ItinerariesJapanese Banking Apps: Best Digital Banks for Foreigners
By Tour in Japan editors · Updated
Digital banking in Japan is growing. Here are the best apps for managing your money.
Digital banking in Japan is growing. Here are the best apps for managing your money.
Top Digital Banking Options
Japan Post Bank App
| Feature | Details |
|---|
| English | ✅ Yes |
| Transfers | ✅ Yes |
| Balance check | ✅ Yes |
| ATM locator | ✅ Yes |
| Bill pay | ✅ Yes |
Shinsei Bank (Direct Banking)
| Feature | Details |
|---|
| English | ✅ Excellent |
| Transfers | ✅ Yes (free between Shinsei) |
| Balance check | ✅ Yes |
| ATM locator | ✅ Yes |
| International transfers | ✅ Easy |
Rakuten Bank
| Feature | Details |
|---|
| English | ⚠️ Limited |
| Transfers | ✅ Yes (free between Rakuten) |
| Balance check | ✅ Yes |
| ATM locator | ✅ Yes |
| Integration | ✅ Rakuten ecosystem |
PayPay (QR Payment)
| Feature | Details |
|---|
| English | ✅ Yes |
| QR payments | ✅ Yes |
| Transfers | ✅ Yes |
| Cashback | ✅ Yes |
| Accepted | ✅ Widely |
App Features
Basic Features
| Feature | What It Does |
|---|
| Balance check | View your balance |
| Transfers | Send money to others |
| ATM locator | Find nearby ATMs |
| Bill pay | Pay utilities, taxes |
| History | View transactions |
Advanced Features
| Feature | What It Does |
|---|
| QR payments | Scan to pay |
| Auto-pay | Set up recurring payments |
| International transfers | Send money abroad |
| Investment | Buy stocks, funds |
Tips
- Download before arriving — set up while you still have home number
- Link to bank account — required for full functionality
- Set up auto-pay — for utilities and phone
- Use QR payments — growing acceptance
- Check fees — some transfers have charges
- Keep app updated — for security
- Use strong password — protect your account
- Back up recovery info — in case you lose your phone
📱Stay Connected in Japan
Yesim eSIMs work on arrival — no physical SIM needed. Japan data plans from $5.
