If you are a foreign resident in Japan looking for a reliable, fully online bank account, Rakuten Bank is one of the most popular choices available. With no monthly fees, a convenient smartphone app, and integration with the broader Rakuten ecosystem, it has become a go-to option for many expats and long-term residents. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about opening and using Rakuten Bank as a foreigner in Japan.
Why Foreign Residents Choose Rakuten Bank
Rakuten Bank is one of Japan's leading internet banks, meaning you handle everything online — no branch visits required. For foreigners who may feel intimidated by in-person banking procedures in Japanese, this is a significant advantage. Here are some of the key reasons it stands out:
- Fully online application — apply from your smartphone or computer at any time
- No monthly account maintenance fee (confirm the latest fee structure on the official site)
- Rakuten Points integration — earn points on transactions and account activity if you use other Rakuten services
- Wide ATM network — use convenience store ATMs including 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson
- Salary and direct debit support — accepted by most Japanese employers for salary deposits
- Linked services — easily connect to Rakuten Card, Rakuten Pay, and Rakuten Securities
Can Foreigners Open a Rakuten Bank Account?
Yes, foreign nationals residing in Japan can apply for a Rakuten Bank account. However, there are some important eligibility conditions to be aware of:
- You must be a resident of Japan with a valid residence card (zairyu card)
- You must have a registered Japanese address
- You must have a Japanese phone number (a Japanese SIM is typically required for SMS verification)
- Applicants must be aged 18 or over to apply independently
- Your visa status and length of residence may be reviewed as part of the application
Unlike many traditional Japanese banks that informally expect applicants to have lived in Japan for around six months, Rakuten Bank does not publish a strict minimum residence period. That said, very new arrivals are sometimes declined. If you have just arrived in Japan and need a financial account urgently, consider using Wise as a temporary solution — it is a licensed e-money service that gives you real account details and lets you hold, receive, and convert Japanese yen alongside other currencies while you establish your residency.
What You Need to Apply
Prepare the following before you start your Rakuten Bank application. Having everything ready helps avoid delays or rejections:
- Residence card (zairyu card) — both front and back, clear photos required
- Japanese address — must match your residence card exactly
- Japanese phone number — used for SMS verification during signup
- Email address — for account notifications and correspondence
- My Number Card or other supplementary ID — may be requested in some cases
- Personal seal (hanko) — not always required for the online application, but good to have on hand
Note: a data SIM or an overseas phone number is generally not accepted for the SMS verification step. If you do not yet have a Japanese SIM card, providers such as GTN Mobile cater specifically to foreign residents and can be obtained with a residence card, sometimes even without a credit history.
Step-by-Step: How to Open Your Rakuten Bank Account
Step 1 — Visit the Rakuten Bank website
Go to the official Rakuten Bank website and select the account opening option. The application is available in Japanese, so having a browser with translation support (such as Google Chrome's auto-translate feature) is helpful.
Step 2 — Create a Rakuten ID or log in
If you already use Rakuten Ichiba or another Rakuten service, you can log in with your existing Rakuten ID. If not, you will register a new ID at this step.
Step 3 — Fill in your personal information
Enter your name, date of birth, address, nationality, and visa status exactly as they appear on your residence card. Any mismatch can delay or cancel your application.
Step 4 — Upload your identity documents
Take clear, well-lit photos of both sides of your residence card using your smartphone. Blurry or cropped images are a common reason for rejection, so take care here.
Step 5 — Complete SMS verification
A one-time password will be sent to your Japanese phone number. Enter it within the time limit to verify your identity.
Step 6 — Wait for review and card delivery
After submitting your application, Rakuten Bank will review it. If approved, your cash card will be mailed to your registered Japanese address. Delivery typically takes around one to two weeks, though this can vary. Check the official site for current processing times.
Fees and ATM Access at a Glance
Rakuten Bank's fee structure is one of its most attractive features, but fees do change over time. The table below summarises the general structure — always confirm the latest on the official Rakuten Bank website before making decisions.
| Item | General Guide |
|---|---|
| Monthly maintenance fee | None (confirm on official site) |
| ATM withdrawal fee | Varies by transaction count and account tier; free withdrawals available under certain conditions |
| Domestic transfer fee | Fee applies; reduced or waived based on account tier — check official site |
| International transfer | Not directly available; use a service like Wise or Remitly for overseas remittance |
For sending money overseas to family, Rakuten Bank itself does not offer international wire transfers in the traditional sense. Third-party services such as Wise or Remitly can be linked to your Rakuten Bank account for outbound international transfers at competitive rates.
Tips to Improve Your Approval Chances
- Make sure your registered address on your residence card is up to date before applying
- Use your name exactly as it appears on your residence card — no abbreviations
- Apply with a Japanese SIM that can receive SMS, not a data-only SIM
- If you are a very new arrival and get declined, wait a few months and try again, or consider Japan Post Bank (Yucho Bank), which is often more accessible for newcomers
- Keep the email address you register active — Rakuten sends important notifications there
Summary: Is Rakuten Bank Right for You?
Rakuten Bank is an excellent choice for foreign residents in Japan who want a modern, fee-friendly bank account they can manage entirely from their phone. The online application process removes many of the language and logistical barriers associated with traditional branch-based banks. As long as you have a valid residence card, a Japanese address, and a Japanese phone number, you have a solid foundation for a successful application.
If you are brand new to Japan and not yet eligible, remember that options like Yucho Bank (Japan Post Bank) are often more accessible for early arrivals, and Wise can serve as a practical interim account while you get settled. Once you do open your Rakuten Bank account, it can become a central hub for your finances in Japan — from receiving your salary to earning points on everyday spending.
Take it one step at a time, prepare your documents carefully, and you will be well on your way to having a fully functional Japanese bank account. Good luck — you have got this.