Great question! If you’re an expat or foreigner living in Japan, the best and most English-friendly banks are:
🇯🇵 Best Banks for Expats & English Support in Japan (2025)
1. Shinsei Bank
- The top choice for most foreigners!
- Full English online banking, ATMs, website, and customer service.
- English application forms, easy account opening for foreigners (including students, workers).
- No need for Japanese “inkan” (stamp); signature is enough.
- Reasonable fees, good remittance options.
2. Prestia (SMBC Trust Bank)
- Strong English support at most branches (especially in big cities).
- English online banking, ATMs, customer hotline.
- Accepts expats, but some branches require a work contract/residence card.
- Good for overseas remittance, multi-currency accounts.
3. Japan Post Bank (JP Bank / ゆうちょ銀行)
- Accepts most foreigners and short-term residents.
- Some English at major branches, and English ATM instructions.
- Lower fees and the widest ATM network in Japan.
- Limited English for online/mobile banking, but in-person support at city branches is helpful.
4. Seven Bank
- Simple to open, with English instructions at ATMs.
- English website and customer service.
- Great for foreign card withdrawals and online banking.
- No “passbook” needed; all digital.
Other Notes:
- Mizuho, SMBC, and MUFG are the biggest Japanese “megabanks.” Some Tokyo branches offer English, but online and mobile banking is mostly Japanese.
- Rakuten Bank, Sony Bank offer online accounts, but English support is very limited—better for advanced users comfortable with Japanese.
Summary Table
| Bank | English Support | Expat Friendly | Notes |
| ----------------- | --------------- | -------------- | ------------------------------ |
| Shinsei Bank | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | #1 for most expats |
| Prestia (SMBC TB) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Best for multi-currency |
| JP Bank | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Easy, but less digital |
| Seven Bank | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Digital, easy, ATMs everywhere |
For most English speakers, Shinsei Bank is the clear favorite for ease of use, English support, and international friendliness.
Prestia is a strong option if you need multi-currency or do a lot of international transfers.
Need tips for opening a bank account or sending money overseas from Japan? Just ask!