Bank Accounts
Table of Contents
About Bank Accounts
Opening a bank account allows you to make deposits, send money, receive remittances from abroad, automatically transfer utility bills, pay credit card bills, and exchange money.
If you want to receive scholarship or remuneration, you will need to open a bank account, as the payments are processed through bank transfer.
Most banks are open from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on weekdays, Monday through Friday. You can deposit or withdraw cash at any other time by using an ATM. However, fees will be charged if you use an ATM at a bank other than your own, or during certain hours. Recently, convenience stores and other places are increasingly installing ATMs.
When opening an account, it is convenient to apply for an ATM card as well. Usually, the following documents are required for its application:
- Passport
- National Health Insurance Card, Resident Card
- Certificate of Residence
- Seal *Some banks alternatively accept a signature, so please check in advance.
- Cash for deposit *Minimum amount varies depending on the bank, so please check in advance.
The following banks have ATMs on the UOsaka campuses:
Mitsubishi UFJ Bank
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
Japan Post Bank
Japanese Government Scholarship (MEXT) students and students who are to receive the scholarship must open an account at Japan Post Bank in order to receive the scholarship.
Opening a Japan Post Bank Account
Japan Post Bank accounts can be opened at post offices or through the JP Bank account opening app, dedicated smartphone app.
Opening an account at a bank (can be opened on the same day)
Fill in the online application form in advance and bring the printed form to a Japan Post Bank counter.
You will need to bring a resident card (with your address written on it) or a student ID card as identity document.
Bank counters do not always have staff who can speak foreign languages. If you are not confident in communicating in Japanese, we recommend that you go with someone who can speak Japanese.
Opening an account via a smartphone app (Takes about two weeks.)
You can apply to open a bank account via the official app of Japan Post Bank.
You will need a smartphone that can download the Japanese app and an email address that can be used in Japan.
Treatment of "Non-Resident" and "Resident"
Under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act, international students are considered "non-resident" by Japanese financial institutions for less than 6 months after entering Japan. Non-residents are subject to restrictions on certain financial transactions, such as money transfers between accounts. For instance, when transferring money from a "non-resident" account in Japan to another account in Japan, it is treated as an international transfer, and a high transaction fee may be incurred.
After 6 months have passed since entering Japan, international students residing in Japan can change their status from "non-resident" to "resident." For more information, please inquire at the counter of a financial institution of your choice.