What Is SBI Remit and Who Is It For?
If you are a foreign resident in Japan looking for a reliable way to send money home, SBI Remit is one of the most popular options available. Operated by SBI Remit Co., Ltd. — part of the well-established SBI Group — it is a licensed money transfer service regulated in Japan, designed specifically to help people send money overseas from Japan quickly and at a reasonable cost.
This guide walks you through how SBI Remit works, what you need to get started, and how to compare it with other services so you can make an informed choice. Fees, exchange rates, and supported countries can change, so always confirm the latest details on the official SBI Remit website or app before you send.
Supported Countries and Payout Methods
SBI Remit supports transfers to a large number of countries across Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Americas, Europe, and beyond. Popular destination countries include the Philippines, Vietnam, China, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Brazil, and the United States, among many others.
Depending on the destination country, payout options may include:
- Bank deposit — funds sent directly to the recipient's bank account
- Cash pickup — recipient collects cash at a partner agent location
- Home delivery — available in select countries
- Mobile wallet — available in select countries
Not every method is available in every country. Check the SBI Remit website to confirm which payout options exist for your specific destination before registering.
What Does It Cost? Fees and Exchange Rates Explained
This is the most important section to understand. The true cost of any international transfer is not just the transfer fee — it is the combination of:
- The transfer fee (flat fee or percentage charged per transaction)
- The exchange-rate margin (the difference between the mid-market rate and the rate you actually receive)
SBI Remit's fee structure and exchange rates vary by destination country, payout method, and transfer amount. Some corridors — such as transfers to the Philippines via specific payout partners — have historically offered competitive rates or even zero transfer fees, but this can change with promotions or policy updates.
Always check the live quote inside the SBI Remit app or website before confirming a transfer. Enter the exact amount you want to send and compare the rate shown against the mid-market rate (which you can find on Google or XE.com) to understand the real total cost.
What You Need to Register
To open an SBI Remit account, you generally need to be a foreign national residing in Japan with a valid residence status. The typical required documents are:
- Residence card (在留カード, Zairyu Card) — your primary identification
- Japanese bank account — to fund your transfers (a bank account at a Japanese bank such as a megabank, Japan Post Bank, or a net bank)
- A smartphone to download the SBI Remit app
- Your personal details: name, address, date of birth, nationality, and purpose of remittance
The registration process is completed online through the app and typically involves identity verification (eKYC). Have your residence card ready and make sure the details you enter exactly match what is printed on the card.
How to Send Money with SBI Remit: Step by Step
Step 1: Download the App and Register
Download the SBI Remit app from the App Store or Google Play. Tap "New Registration" and follow the on-screen steps. You will need to photograph your residence card and complete the identity verification process. Approval usually takes a short time, but allow up to a few business days if manual review is needed.
Step 2: Add Your Bank Account
Link the Japanese bank account you will use to fund transfers. SBI Remit supports many major Japanese banks. Follow the in-app instructions to register your account number and confirm ownership.
Step 3: Register Your Recipient
Add the person you are sending money to. You will need their full name (as it appears on their bank account or ID), their bank name, branch, and account number (for bank deposits), or their registered details for cash pickup. Double-check every digit — an error in account information can cause delays or failed transfers.
Step 4: Check the Live Quote
Before confirming anything, enter the amount you want to send and review the exchange rate and fee shown. Compare this with the current mid-market rate to understand the full cost. Only proceed if you are satisfied.
Step 5: Confirm and Send
Select your recipient, confirm the transfer details, and approve the transaction. Funds will be debited from your Japanese bank account. Keep the transaction confirmation for your records.
How Fast Are Transfers?
Transfer speed depends on the destination country and the payout method chosen. Some corridors support same-day or next-day delivery; others may take a few business days. Cash pickup is often faster than bank deposit. Check the estimated delivery time shown in the app for your specific transfer before sending.
How SBI Remit Compares to Other Options
| Service | Fee structure | Exchange rate | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| SBI Remit | Varies by corridor; some routes have low or zero fees | Varies; check live quote | Popular Asia corridors, cash pickup |
| Wise | Low transparent upfront fee | Mid-market rate (real rate) | Transparency, many currencies |
| Remitly | Promotional rates for first transfer; economy & express options | Varies by speed option | First-time senders, cash pickup |
| Japanese megabank wire | Usually high flat fees | Typically poor margin | Generally the most expensive option |
No single service is best for every situation. The right choice depends on your destination country, the payout method your recipient needs, transfer speed, and the total cost for your specific amount. Always compare a live quote from two or three services before sending.
Practical Tips for Foreign Residents
- Use the app's live quote, not the advertised headline rate. Rates change throughout the day.
- Register your recipient carefully. Mistakes in account details are the most common cause of failed or delayed transfers.
- Keep your residence card updated. An expired or renewed card may require you to update your account information before you can send.
- Understand the purpose of remittance field. You will be asked why you are sending money (for example, family support). Answer honestly — this is a legal requirement under Japanese anti-money-laundering regulations.
- Check sending limits. There are daily and monthly limits on how much you can send. If you need to send a large amount, verify the limits in advance.
Summary: Is SBI Remit Right for You?
SBI Remit is a legitimate, regulated, and widely used money transfer service for foreign residents in Japan. It is especially well-suited for people sending money to popular Asian destinations and those whose recipients prefer cash pickup. The registration process is done on your smartphone, and the app makes it straightforward to send money once your account is set up.
That said, the best service for your transfer depends on the destination, your recipient's needs, and the total cost on the day you send. Before every transfer, take two minutes to compare a live SBI Remit quote against at least one other service such as Wise or Remitly. Look at the total amount your recipient will actually receive — that is the number that matters most.
Getting your first transfer set up can feel daunting when you are new to Japan and navigating things in a second language. Take it one step at a time: gather your residence card, have your Japanese bank account details ready, and follow the in-app steps. Many thousands of foreign residents use these services every day — you can do this too.