchange margin, not the fixed fee, is the main cost.
Key points
- Above ¥1m, use a Type I provider (Wise up to ¥150m for qualifying transfers) or a bank; expect enhanced review.
- The FX margin dominates cost on large amounts — ask the bank about a negotiated or market-linked rate.
- Pre-clear source-of-funds documents and verify the beneficiary independently before sending.
- Start weeks ahead where beneficiary registration, source review, or a closing date is involved; send a small test first.
Route and rate
Sending more than ¥1 million generally requires a Type I funds-transfer service or a bank. Wise supports qualifying Japan-based Type I transfers up to ¥150 million; Kyodai lists a Type I maximum of ¥10 million subject to review; major banks handle large wires and can offer market-linked rates above a threshold (Resona, for example, notes market-linked treatment for large transactions).
On a large amount the exchange-rate margin is the main cost — it scales with the amount, while the fixed fee does not. Obtain same-time written quotes from a bank and a Type I provider, and explicitly ask the bank whether a negotiated FX rate is available before you confirm.
Documents, verification, and timeline
Prepare source-of-funds documentation in advance — payslips, tax returns, savings history, a sale agreement, or probate documents that show how the money accumulated without unexplained gaps. Large transactions routinely trigger enhanced review, and a clear document trail is the fastest way through it.
Verify the beneficiary independently, especially for property: confirm account details with the lawyer, notary, title company, or seller through an independently sourced contact, never on an emailed change alone. Start weeks ahead where beneficiary registration, source review, bank holidays, or a closing date apply, and send a small test payment first unless the beneficiary prohibits partial payments. For inheritance, property, gifts, trusts, or U.S. tax exposure, involve a cross-border professional.
Who this is for
- People sending more than ¥1 million
- Property, inheritance, or savings-migration transfers
What this is not
- Small routine remittances
- Specific tax or legal advice — see a professional
Important cautions
- Never rely on an emailed change of beneficiary bank details for a large or property payment — verify independently first.