Hello, I need to open a bank account until this friday (need to be able to pay on that day, either with my phone or with a bank card).
I don‘t have a seal and I‘ve only been in Japan for less than a month (will stay a year).
Any bank where I can open a bank account quickly and start using my phone to pay right now (instead of waiting for my bank card to arrive) would be welcome.
My employer told me that they would prefer if I had a smbc Bank account. I applied online a few days ago, but got a message right now, that my application was rejected, because I was in Japan for less than 6 months (even though I literally applied at the field for foreigners who have been in Japan for less than 6 months).
I‘d like to try it again, but since they already took so long this time, I don‘t wanna risk it.
I at least want to try opening a bank account quickly. But if that doesn‘t work, can I get my first paycheck in cash? Is that something normal to ask here and should I tell my employer right now in advance, or wait and see if I can open my account quickly enough?
Thanks for every advice and help, I really need it!
7 comments
Shinsei is pretty good ! I got my cash card the same day.
You need to get your employer to come with you to open the bank account, and/or show proof of employment. Someone from my company went with me to JP Bank (not the best option, but at the time it was easiest), and I think we got the account open that same day. Bank card came in the mail 2 weeks later, but I’m pretty sure I was able to deposit & withdraw immediately.
shinsei bank is my recommendation aswell. you could get your card in about a week even though their google reviews are bad(in tokyo) they are very foreigner friendly.
Registered hanko can be done in few hours, first donki to use their hanko vending/engraving machine, then City Hall to register and get a registration certificate.
I think you don’t actually need a hanko, ymmv.
Opening a bank acct at smbc can be done in a few hours on site if you ask your company hr first to call and book the appointment and then come with you for the appointment.
SMBC worked for me, took an hour. I got a letter proving my employment and went to the branch across the road from the office.
Took over a week to get the visa debit card as they need to be printed and mailed. But I think they can give passbook on the day.
You must select that you need the account for receiving salary, NOT for living expenses. You cannot have the account for living expenses if you’ve been in japan less than six mo.
I just opened my yuucho ginkou account and it took one week till I received my atm card. I received my passbook at the same day I created my account. Btw, I’ve only been in Japan for 3 month and there was no problem creating it.
In addition to what others have said; if you open a bank account in person you’ll be issued a pass book same day. You can use the pass book to withdraw cash from your bank’s ATM, so you’ll have access to your money. ATM cards are usually mailed to you at a later date since they need to print your name on it. (Though I feel like my ATM card was issued same day. Not sure if I’m misremembering though). Note that an ATM card is different from a debit card – it can only be used to withdraw cash at ATMs, not to pay for things. If you want a debit card, you may need to apply for one separately depending on your bank