Compare Bank Accounts in Japan

Current and payment accounts in Japan span 1 bank, from fee-free digital accounts to premium accounts with travel benefits. Compare monthly fees, ATM access and international transfer costs alongside interest — switching bonuses can be worth more than the first year's interest differential.

22 live bank accounts offers tracked across 19 Japanese providers, with monthly fees from ¥10000 /month. Data current as of 23 October 2026 and updated daily from the Giraffy database.

Live offers

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

NEWSお知らせ Seven Bank

¥10000 /month

  • Provider: Seven Bank

Seven Bank Plan Seven Bank

¥10000 /month

  • Provider: Seven Bank

Japan Post Bank JP Japan Post Bank

Price on request

  • Monthly Fee: ¥0/mo
  • Savings Rate: 0.001% (base rate)
  • Key Feature: 24,000+ Japan Post ATMs; 7-Eleven ATMs; ¥0 transfers between Yucho accounts; 100M accounts
  • Account Type: Ordinary account (通常貯金)

SBI Sumishin Net Bank JP SBI Sumishin Net Bank

Price on request

  • Monthly Fee: ¥0/mo
  • Savings Rate: 0.1% (Hybrid savings; links to SBI Securities)
  • Key Feature: 15 free ATM uses/mo (SBI Hybrid); 0% SBI Securities transfers; most-awarded JP neobank
  • Account Type: Ordinary + Hybrid savings

Seven Bank Account JP Seven Bank

Price on request

  • Monthly Fee: ¥0/mo
  • Savings Rate: 0.001% (base rate)
  • Key Feature: 47,000+ 7-Eleven ATMs (Japan); overseas ATM cards issued; cash-in without fees for 7Pay
  • Account Type: Ordinary account (convenience-linked)

Sony Bank JP Sony Bank

Price on request

  • Monthly Fee: ¥0/mo
  • Savings Rate: 0.001% (base); 0.02% for Club S Preferred
  • Key Feature: Preferred Club: 0% FX fee, free global ATMs; Sony Group benefit access; dual JPY+FX wallet
  • Account Type: Ordinary account (Kantan open online)

MUFG Bank Account MUFG Bank

Price on request

  • Monthly Fee: Free
  • Savings Rate: 0.02% p.a.
  • Key Feature: Largest bank Japan
  • Account Type: Traditional

Mizuho Bank Account Mizuho Bank

Price on request

  • Monthly Fee: Free
  • Savings Rate: 0.02% p.a.
  • Key Feature: Nationwide branches
  • Account Type: Traditional

PayPay Bank Account PayPay Bank

Price on request

  • Monthly Fee: Free
  • Savings Rate: 0.3% p.a.
  • Key Feature: PayPay ecosystem
  • Account Type: Digital Bank

Resona Bank Account Resona Bank

Price on request

  • Monthly Fee: Free
  • Savings Rate: 0.02% p.a.
  • Key Feature: Regional bank strength
  • Account Type: Traditional

Shinsei Bank Account Shinsei Bank

Price on request

  • Monthly Fee: Free
  • Savings Rate: 0.1% p.a.
  • Key Feature: Free ATM + FX rates
  • Account Type: Online Bank

Bank of Yokohama Account Bank of Yokohama

Price on request

  • Monthly Fee: ¥0/mo
  • Savings Rate: 0.005% p.a.
  • Key Feature: Regional branch network
  • Account Type: Traditional bank

Chiba Bank Account Chiba Bank

Price on request

  • Monthly Fee: ¥0/mo
  • Savings Rate: 0.005% p.a.
  • Key Feature: Tokyo Metro area links
  • Account Type: Regional bank

GMO Aozora Net Bank Account GMO Aozora Net Bank

Price on request

  • Monthly Fee: ¥0/mo
  • Savings Rate: 0.11% p.a.
  • Key Feature: API banking for SMEs
  • Account Type: Fintech bank

Suruga Bank Digital Account Suruga Bank

Price on request

  • Monthly Fee: ¥0/mo
  • Savings Rate: 0.10% p.a.
  • Key Feature: Online-focused service
  • Account Type: Online bank

Rakuten Bank JP Rakuten Bank

Price on request

  • Monthly Fee: ¥0/mo
  • Savings Rate: 0.1% (up to 0.28% with Rakuten Card + rakuten-ichiba)
  • Key Feature: Rakuten Super Points on balance; 5 free ATM uses/mo; 0.1% — 5x regular megabank rate
  • Account Type: Ordinary bank account + e-money

SMBC Trust Prestia Account SMBC Trust Prestia

Price on request

  • Monthly Fee: Free
  • Savings Rate: 0.02% p.a.
  • Key Feature: Multi-currency account
  • Account Type: Hybrid Bank

Aozora Bank Account Aozora Bank

Price on request

  • Monthly Fee: ¥0/mo
  • Savings Rate: 0.15% p.a.
  • Key Feature: ATM fee refund
  • Account Type: Online bank

au Jibun Bank JP au Jibun Bank

Price on request

  • Monthly Fee: ¥0/mo
  • Savings Rate: Up to 0.30% (au SBI Securities combo)
  • Key Feature: KDDI-MUFG JV; au PAY money top-up; 15 free ATM uses/mo; most competitive combo rate
  • Account Type: Ordinary account (digital only)

Fukuoka Bank Account Fukuoka Bank

Price on request

  • Monthly Fee: ¥0/mo
  • Savings Rate: 0.005% p.a.
  • Key Feature: Kyushu regional leader
  • Account Type: Regional bank

Seven Bank Account Seven Bank

Price on request

  • Monthly Fee: Free
  • Savings Rate: 0.02% p.a.
  • Key Feature: 7-Eleven ATM access
  • Account Type: Digital Bank

SMBC Bank Account SMBC

Price on request

  • Monthly Fee: Free
  • Savings Rate: 0.02% p.a.
  • Key Feature: Wide ATM network
  • Account Type: Traditional

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.

The cheapest Bank Accounts in Japan is ¥10000 /month from Seven Bank.

Bank Accounts in Japan — FAQ

What documents do I need to open a bank account in Japan?

Typical requirements are a government-issued photo ID (passport or national ID card) and proof of address (utility bill or bank statement dated within 3 months). Some banks in Japan also require a proof of income or an employment letter. Digital-only banks often verify identity entirely via an app — no branch visit needed.

Can I open a bank account online without visiting a branch?

Many banks in Japan now offer fully digital account opening via their app or website, completed in minutes. You'll upload your ID documents and in some cases do a short video verification. Traditional high-street banks may still require an in-person appointment for certain account types.

Are my deposits protected if a bank fails?

Yes — the Deposit Insurance Corporation (DIC) protects up to ¥10,000,000 per bank. Check that your chosen bank is FSA-regulated before depositing. If you hold more than the limit, spread balances across separate banking licences to keep everything covered.

What is the difference between a current account and a savings account?

A current account is for everyday spending — it comes with a debit card, direct debits, and a local bank identifier (sort code, IBAN, or BSB depending on your market). A savings account is designed to hold money you don't need immediately and usually pays a higher interest rate, but may limit the number of monthly withdrawals.

What is a challenger bank and is it safe?

Challenger banks are digital-first institutions — examples include Monzo, Revolut, and N26 across Europe, Chime and SoFi in the US, and neobanks like STC Pay in the Gulf. They're generally safe — most are FSA-regulated and offer the same deposit protection as traditional banks — but check the specific licence before depositing large sums.

How long does it take to open a bank account?

Digital accounts typically open within 10–30 minutes once your identity is verified. Traditional bank accounts may take 1–5 working days after in-branch verification. International or business accounts sometimes take longer due to enhanced due diligence requirements.

Do bank accounts charge monthly fees?

Giraffy tracks 22 current account options across 19 banks in Japan. Many accounts are free; premium or packaged accounts charge a monthly fee and include benefits like travel insurance or breakdown cover. Filter by 'No Monthly Fee' to find free options.