Guide To Make A Bank Transfer in Japan

If you are planning to travel to Japan or live in Japan for your studies or work, at some point, you are going to need to do a Furikomi (bank transfer), be it to send to someone or purchase something. Moreover, some ATMs will not have English instructions if you want to take out cash.

If you plan to live in Japan long term, opening a Bank Account in Japan will make your life much easier. So, it’s best to be prepared on how you will move your money before you visit the Land of the Rising Sun.

In this article, we will show you how to make money transfers in Japan via ATM and online banking.

How To Make A Bank Transfer in Japan

As most of the locals in Japan speak only their native language, you will find that only a few speak English. As a result, almost everything, including books, billboards, menus, and important documents, is written in Japanese. So, if you want to wire money to someone from Japan, you will need a little help if you do not speak or read Japanese. Fret not, for we are here to guide you.

Things you will need to make a Furikomi –

• Name of the bank account holder
• Name of account holder’s bank (銀行 / ginkou)
• Bank branch name of the account holder (支店 / shiten)
• Bank account number of the account holder (口座番号 / kouza bangou)
• Type of account (普通 / futsuu)

Now, let’s move on to the steps to make money transfers in Japan –

1. You would most probably have the banking app on your device; if not, visit their website and log into your account.
2. Once opened, go to Furikomi (振込).
3. In the Ginkōmei (銀行名) field, put the name of the bank.
4. In the shiten (支店) field, enter the bank branch.
5. Kōza bangō is where you will need to enter the bank account number.
6. Now, under kōza kamoku (講座科目), you will have three options to choose the account type:
   Futsū (普通) – Ordinary
   Tōza (当座) – Checking
   Chochiku (貯蓄) – Savings
7. Then, enter the amount you have to send.
8. Before transferring the fund, you will likely be asked for confirmation to see if all the details you have entered are correct. In this case, if you are sure, you can proceed.

How To Transfer Money From An ATM

Now that we know how to make a bank transfer, let’s learn how to transfer money from Japan bank ATMs as not all banks have online banking services. Other ways to send money to people are via ATMs.

Things you will need For ATM Bank Transfer In Japan –

• Your cash card/ATM card
• Name of the bank account holder
• Name of account holder’s bank (銀行 / ginkou)
• Bank branch name of the account holder (支店 / shiten)
• Bank account number of the account holder (口座番号 / kouza bangou)
• Type of account (普通 / futsuu)

Follow the steps to transfer money through an ATM in Japan –

1. Visit the nearest bank ATM.
2. On the main screen, click Furikomi (振込).
3. You will be shown a screen where the machine will ask you whether you are transferring the fund to an unknown person or if your relatives asked you to send the fund. Click on あてはまる, if your answer is ‘Yes’ to both and for ‘No’, choose あてはまらない.
4. Many bank ATMs give several options but as you will use your ATM card to transfer the money, choose カード (transfer via cash card).
5. Next, insert your cash card in the slot given.
6. Enter your pin.
7. Then, choose the recipient’s bank, their bank branch and account type.
8. Type in the bank account number of the recipient.
9. Choose or type (depending on the options the ATM gives) the amount you want to send.
10. Once you are absolutely sure that you have entered the correct details, click Kakunin (確認)) to confirm and transfer.

How To Make Money Transfer From Japan To Another Country

If you want to transfer money from your Japanese bank account to an overseas account, one way is to visit your nearest bank in Japan. There, you will have to fill up forms and will also have to pay bank fees.

The most affordable and convenient way to do a bank transfer from your Japanese bank to an overseas account would be to use apps such as PayPal and WorldRemit. These money transfer apps will save you time and money.

Now that you know how to make money transfer via online banking, ATM and money transfer apps, we wish you a happy journey to the Land of the Rising Sun.

Until next time, Sayonara for now!