Popular Banks for Foreigners in Japan: What You Need to Know

“Which bank should I choose?” “Can I open an account if I don't speak Japanese?”
Many foreigners living in Japan feel confused or unsure when choosing a bank.

This page introduces the most popular banks among foreign residents and the reasons they are preferred. It is based on a survey by YOLO JAPAN, a platform with over 140,000 registered foreign users in Japan.

Whether you're new to Japan or already living here, the information in this guide will help you make a confident decision.

■Which Banks Are Popular Among Foreigners?

Most foreigners living in Japan already have a Japanese bank account.

According to a survey by YOLO JAPAN, nearly 60% of respondents said they opened an account with Japan Post Bank (Yucho Bank).

■Why Is Yucho Bank So Popular Among Foreigners?

Here are some reasons why Yucho Bank is chosen by many foreign residents:
・A minimum stay of just 3 months is required (other banks often require 6 months)
・Application forms are available in English, Vietnamese, and Chinese
・No personal seal (hanko) is required
・You can apply online

Here are some actual comments from users:
・“Yucho was the only bank that let me open an account without speaking Japanese.” (Female, 20s, Nigeria)
・“I didn’t need a job or a hanko. Very convenient for students.” (Female, 20s, Kenya)

■Why Do Some People Use Other Banks?

Besides Yucho Bank, some people use banks like MUFG and SMBC. Reasons include:
・Many ATMs and branches available
・The company or school designated a specific bank
・They use local banks in their region

■Difficulties Foreigners Faced When Opening an Account

Many survey respondents said opening a bank account was difficult.

Common difficulties included:
・Forms were in Japanese and hard to understand (72%)
・A hanko was required (25%)
・They were rejected due to short stay period (14%)
・They didn’t have a mobile phone (26%)

Other personal experiences included:
・“It was hard to write my name because I have a middle name.” (Female, 30s, Philippines)
・“The waiting time was long and the staff didn’t seem friendly.” (Female, 20s, Vietnam)
・“I was denied by many banks because of my nationality.” (Female, 30s, Iran)

■Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. When should I open a bank account?

A. Having a bank account is helpful for receiving your salary and handling daily expenses, so it’s best to open one as soon as possible. If you plan to stay in Japan for more than 3 months, you can open a bank account.

Q. What documents do I need?

A. You’ll need your residence card, passport, and a document that shows your address (such as a residence certificate).

Q. Is it okay if I don’t speak Japanese?

A. Some banks offer application forms in your native language, such as English or Vietnamese.

■A First Step to Living in Japan

A bank account is essential for receiving your salary, paying rent, and managing daily expenses.
If you’re not sure which bank to choose, we recommend starting with a bank that’s popular among foreigners.

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