Compare Bank Accounts in Japan

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22 live offers compared from 19 providers, from ¥10000 /month. Updated daily.

What are bank accounts in Japan?

An everyday bank account (futsu yokin, ordinary deposit) is the hub of personal finance in Japan — used for salary deposits, utility direct debits, ATM cash and increasingly for linking to QR-pay apps. The market spans traditional megabanks, the vast Japan Post Bank network, convenience-store-based Seven Bank, and a wave of online banks that pay better interest and refund ATM fees.

How the Japanese market works

Branch-based megabanks such as MUFG Bank, Mizuho Bank and Resona Bank offer nationwide branches and full-service relationships. Japan Post Bank provides unmatched rural reach through post offices, and Seven Bank is built around 7-Eleven ATMs. Online challengers — SBI Sumishin Net Bank, Sony Bank and PayPay Bank — skip branches to offer higher interest, generous ATM and transfer fee refunds, and slick apps, and they integrate tightly with cashless payment ecosystems.

Benefits

Cashless integration — accounts link directly to PayPay, points programmes and debit cards for everyday spending.

Fee refunds — online banks often refund a number of ATM withdrawals and transfers each month based on your relationship tier.

Deposit protection — balances are insured by DICJ up to ¥10 million of principal plus interest per bank.

How to choose

Decide whether you value branch access or the better rates and fee refunds of an online bank. Compare ATM network and fees (Seven Bank and Japan Post are strongest for nationwide cash), monthly free-transfer allowances, the app and its English support if needed, and any linked debit card or points perks. Some accounts have a small maintenance fee for dormant or low-activity accounts, so check the conditions.

Leading providers in Japan

MUFG Bank, Mizuho Bank and Resona Bank anchor the branch-based megabank and regional segment. Japan Post Bank offers the widest physical reach, and Seven Bank excels at convenience-store ATM access. Online leaders SBI Sumishin Net Bank, Sony Bank and PayPay Bank compete on interest, fee refunds and cashless-app integration.

What it costs

Opening and holding an ordinary account is generally free, though some banks levy a small fee on long-dormant accounts. The real costs are transactional — ATM withdrawals outside your bank's network and inter-bank transfers can each cost around ¥100 to ¥400 unless refunded by your relationship tier. Typical balances kept in these accounts often sit around ¥10,000 and up for everyday use, with online banks paying modestly more interest than branch banks.

Protections and regulation

All banks are licensed and supervised by the Financial Services Agency (FSA). Ordinary deposits are protected by the Deposit Insurance Corporation of Japan (DICJ) up to ¥10 million of principal plus interest per depositor per bank. Banks apply fraud monitoring, and unauthorised-withdrawal protections exist for stolen cards and passbooks under industry rules.

Common questions

Can foreigners open an account? Yes — residents with a residence card can open accounts; Japan Post Bank, Seven Bank and several online banks are known for being more accessible to newcomers.

Online or branch bank? Online banks pay more and refund fees; branch banks suit those who want in-person service and cash handling. Many people keep both.

Bank Accounts in Japan — FAQ