Shinsei Bank is an absolute God-send for foreigners living in Japan on a long-term visa or permanent residency, and here’s why…
Shinsei Bank Makes Life Easy For Foreigners
After spending months trying to open a bank account in Japan (and failing miserably), I came across what I now believe to be the number one foreigner-friendly bank in Japan – Shinsei Bank.
We’ve all heard the stereotype of long processing times in Japan and the endless paperwork required to get what you want, but Shinsei Bank is a brilliant exception.
As a foreigner, opening up a bank account with the likes of Yuucho (Japan Post) Bank or Seven Bank (two of the most popular banks in Japan) requires you to have a visa that is not expiring within the next 3 months as well as a My Number Card which takes at least a month to acquire.
Shinsei Bank scraps this rule and makes life incredibly easy for foreigners, particularly Australians like myself on a working holiday visa that requires renewal every 6 months.
Not only was I able to bypass my lack of a My Number Card, but also was able to open up my bank account within 3 months of my visa expiring (which I had planned to renew anyway, but try telling that to the other banks!).
Easiest Process & Amazing Service!
Applying for a bank account with Shinsei Bank can be done via mail or by walking into a branch and applying in person.
Either way, I recommend visiting their website and requesting a starter kit. This will include a bunch of information pamphlets about Shinsei Bank and application forms for you to fill out (all in English!) which will arrive at your address in a week.
I opted to go to the Shinsei Bank branch in Kyoto City to hand in my completed application forms. I was shown an introductory video to opening an account with Shinsei Bank and asked to fill out a couple more forms.
To my delight, English-speaking staff were available who helped explain the process to me from understanding how to access my new bank account to letting me know when I can expect to receive my 4-digit PIN code and cash card in the mail.
Cool, Convenient Cash Cards
Sure enough, my cash card and PIN code arrived in the mail just one week later, complete with my name, branch code, and account number engraved in shiny letters and numerals.
With 32 color options to choose from, I went for the classic Shinsei Bank “Sky Blue” color which looks absolutely beautiful and even makes for a nice souvenir from Japan.
While you don’t need a My Number Card for domestic transactions, you will need to register one to your account if you wish to make overseas transactions, so I recommend getting it eventually.
All-in-all, Shinsei Bank was an absolute lifesaver for me. After failing several times to open up a bank account with Yuucho and Seven Bank, it’s almost comedic how quick and easy it was to open up a bank account with Shinsei Bank.
Shinsei Bank is my number one recommendation for banking in Japan as a long-term foreign resident!
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!