Niigata City International Exchange Foundation
The International Friendship Center at CrossPal Niigata
	Banks How to Open an Account As a general rule, anyone can open a bank account in Japan. Go to a bank with your foreign resident registration card and a piece of ID which confirms your address, name and date of birth, and your personal seal (inkan). Most banks allow foreign customers to use their signatures instead of the seal. In Japan, it is common for regional banks to only allow withdrawals from ATMs in the bank's local area, whereas postal savings accounts allow you to withdraw cash from post offices around the country. You should consider which banks or accounts best suit your needs. Deposit Accounts The following types of deposit accounts can be used: -Ordinary Bank Deposit Accounts With this type of account, you can easily make deposits or withdrawals at the bank. This type of account is used for automatic transfer payments of public utility fees and for the receipt of salaries. If you receive a "cash card" with your bankbook, you will be able to use CDs (cash dispensers) and ATMs (automatic teller machines). Please note that CDs and ATMs only dispense bills. - Fixed Term Deposits A fixed term deposit receives a higher interest rate than a normal account. However, the major disadvantage of this type of account is that you are unable to withdraw your money until the end of the fixed term. Remittance When you remit money to an overseas bank account, you must clearly state the purpose of remittance, the receiver's bank name, branch name, account number, and account name. Write down the information on a form and pay the remittance charges. A form of ID such as your alien registration card is needed for proper identification. Domestic remittances are handled in a similar manner, but if the money is sent during specified hours of the day, the money will arrive in the recipient's bank account on the same day. Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) equipped with transferring facilities are also available. (Generally, the remittance charges will be cheaper than if you have it done at a bank counter.) Please ask at the counter for instructions for transferring money from an ATM. Credit Card You may use your credit card at most stores (department stores, etc.) that accept your type of credit card and spend an amount up to your limit. When you are presented with the bill, first confirm the amount and then sign it. The amount will automatically be deducted from your bank deposit account on a set day one or two months after your purchase. You may apply for a credit card by filling out an application form. These forms are available at banks and certain other locations. After filling out the form, you can either return it by mail or turn it in at a bank counter. If you fulfill all the requirements of the credit card company, you will be sent a card. Normally, after your application for a credit card is accepted, the membership fee will be deducted from your bank deposit account. Foreign Currencies It is possible to purchase US dollars as cash or traveler's checks, as well as Japanese yen traveler's checks, at most banks. If you wish to purchase other types of currencies, you should inquire by phone or in person at the bank in advance. How to Use CDs and ATMs Withdrawals Depending on when you make a withdrawal, a service charge may be required. 1. Push the () withdrawal button. 2. Insert your cash card and/or your bankbook.. 3. Enter your PIN number. 4. Enter the amount of money you wish to withdraw, using the number and denomination buttons for 10,000 and 1,000 (). When you have entered the sum, push the yen button ( ). 5. Make sure that the amount you have entered is correct. If the sum displayed on the screen is correct, push the () confirmation button. 6. The machine will dispense your money and return your cash card and bankbook. (Some banks can disburse money if you bring only your bankbook or your cash card.) Deposits 1. Push the () deposit button. 2. Insert your cash card or bankbook. 3. Place your bills into the machine. 4. Confirm that the amount is correct. If so, push the () confirmation button.. 5. When the transaction is finished, the machine will return your cash card or bankbook.. Check an Account Balance 1. Push the () "check an account balance" button.. 2. Insert your cash card. 3. Enter your PIN number. 4. The machine will then return your cash card with a piece of paper with your account balance written on it. (Some banks have the account balance appears on the screen only.) Back to Home
Niigata City International Exchange Foundation 3-2086 Ishizuecho-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata City 951-8055, Japan E-mail: nigtief@pavc.ne.jp Phone: 025-225-2727 Fax: 025-225-2733 Copyright (C) Niigata City International Exchange Foundation. All rights reserved