How to Make a Bank Transfer In Japan: An Easy Furikomi Guide

Need to make a bank transfer in Japan? 

Whether you're sending money to a friend, paying rent, making utility payments, or handling business transactions, knowing how to make a bank transfer—known as "furikomi"—is essential when living in Japan.

This guide will walk you through the steps, fees, and tips for transferring in Japan.

What is furikomi?

Furikomi (振り込み) is the Japanese word for making a bank transfer or payment. It is most commonly used to transfer money between Japanese bank accounts.

To make a domestic bank transfer, you will need the recipient's banking information, such as their account number and bank branch code.

How to bank transfer in Japan

Making a furikomi in Japan is quite easy once you know what everything means. This section mainly focuses on domestic bank transfers.

Method 1: At a bank counter

You can do a bank transfer in Japan to your bank account.

Before going, you should prepare the following bank account details and information:

• Recipient’s Bank Name (銀行名, ginkoumei): Know the bank name you are transferring money to.

• Branch Name (支店名, shitenmei): Know the specific branch of the recipient's bank.

• Account Type (口座種別, kouza shubetsu): Specify whether it is a savings account (普通, futsuu) or checking account (当座, touza).

• Account Number (口座番号, kouza bangou): The recipient's account number.

• Recipient’s Name (受取人名, uketorininmei): The full name of the person or business account receiving the transfer.

• Your Bankbook or Cash Card: Depending on your bank, you might need your bankbook (通帳, tsuuchou) or cash card (キャッシュカード, kyasshu kaado).

• Amount to Transfer: Have the exact amount ready, including any applicable fees.

Japan Post furikomi form (PDF )

You can obtain a furikomi form at the bank near the counters or request the paper from the bank staff. Fill out the required information on the form.

After filling out the furikomi form, bring it to the bank teller along with your bankbook or cash card. The staff will process the transaction and provide you with a receipt. Keep the receipt as proof of the transaction.

The transfer fee varies depending on your bank and the total amount being transferred. It might be between 300 yen and 990 yen.

Method 2: Using an ATM

In Japan, most ATMs, especially major bank ATMs at banks, convenience stores, and shopping centers, support bank transfers.

Insert your cash card into the ATM and select your preferred language if applicable.

On the main menu, select 振込 (furikomi) for bank transfers. Then, enter the receipt's banking information, such as:

• Bank Name (銀行名, ginkoumei): Choose the recipient's bank from a list.

• Branch Name (支店名, shitenmei): Select the branch where the recipient's account is held.

• Account Type (口座種別, kouza shubetsu): Choose between a savings account (普通, futsuu) or a checking account (当座, touza).

• Account Number (口座番号, kouza bangou): Enter the recipient's Japanese bank account number.

• Recipient's Name (受取人名, uketorininmei): Enter the recipient's name using katakana. Some ATMs may require you to enter the name in full width (全角).

Then, enter the transfer amount. The ATM screen may display the total, including transfer fees. Confirm the details and complete the transaction. The ATM will dispense a receipt.

ATM bank transfer fees can range between 275 yen and 880 yen, depending on the bank, time of day, and whether the transfer is to an account within the same bank or different financial institutions.

Method 3: Online banking

Log into your online banking platform on your desktop or mobile app. 

Find the section for transfer or 振込 (furikomi). This button can be found under the "Transfers" or "Payments" tab.

Enter your recipient's banking information, such as:

• Bank Name (銀行名, ginkoumei): Select the recipient's bank from a drop-down list.

• Branch Name (支店名, shitenmei): Select the specific branch where the recipient's account is held.

• Account Type (口座種別, kouza shubetsu): Choose the correct account type (savings or checking).

• Account Number (口座番号, kouza bangou): Input the recipient's account number.

• Recipient's Name (受取人名, uketorininmei): Enter the recipient's name, typically in katakana. Some banks might require specific input methods.

Enter the specific amount you want to transfer, and the input will show you the total, including any additional fees. Review and confirm the information. 

To complete, you may need to pass security steps such as a one-time password or a security token provided by your bank. Finalize the bank transfer and save the form as proof of the transfer.

Online bank transfers in Japan can cost between 0 yen and 220 yen, depending on whether you are transferring within the same bank or not.

Furikomi fees

Depending on your Japanese bank account and your chosen payment method, you might have to pay a fund transfer fee when sending your amount to another bank. 

So here are the most major Japanese banks and transfer fees.

Bank counter transfer fees

Here are the bank transfer fees when you do it at the bank counter.

ATM transfer fees

Here are the bank transfer fees when you do it at the ATM.

Online banking fees

Here are bank transfer fees when you do it online.

Note: Fees are based on standard rates as of 2026. Always confirm current fees on your bank's official website before transferring.

Source:

• Mitsubishi UFJ Bank official transfer fees

• SMBC official transfer fees

• Mizuho Bank official transfer fees

• Yucho (Japan Post Bank) official transfer fees

International transfers

Furikomi only works within Japan's domestic banking network. If you need to send money abroad or receive money from overseas, you'll need to use a separate international transfer service.

Sending money from Japan

Most major Japanese banks offer international wire transfers (海外送金, kaigai sōkin) directly from the counter or via online banking. However, bank wire transfers tend to be expensive — fees typically range from ¥2,500 to ¥5,000 per transfer, and the exchange rate applied is usually less favorable than the mid-market rate.

For better rates and lower fees, many people use dedicated international transfer services such as:

• Wise: sends money at the mid-market exchange rate with transparent fees, available online and via app

• Remitly: popular for sending money to Asia, the Philippines, and South Asia in particular

• Western Union: widely available, including at Japan Post locations

Receiving money from abroad

To receive an international wire transfer into your Japanese bank account, you will need to provide the sender with your bank's SWIFT code (also called a BIC code), your account number, and your bank's branch information. Here are the SWIFT codes for the four major banks covered in this guide:

Note: These are head office SWIFT codes. If a specific branch code is required, check your bank's official website or online banking portal, as branch-level codes may differ.

Alternatively, services like Wise allow you to receive money from overseas using local bank details in the sender's country, which can be faster and cheaper than a traditional wire transfer.

Japan Post international remittance

Japan Post offers its own international remittance service (国際送金) at post office counters, which can be a convenient option if you don't have access to online transfer services. Fees and supported countries vary, so check the Japan Post website for current details.

Tips when making a bank transfer in Japan

Tip #1: Know their name in katakana

Depending on their banking institution, their local bank account in Japan might be in katakana.

Tip #2: Double-check bank details

Also, double, if not triple, check all your recipient's banking information. One mistake can result in transferring to a different account or not transferring at all.

Tip #3: Be aware of transfer fees

Transfer fees vary depending on the bank, the total amount, and if the transfer is within the same bank. Knowing these fees can help you avoid unexpected costs and predict the total amount taken from your account.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a bank transfer take in Japan?

Transfers between accounts at the same bank in Japan are typically processed immediately or within the same business day. Transfers to a different bank generally take one to two business days, depending on the time of submission. Most banks in Japan have a same-day processing cutoff of around 3:00–3:30 PM. Transfers submitted after this time will be processed the following business day.

How much does a bank transfer cost in Japan?

Bank transfer fees in Japan vary by method and bank. Counter transfers typically cost ¥146–¥990 depending on the bank and transfer amount. ATM transfers range from ¥0–¥440. Online banking transfers are often the cheapest option, with many banks offering free same-bank transfers and charging ¥110–¥330 for transfers to other banks. The sender always pays the transfer fee unless otherwise agreed.

What happens if I enter the wrong account number for a furikomi?

If you enter the wrong account number when making a furikomi in Japan, the transfer may go to an unintended recipient or be rejected by the system. Contact your bank immediately if you realize the error — most banks have a process to attempt a recall, but recovery is not guaranteed if the recipient's account exists and accepts the funds. This is why double-checking all account details before confirming is essential.

Can I make a bank transfer in Japan without a Japanese bank account?

Most domestic furikomi transactions require a Japanese bank account. However, some convenience store payment systems (コンビニ払い) and cash-based transfer services allow you to send money without an account. For international transfers, services like Wise, Remitly, and Japan Post's international remittance service (国際送金) offer options that do not require a full Japanese bank account.

What information do I need to make a bank transfer in Japan?

To complete a furikomi in Japan, you need five pieces of information: the recipient's bank name (銀行名), branch name (支店名), account type (口座種別 — savings or checking), account number (口座番号), and the recipient's name in katakana (受取人名). Without all five, the transfer cannot be processed regardless of the method you use.

Is furikomi the same as a wire transfer?

Furikomi is Japan's domestic bank transfer system and functions similarly to a wire transfer, but it operates within Japan's domestic banking network (全銀システム, Zengin System) rather than international SWIFT networks. For sending money internationally from Japan, you would use a separate international wire transfer (海外送金) service, which involves different fees, processing times, and documentation requirements.

In closing

Making a bank transfer in Japan, or "furikomi," is straightforward once you understand the process. To avoid any issues, always double-check your information and keep a record of your transactions.