Opening a Bank Account in Japan: What to Bring and the Japanese You’ll Need

To open a bank account in Japan, you’ll usually need your residence card (在留カード, zairyū kādo) with your registered address, a Japanese phone number, and sometimes your My Number, a personal seal (印鑑, inkan) or details of your job or school. At the counter, say 口座を開きたいんですが (kōza o hirakitai n desu ga, “I’d like to open an account”). Rules vary between banks and branches, and some banks ask newcomers to wait until they have lived in Japan for a while, so check before you go. This guide covers what to bring, the Japanese you’ll need and what to expect.

What to bring

• Residence card showing your current address. Register your address at your city or ward office first.
• A Japanese phone number. Many banks need one for the application and for security codes.
• My Number card or notification, which many banks now ask for.
• A personal seal (inkan), if the bank requires one. Many banks now accept a signature instead, so ask.
• Proof of work or study, such as an employment contract or student ID, if asked.
• Passport, as a backup form of ID.

Some banks also ask how long you will stay in Japan or require a minimum length of residence. If your employer or school has a bank it usually works with, start there. See our moving to Japan checklist for the order to do things in after you arrive.

Words to know

At the counter

Take a numbered ticket and wait to be called. Staff will give you a form and may ask some of these questions.

• 口座を開きたいんですが。 I’d like to open an account.
• 口座のご利用目的は何ですか。 What will you use the account for? Answers: 給与の受け取りです (to receive my salary), 生活費です (for living expenses).
• お勤め先はどちらですか。 Where do you work?
• 日本にはどのくらい滞在されますか。 How long will you be in Japan?
• 英語の書類はありますか。 Do you have the forms in English?
• 印鑑がないのですが、サインでもいいですか。 I don’t have a seal. Can I sign instead?

Banks ask about the purpose of your account to prevent fraud, so a simple, honest answer is fine. Your card may be posted to your address a week or two later, so make sure your name is on your letterbox.

Everyday banking

• ATMs in convenience stores are convenient, but fees can apply outside certain hours.
• Transfers are how you pay rent and many bills. You’ll need the recipient’s bank, branch, account type and number.
• Online banking is often in Japanese only, so set it up with someone who can read it, or ask for an English guide.

Getting help with the Japanese

Bank visits, phone calls about your card and letters from the bank are a common source of stress for newcomers. A few lessons focused on everyday life admin can make them much easier, and for calls with your bank, landlord or city office, we can provide a live interpreter, in person or online. See an interpreter for calls with Japanese banks, landlords and offices and how much Japanese you need to live in Japan.