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Banks and ATMs in Japan

Opening an account and withdrawing money in Japan has a few differences from what you may be used to. Prepare your documents and learn the ATM buttons.

Banks and ATMs in Japan
  • Opening an account usually requires a residence card, a Japanese address, and sometimes a seal or signature.
  • The main ATM buttons are withdraw, deposit, check balance, and transfer.
  • Never tell your PIN to a stranger on the phone; banks do not ask for it over the phone.

Opening an account

Once you start living in Japan, you need a bank account for your salary and rent.

When opening an account, bring your residence card, passport, and something that shows your address.

Some banks require a seal, so check beforehand.

If you have just arrived in Japan, some banks will not open an account until you have lived there about half a year.

When it is done, you receive a passbook and a cash card.

The PIN is four digits and you must not tell it to anyone.

Using an ATM

ATMs are found not only in banks but also in stations and convenience stores.

Usually four buttons appear on the screen.

To take money out, press “Withdrawal”; to put money in, press “Deposit”.

To see your balance, choose “Balance inquiry”; to send money to someone, choose “Transfer”.

Insert the card, enter your PIN, and the amount screen appears.

At night or on holidays a fee may apply, so look at the screen carefully.

When you finish, do not forget to take your card and money.

When you want to send money abroad, say “I'd like to send money overseas” at the bank counter and they will explain.

Many bank counters are open only until around three in the afternoon on weekdays, so go early.

Staying safe

If a stranger phones and tells you to send money, you must not believe it right away.

A bank employee will never ask for your PIN or card over the phone.

If something seems wrong, hang up and talk to family, friends, or the police.

Words in this article

銀行ぎんこう
bank
口座こうざ
bank account
通帳つうちょう
passbook
暗証番号あんしょうばんごう
PIN
残高ざんだか
balance
手数料てすうりょう
service fee
振り込みふりこみ
transfer
相談そうだん
consultation