You can open a Japanese bank account from the US, but most banks require you to be physically present in Japan
The short answer: most major Japanese banks will not open an account for you remotely if you are a US resident. Banks like Mizuho, MUFG, and Sumitomo Mitsui require you to visit a branch in person with your passport and a Japanese address. A few smaller banks and online-only institutions have begun accepting remote applications from abroad, but they are the exception, not the standard.
If you need a Japanese bank account before moving, your best options are to open it after you arrive in Japan, use a remittance service to move money into Japan, or work with a Japanese bank that has a US branch (which can sometimes facilitate an account opening in Japan). The timeline and requirements shift depending on your visa status, whether you have a Japanese address yet, and which bank you choose.
Key Takeaways
- Most Japanese banks require you to open an account in person at a branch in Japan with a valid passport and a Japanese address.
- You will need a My Number (individual number) or a temporary tax ID to complete the account opening process, which you can obtain after arrival.
- Some online banks like Rakuten Bank and Sony Bank accept applications from abroad, though they may still require verification steps or a later in-person visit.
- If you need to move money to Japan before opening a bank account, wire transfers and remittance services like Wise or OFX can deliver funds to a temporary recipient or hold them until your account is ready.
- Japanese banks typically charge monthly fees ranging from zero to a few thousand yen, depending on the bank and account type.
What Japanese banks require to open an account in person
When you arrive in Japan and visit a bank branch, bring your passport, proof of your Japanese address, and your My Number card or a temporary tax ID. The Japanese address can be your apartment lease, a letter from your employer, or a registration at your local ward office (called a koseki or residence registration). If you have not yet registered your address, some banks will accept a hotel booking or a letter from someone who lives at the address where you will be staying.
The My Number is a 12-digit individual identification number issued by the Japanese government. If you do not have one yet, you can apply for a temporary tax ID at your local tax office or ward office, which takes a few days. Some banks will accept this temporary ID in place of the full My Number card, though policies vary by branch and by bank.
Bring a seal (called an inkan) or be prepared to use your signature instead. Many Japanese banks still require a personal seal for withdrawals and account changes, though this is becoming less common at larger institutions. You can purchase an inkan at a convenience store or stationery shop for a few hundred yen, or use your signature if the bank permits it.
Online and remote account opening options
Rakuten Bank and Sony Bank are the most accessible options for remote account opening from the US. Both accept applications online and can issue a debit card that works internationally. Rakuten Bank has no monthly maintenance fee and offers competitive interest rates on savings accounts. Sony Bank charges no monthly fee for accounts with a minimum balance or regular deposits.
The catch: even these banks may require you to verify your identity through a video call or to provide additional documentation. Rakuten Bank may ask you to confirm your address and identity through a postal verification process, which adds one to two weeks to the timeline. Sony Bank similarly uses postal verification for non-residents.
Smaller regional banks and credit unions (called shinkin banks or credit cooperatives) almost never accept remote applications. If you are moving to a specific prefecture or city, ask your employer or housing provider whether they recommend a local bank—many offer better rates and more flexible policies for new residents than the major national banks.
Getting money into Japan before your account is open
If you need to move funds to Japan before you have a Japanese bank account, use an international wire transfer or a remittance service. Wire transfers through your US bank typically take three to five business days and cost $15 to $50 per transfer. Services like Wise, OFX, and Remitly often have lower fees (typically $1 to $10) and faster delivery (one to two business days), though exchange rates and speed vary by service and destination bank.
Some remittance services allow you to send money to a recipient's name without requiring a bank account number, which is useful if you are sending funds to a friend or family member in Japan who will hold the money until your account opens. Confirm with the service whether they can deliver to a person's name or whether they require a specific bank account.
Another option: if your US bank has a relationship with a Japanese bank, ask whether they can facilitate an account opening or provide a letter of introduction. Some US banks with international operations can speed up the process or waive certain requirements, though this is rare and depends entirely on your bank's partnerships.
Timeline and fees for Japanese bank accounts
Opening an account in person at a major bank typically takes 30 minutes to an hour at the branch. You will receive a bankbook (called a tsūchō), a debit card, and online banking access on the same day or within a few days. Some banks mail the debit card separately, which can take one to two weeks.
Monthly maintenance fees vary widely. Major banks like Mizuho and MUFG charge zero to 1,100 yen per month depending on your account type and balance. Online banks like Rakuten and Sony Bank typically charge no monthly fee. Regional banks often have no fee for accounts with a minimum balance or regular deposits. ATM fees for withdrawals at your own bank are usually free; withdrawals at other banks' ATMs cost 100 to 220 yen per transaction.
Interest rates on savings accounts are extremely low across all Japanese banks—typically 0.001% to 0.1% annually. This is standard in Japan and not a sign of a poor account choice. If you are moving money to Japan for the long term, focus on finding a bank with no monthly fee and convenient ATM access rather than chasing interest rates.
Visa status and residency requirements
Your visa status affects which banks will open an account and how quickly. If you have a work visa, student visa, or spouse visa, most banks will open an account once you register your address at your local ward office. If you are on a tourist visa or do not yet have a visa, you will need to obtain one before opening an account—banks will not open accounts for people on tourist visas, even if they have a Japanese address.
If you are moving to Japan for work, ask your employer whether they have a banking relationship or can provide a letter confirming your employment and address. This letter can speed up the account opening process and sometimes waive certain requirements. Some employers even have accounts set up for new employees before they arrive.
What to do if you need an account before you can travel to Japan
If you cannot travel to Japan before you need a Japanese bank account, your options are limited but not zero. Use a remittance service to send money to a trusted contact in Japan who can receive it on your behalf. Alternatively, open an account with an online bank that accepts remote applications (Rakuten or Sony) and use that as a temporary solution until you can open a full account in person.
Some expat-focused services and fintech companies offer Japanese bank account numbers without requiring you to be in Japan, but these are typically business accounts or accounts tied to a specific service, not personal checking accounts. Read the fine print carefully—many charge higher fees or have restrictions on how much you can transfer or withdraw.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a My Number to open a Japanese bank account?
Most major banks require either a My Number card or a temporary tax ID. You can obtain a temporary tax ID at your local tax office or ward office within a few days of arrival. If you do not have either, ask the bank whether they will accept your passport and address registration as a temporary substitute while you apply for the My Number.
Can I use a US address to open a Japanese bank account?
No. Japanese banks require a Japanese address. If you do not have one yet, you can register a temporary address at your local ward office (even a hotel or a friend's address) and use that for the account opening. Once you move to your permanent address, you can update it with the bank.
What happens if I close my US bank account before moving to Japan?
You can still receive wire transfers and remittances to a Japanese bank account once it is open. If you need to move money before your account is ready, use a remittance service to send funds to a trusted contact in Japan, or open a temporary online account with Rakuten or Sony Bank while you arrange your move.
Are there any Japanese banks with branches in the US?
Mizuho Bank, MUFG, and Sumitomo Mitsui all have offices or branches in major US cities, but they primarily serve business customers and Japanese nationals already in the US. Contact them directly to ask whether they can facilitate an account opening in Japan, but do not expect a straightforward remote process.
How much does it cost to wire money from the US to a Japanese bank account?
Wire transfer fees through US banks typically range from $15 to $50. Remittance services like Wise and OFX charge $1 to $10 and often offer better exchange rates. The total cost depends on the amount you are sending, the service you use, and the receiving bank's fees (which are usually minimal in Japan).