English-Friendly Banks in Japan

Moving to Japan comes with plenty of exciting experiences—exploring different cities, trying new foods and diving into the culture. But one of the first things many foreigners fresh to Japan struggle with is opening a bank account. If you don’t speak Japanese fluently, navigating banking services can feel overwhelming.

The good news? While most traditional banks operate almost entirely in Japanese, a handful of banks cater to foreign residents by offering English-friendly services. Whether you need online banking in English or easy money transfers, here is everything you need to know about managing your finances in a foreign country.

The Banking Challenge for Foreigners in Japan

If you’ve ever walked into a Japanese bank hoping to open an account, you probably noticed right away that things work a little differently here. Most banks require paperwork in Japanese, a personal stamp (hanko) and a Japanese phone number. Some even require you to have lived in Japan for at least six months before allowing you to open an account.

Another major challenge is customer service. Many banks have little to no English support, meaning that if you need help, you’ll have to get by in Japanese. But not all banks are the same. A few have recognized the needs of foreign residents and offer English-friendly services.

The good news? A handful of banks in Japan understand the needs of foreigners and offer better support, including services in English. Let’s take a look at some of the best options.

Best Banks for Foreign Residents in Japan

SMBC Trust Bank (Prestia): Full-Service Banking in English

If you’re looking for a traditional bank that provides comprehensive English support, SMBC Trust Bank (Prestia) is a top choice. Unlike most Japanese banks, Prestia allows you to sign your documents by hand instead of using a hanko, which is a huge plus. They also offer English-speaking customer service both at select branches and through their phone support.

Prestia also provides excellent international banking services, making it a solid option for those who frequently send or receive money from abroad.

Best for: Those who need a full-service bank with strong English support.

SBI Shinsei Bank: The Most Foreigner-Friendly Bank in Japan

If you ask expats in Japan which bank they recommend, Shinsei is almost always at the top of the list. That’s because it has one of the most foreigner-friendly account-opening processes in the country.

With Shinsei, you don’t need a hanko, and you can complete most banking tasks in English, including online banking and customer service. There’s no minimum deposit, which makes it accessible to anyone, including students and new arrivals.

Another major plus? Their international money transfer options are easy to use, and their fee structure is straightforward, something that can’t always be said for traditional Japanese banks.

Best for: Expats looking for an easy-to-use bank with full English support.

Sony Bank: Digital Banking Made Easy

If you prefer a digital-first experience, Sony Bank is a great choice. Since it’s an online-only bank, there are no physical branches to visit, but its app and website are available in English, making everyday banking a breeze.

One of Sony Bank’s standout features is its multi-currency account, which lets you hold and exchange foreign currencies at competitive rates. It’s perfect for those who travel often or make international transactions.

The downside? Because it’s an online-only bank, if you prefer face-to-face service, this might not be the best fit.

Best for: Tech-savvy users who prefer online banking and travel frequently.

Seven Bank: The Most Convenient Everyday Bank

If you want convenience, Seven Bank is a great choice. While it doesn’t have the full services of a major bank, it offers English-friendly online banking and ATMs. 

Since Seven Bank is owned by 7-Eleven, you’ll find their ATMs on almost every street across the entire country. This makes Seven Bank perfect for basic everyday banking, such as cash withdrawals, deposits and transfers. It’s also a solid option for foreigners who only need a simple bank account without complex features.

Best for: Those who prioritize convenience and frequent ATM access.

Mizuho Bank: A Major Bank with Some English Support

As one of Japan’s biggest financial organizations, Mizuho Bank is a reliable option with a large network of branches and ATMs across the country. While not as foreigner-friendly as Shinsei or Prestia, Mizuho does have some English support at select branches, making it a reasonable choice for those who need a well-established bank. 

Best for: Those who want to bank with a major Japanese institution and don’t mind limited English support.

Which Bank is Right for You?

Choosing the right bank depends on what’s most important for you. If you want:

• The best overall foreigner-friendly experience: Go with Shinsei Bank
• A traditional bank with full English support: Choose SMBC Trust Bank (PRESTIA)
• A digital banking experience with multi-currency support: Try Sony Bank 
• A convenient bank with tons of ATMs: Seven Bank is a good choice
• A major Japanese bank with some English support: Look at Mizuho Bank

Opening a bank account in Japan as a foreigner doesn’t have to be stressful, you just need to choose the right bank. Whether you want full English support, easy international transfers or just a simple way to manage your money, these banks can meet your needs.