Best Banks in Japan for Foreigners (2026 Guide)

Opening a bank account is a crucial step for foreign residents in Japan. Whether you’re paying rent, receiving salary deposits, or sending money overseas, choosing a foreigner-friendly bank with English support and online services makes life much easier.

This guide highlights the top banks for foreigners, their key features, and tips for account opening and promotions.

Why Choosing the Right Bank Matters

Why Choosing the Right Bank Matters

A good bank for foreigners should offer:

• English support (online and in branches)

• Easy account opening, especially for non-Japanese speakers

• Low fees for domestic and international transfers

• Convenience for salary deposits, rent payments, and online banking

• Support for international remittances

Top Banks for Foreign Residents (2026)

1. Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ銀行 – Yūcho Ginkō)

(ゆうちょ銀行 – Yūcho Ginkō)

Why it’s great:

• Most foreigner-friendly in Japan

• Branches in every city and prefecture

• English website and forms

• Easy account opening for new arrivals

Highlights:

• No minimum balance

• Accepts most foreign residents with a valid Residence Card

• Ideal for salary deposits and everyday banking

Best for: First-time bank accounts, beginners

2. Rakuten Bank (楽天銀行 – Rakuten Ginkō)

Why it’s great:

• Fully online account opening

• English interface and strong app experience

• Zero fees for transfers between Rakuten Bank accounts

• Integrates with Rakuten Points campaigns

Highlights:

• Referral campaigns: up to 5,000 points

• Easy integration with Rakuten services

• Competitive domestic transaction fees

Best for: Tech-savvy users, online banking

3. SMBC (Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation – 三井住友銀行)

Why it’s great:

• Major nationwide bank

• Partial English support in branches

• Good for international wire transfers

Highlights:

• Trusted banking network

• English forms and online banking

• Many ATMs with English support

Best for: Working professionals, long-term residents

4. MUFG (Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group – 三菱UFJ銀行)

Why it’s great:

• Largest bank group in Japan

• Extensive ATM network

• English support improving steadily

Highlights:

• Global partner bank relationships

• Full-service banking (loans, cards, investments)

Best for: Full-service banking, international needs

5. Shinsei Bank (新生銀行 – Shinsei Ginkō)

Why it’s great:

• Strong English support

• Good online and mobile banking

• Friendly to non-Japanese speakers

Highlights:

• Easy account opening for foreigners

• English customer support via phone and email

Best for: Non-Japanese speakers, newcomers

6. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank (三井住友信託銀行 – Mitsui Sumitomo Shintaku Ginkō)

Why it’s great:

• Good for savings and asset management

• Stable trust bank with long history

Highlights:

• Limited English support in branches

Best for: Savings and long-term financial planning

Comparison Table: Best Banks for Foreigners (2026)

Comparison Table: Best Banks for Foreigners (2026)

Tips for Opening a Bank Account as a Foreigner

Essential Documents:

• Residence Card (在留カード – zairyū kādo)

• Passport (パスポート – pasupōto)

• Address certificate (住民票 – jūminhyō), sometimes optional

• Japanese phone number (携帯電話番号 – keitai denwa bangō)

Accounts Without Japanese:

• Japan Post Bank and Rakuten Bank are easiest for non-Japanese speakers

• Online banks often allow English interfaces

• Major banks may require brief Japanese forms, but staff usually assist

International Money Transfers

• Rakuten Bank: via Wise integration

• Shinsei Bank: Orb ACE service

• SMBC / MUFG: Traditional wire transfers

Tips:

• Use banks with zero transfer fees between accounts

• Link with mobile payment apps for convenience

• Monitor point campaigns like Rakuten Points

🔔 Special Campaign: Rakuten Bank Referral Offer (PR)

🎁 Referral Bonus: Get Up to 5,000 Rakuten Points

How it works:

• Open a Rakuten Bank account using a referral code

• Complete required conditions

• Points can be used for:

  • Rakuten Ichiba online shopping

  • Rakuten Travel bookings

  • Partner stores across Japan

Referral Code: P09365133
Official application page: Rakuten Bank Referral

Notes:

• Points credited after meeting conditions

• Campaign details may change

• Always check the official Rakuten Bank website

✅ Summary:

For foreign residents in Japan, choosing the right bank is essential for ease, cost, and accessibility.

• Japan Post Bank: Best for first account and beginners

• Rakuten Bank: Online-focused with referral points and English interface

• SMBC / MUFG: Strong nationwide banking, professional use

• Shinsei Bank: Excellent for non-Japanese speakers

• Sumitomo Mitsui Trust: Focused on savings and asset management

With proper documents and bank selection, banking in Japan becomes simple, convenient, and even rewarding with campaigns like Rakuten Points.