In writing another blog about the money transfer app Wise, I realized that many expats might be eager to try it out but are hesitant because they’re unfamiliar with doing a bank transfer in Japan (furikomi). While many ATMs in Japan now offer English menus, the translations usually cover only the most common services such as withdrawals and deposits.

A wire transfer might have you confronting the dreaded Japanese side of the menu, which can be confusing – unless you read this guide first and approach the ATM armed with all the information you need.

Before Making a Bank Transfer in Japan

Before heading out to make a bank transfer in Japan, ensure you have the following details about the account you are transferring money to (note that you don’t have to memorize this information; just jot it down on a piece of paper or on your smartphone).

• 銀行名 (ginkou-mei) / 金融機関名 (kin’yuukkan-mei) – Name of the bank or financial institution (e.g., Japan Post, MUFG, Mizuho).
• 支店名 (shiten-mei) – Name of the bank branch.
• 口座科目 (kouza kamoku) – Account type:
  • 普通 (futsuu) – Regular account.
  • 当座 (touza) – Current (checking) account.
  • 貯蓄 (chochiku) – Savings account.
• 口座番号 (kouza bango) – Receiver’s seven-digit bank account number.
• 口座名義 (kouza meigi) – Name of the account you are transferring money to.

Make sure to bring your cash card and remember that most banks have a cut-off time at 3 PM on weekdays. Transfers made before 3 PM on business days will go through on the same day, while those made after the cut-off or on weekends will go through on the next business day. Knowing these details will help you smoothly complete a bank transfer in Japan.

Step-by-Step Guide to Doing a Bank Transfer in Japan Using Your Cash Card

Keep in mind that depending on the bank’s ATM you use, there might be slight variations in the words and process. For this guide, I chose to use 7-Eleven’s ATM because it’s widely accessible. This guide should also be helpful for other banks’ ATMs when doing a bank transfer in Japan.

1. Insert your ATM card to access the banking options screen.
2. Choose カード振込 (Card Furikomi) from the list of options (2nd from the top on the right). On other ATMs, you might see お振り込み (Ofurikomi), お振込 (Ofurikomi), or ご送金 (Gosoukin) when doing a bank transfer in Japan.
3. The next screen warns you about possible fraud. If you’re not being swindled, press いいえ/Confirm to proceed.
4. The display explains the fees for sending money. If you agree with the fees, press the 確認 (Kakunin)/Confirm button.
5. Enter your PIN and the amount you want to send. Press the 円 (Yen) button on the keypad, then 確認 (Kakunin)/Confirm on the screen.
6. If you’ve made a transfer before, saved accounts will show. For first-time users doing a bank transfer in Japan, press 新しい振込先 (Atarashii Furikomisaki) to enter new account details.
7. Choose the bank or financial institution you are sending money to. Use the その他金融機関 option to see more banks.
8. Enter the bank branch name in katakana. For example, 恵比寿 (Ebisu) is エビス. Use the 次へ (Tsugi he) button if needed.
9. Select the account type.
10. Enter the receiver’s bank account number.
11. Enter your phone number with hyphens for security.
12. Review the summary of your transfer details and press 確認 (Kakunin)/Confirm.
13. Choose whether to save the transfer receiver’s information for future use.
14. Decide if you want to make another transfer or finish the transaction.

Congratulations! You have successfully completed a bank transfer in Japan using an ATM.

Final Thoughts on Bank Transfers in Japan

Completing a bank transfer in Japan might seem daunting at first, but with the right information and this step-by-step guide, you can handle it confidently. Whether you’re sending money to friends, family, or for business purposes, knowing how to navigate the ATM process will make your life a lot easier.

Thinking about getting a credit card in Japan? Learn the best and easiest way to to so with this guide to getting a Rakuten credit card. For more tips and guides on living and thriving in Japan, be sure to check out my other blog posts. Happy transferring!