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.

Bank staff provide the furikomi form at the counter. You do not need to bring your own copy or print one in advance.

Forms vary slightly between banks, so ask a staff member for the correct one. 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 by bank and the transfer amount. Counter fees at major Japanese banks commonly range from 146 yen to 990 yen.

Check your specific bank's fee schedule before you visit the branch. Fees differ across financial institutions and change from time to time.

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 0 yen and 440 yen. The exact fee depends on the bank, the transfer amount, and whether you transfer within the same bank or to a different one.

Cash transfers at an ATM are capped at 100,000 yen per transaction. This limit exists under Japan's anti-money-laundering identity verification law, not because of a phone number requirement.

Use your cash card instead of cash if you need to send more than 100,000 yen at an ATM.

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.

Internet-only banks often work differently. Many give account holders a set number of free transfers to other banks each month, based on account activity or balance.

Rakuten Bank, SBI Sumishin Net Bank, and Sony Bank are common examples. Check each bank's own tier rules, since free transfer counts can change.

Additionally, some banks offer discounted or free sending fees at higher account tiers. SBI Shinsei Bank, formerly known as Shinsei Bank, offers a set number of free transfers to other banks each month for qualifying accounts.

This applies to the fee the sender pays, not a separate receiving fee. Japanese banks do not charge a fee to receive a domestic furikomi.

Below, we listed the major Japanese banks and transfer fees.

Bank counter transfer fees

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

Bank Name	Fee for Transfers Within Same Bank	Fee for Transfers to Different Banks	Fee for Transfers Over ¥30,000
Mitsubishi UFJ Bank	¥880	¥990	¥990
SMBC (Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation)	¥880	¥990	¥990
Mizuho Bank	¥880	¥990	¥990
Yucho (Japan Post Bank)	¥146	¥660	¥880 (For transfers over ¥50,000)

ATM transfer fees

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

Bank Name	Fee for Transfers Within Same Bank	Fee for Transfers to Different Banks	Fee for Transfers Over ¥30,000
Mitsubishi UFJ Bank	¥110	¥275	¥275
SMBC (Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation)	¥0	¥165	¥275
Mizuho Bank	¥220	¥270	¥330
Yucho (Japan Post Bank)	¥100	¥220	¥440 (For transfers over ¥50,000)

Online banking fees

Here are bank transfer fees when you do it online.

Bank Name	Same Bank Transfer	Different Bank Transfer	Transfer Over ¥30,000
Mitsubishi UFJ Bank	¥0	¥154	¥220
SMBC	¥0	¥154	¥220
Mizuho Bank	¥0	¥110	¥110
Yucho (Japan Post Bank)	¥0 (up to 5 times a month)	¥165	¥165 (for transfers over ¥50,000)

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

• PayPal: convenient if you already use it, though fees tend to run higher and transfer limits are lower for personal accounts

• OFX: a currency exchange service that sends money directly to a Japanese bank account, often at competitive rates for larger transfers

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:

Bank	SWIFT Code
Mitsubishi UFJ Bank (MUFG)	BOTKJPJT
SMBC (Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation)	SMBCJPJT
Mizuho Bank	MHCBJPJT
Yucho (Japan Post Bank)	JPPSJPJ2

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.

Receiving an international transfer into a Japan Post Bank account

Japan Post Bank still accepts incoming transfers from abroad. You can receive them directly into a regular savings or transfer account.

Give the sender your account details and the correct SWIFT code: JPPSJPJ2. Japan Post Bank changed this code in September 2025, so double-check it if you have an older document.

Japan Post Bank does not charge its own fee to receive the transfer. An intermediary bank along the route usually takes a small cut instead, often around 10 US dollars or 5 euros.

Confirm the current code and any other requirements on the Japan Post Bank website before you share your account details with a sender.

Japan Post international remittance

Japan Post Bank no longer offers international remittance at post office counters. It ended this counter service in August 2025.

Japan Post now sends money abroad only through a separate online service called Yucho International Money Transfer. You apply through a website or app, not at a bank branch.

This service charges a flat sending fee of ¥3,000 per transfer. Exchange rates and extra bank fees from the receiving financial institution can add to this cost.

This makes Japan Post a less competitive option than Wise or Remitly for most transfers. Compare the total cost before you choose a remittance service.

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: Check the name that appears on screen

Most banks show you the account holder's name after you enter the account number. Check that this name matches who you intend to pay.

This name-matching step exists to catch errors before money moves. It also makes it harder to send funds to the wrong person by mistake.

Tip #4: 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.

Tip #5: Expect limited English support in banking apps

Most major Japanese banks offer online banking apps and websites. Many of these are Japanese-only, or offer only partial English support.

Screenshot the furikomi steps in this guide before you start. It can help you match Japanese menu terms to what you see on screen.

Can I use a mobile payment app instead of furikomi?

Yes. PayPay and au PAY both let you send money to another person without a bank counter or ATM visit.

PayPay

PayPay lets you send balance to another PayPay user for free. Both of you need the app, but only the sender needs identity verification to unlock this feature.

Withdrawing PayPay balance to a Japanese bank account has its own fee. PayPay Bank withdrawals are always free. Most other banks charge around 100 yen per withdrawal, with some banks offering a few free withdrawals each month.

au PAY

au PAY also supports person-to-person transfers, once you verify your identity or link an au Jibun Bank account. Each transfer is capped at 50,000 yen, with a 50,000 yen monthly sending limit and a 200,000 yen monthly receiving limit.

A note on LINE Pay

LINE Pay's money transfer service in Japan closed in April 2025. It is no longer a furikomi alternative.

LINE and PayPay now share account features instead. You can send money through a LINE chat, but PayPay handles the actual transfer behind the scenes.

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–¥220 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 and Remitly offer options that do not require a full Japanese bank account. Japan Post's international service now requires an existing Japan Post Bank account and works only through its own app.

Is furikomi the same as direct debit?

No. Furikomi is a transfer you start yourself, each time you want to send money.

Direct debit (口座振替, kouza furikae) works the opposite way. A business automatically withdraws money from your account on a set schedule, such as monthly rent or utility bills.

Many recurring Japanese bills use direct debit instead of furikomi. Check your bill or contract to see which method applies.

Why do I need to convert my Yucho account number for a furikomi from another bank?

Japan Post Bank (Yucho) uses its own account format. It uses a symbol (記号) and number (番号) instead of a standard branch code and account number.

Other banks cannot use this format directly. You need to convert it into a branch code and account number first.

Japan Post Bank's official website has a free tool for this conversion. Give the converted branch code and account number to whoever is sending you money.

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. It works like a wire transfer, but through Japan's own banking network instead of the international SWIFT network.

This network is called the Zengin System (全銀システム). It connects nearly every bank in Japan and lets money move between different banks in near real time, often within the same business day.

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.

Can I use Zelle to send money to Japan?

No. Zelle only works between US bank accounts.

Both the sender and the recipient need a US bank account and a US phone number. There is no way around this requirement, even with a VPN.

To send money to Japan, use a service built for international transfers, such as Wise, Remitly, or Western Union.

In closing

Japan's government aimed to raise cashless payments to about 40% of transactions by 2025. Japan reached this goal early, hitting roughly 43 to 46% by 2024 and 2025.

The government's next goal is 80% cashless payments, on its domestic measurement basis. No fixed deadline is set yet, though the government aims to reach it as early as possible.

Furikomi remains a key part of this shift, alongside cards and mobile payment apps.

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.