Banking Services
Banking services including deposits and savings, direct payment for utility bills, automatic debit transfer for credit card, remittance, etc. are all handled at banks and post offices (yucho ginko). Banks are normally open 9:00-15:00, while banking services at post offices are open 9:00-16:00. Although banks are usually closed on weekends and holidays, there are some that are open in the evening and on weekends.
As long as you have your cash card, cash deposits and withdrawals are both available via automatic teller machines (ATM) or cash dispensers. In addition, financial institutions also offer online banking services on the Internet or through the web on your cell phone.
Types of Banks
Banks in Japan primarily consist of major city banks such as Mizuho Bank, Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation—that have head offices in large cities like Tokyo and branch offices across the nation—and regional banks including Fukuoka Bank, Nishi-Nippon City Bank, among others that provide financial services in specified prefectures or regions in the country. Although city bank branches are only available in prefectural capitals and regional bank branches are almost never available in other regions, you can still make cash deposits and withdrawals at their affiliated financial institutions or at ATMs in convenience stores. Likewise, for postal banking, since there are thousands of small and large branches of postal offices scattered across the country, cash deposits and withdrawals can be easily made anywhere in the country including affiliate financial institutions and convenience store ATMs. Moreover, in recent years, an increasing number of “Internet banks” such as “Sony Bank” and “Seven Bank” are providing cash deposit and withdrawal services at their allied banks or convenience store ATMs, without the establishment of any branches or reception desks. Regarding the service fees of ATM transactions, please consult with your respective financial institution.
Opening an Account
When opening an account at banks or post offices, you will need to fill out an account application form in which case you will need a form of ID such as your alien registration card or something that verifies your current address in Japan, as well as your personal seal. Upon successfully opening your account, you will receive a bank book in which the history of your deposits will be recorded. If you wish to apply for a cash card (credit card types are also available), you will need to register a four-digit PIN. Opening your bank account and applying for your cash card are both free.
* Signatures can also be used in place of personal seals; however, keep in mind that you will only be able to withdraw at your branch and nowhere else.
As personal seals are required for conducting various procedures including banking services in Japan, it is convenient to have your own seal custom-made to facilitate your day-to-day business in the city.
Cash Card Machines
There are two types of cash card machines: the CD (cash dispenser) and the ATM(Automated Teller Machine); the latter type not only allows deposits, but also allows withdrawals, passbook updates, and bank transfers, among other transactions. In addition to those cash machines installed at the head office and branches of banks and post offices, they are also available inside department stores, shopping centers, convenience stores, etc., but keep in mind that the service hours for each machine vary greatly and fees may be levied depending on the time of your transaction.
Although major cash cards can be used at ATMs in 24-hour convenience stores for withdrawing cash early in the morning or late at night, bear in mind that each financial institution has different service hours and service fees. To get better acquainted with the precise information of your cash card service, consult your financial institution
Cash Withdrawals with Foreign Cash Cards or Credit Cards
While it is possible to withdraw cash using a cash card issued overseas, it may only be allowed on ATMs that are compatible with your card. For more information, please consult your financial institution or credit card companies.
Cash Withdrawals and Deposits
When making cash withdrawals at bank counters, the personal seal that you used for opening your account will be required. While you can easily withdraw cash using your cash cards through the ATM or CD, keep in mind that the maximum withdrawal amount per transaction or per day is usually limited. For more information, contact your financial institution. Also note that the ATM does not allow direct transfers of cash amounting to 100,000 yen or more to another account. If you are transferring such amount, you will need to show your ID at the counter and take the necessary procedures.
Sending Money
Both post offices and banks provide several domestic and overseas remittance services. However, as each financial institution varies in commission fee and handles services differently, it is best to consult your financial institution for finding ways to send your money overseas. An identity verification document such as an alien registration card is required for conducting domestic and foreign remittance that amounts to 100,000 yen or more.
＜Types of Remittance＞
|
Banks |
Domestic |
Money Transfer：transferring funds to another account |
|
Overseas |
Bank Check: have the bank issue a bank check, then mail to the addressee who will exchange it into cash at a bank. |
|
|
Post Offices |
Domestic |
Registered postal cash envelope: purchase the envelope for 20 yen at your post office, enclose your cash and send it to the addressee. Make sure to post it via the counter and not through the mail box. Postal Money Order: have your post office issue a postal money order and send it to the addressee who will then exchange it into cash at a post office. |
|
Overseas |
Koza-ate remittance: transferring funds to the receiver’s account via cash |
* Note that commission fees vary by banks. Inquire at your financial institution for more details.
*Japan Post Bank Co., Ltd. （Yucho Bank） http://www.jp-bank.japanpost.jp/
Foreign Currency Exchange
While you can exchange foreign currency at major banks and post offices, depending on the type of currency you are seeking, some outlets may not have it in stock and may not be able to exchange it for you right away. Essentially, it is the best to visit the head office of your bank or the central post office in the city when seeking a variety of foreign currencies. When exchanging a large sum or minor currency, contact a local financial institution to find out whether such exchange is possible.
Currency Exchange Offices on Weekends and Holidays
＜Fukuoka City Downtown＞
◇Fukuoka Bank, Tenjincho Branch, Currency Exchange Office
1-6-8, Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
Tenjin Twin Bldg. (1F)
TEL: 092-733-2013
Open: 9:00－17:00 everyday
（except for national holidays landing on weekdays, substitute holidays, and Dec. 31-Jan.3）
◇NCB Alpha Tenjin
2-5-28 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
Nishi-Nippon City Bank, Daimyo Branch, 4F
Tel: 092-771-9002
Weekday: 9:00-18:00
Weekend and national holidays: 9:00-17:00（except for 12/31-1/3、5/3-5/5）
＜Fukuoka Airport＞
◇Fukuoka Bank
Domestic Terminal 2, BF1
Ｔel: 092-611-5961
International terminal
Ｔel: 092-477-0377
◇Nishi-Nippon City Bank
Domestic Terminal 2, BF1
Tel: 092-622-9002
◇Post Office
Domestic Terminal 1, 1F
Tel: 092-621-5419
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