I wanted to mention some good Japanese banks for those looking:

SBI Net Bank: If you can read Japanese, this is one of the best UIs and mobile apps around. You also get a ton of free furikomi transfers per month (I think I have about 10)

Shinsei Bank: A physical bank but also offers online options with an English UI for those that need it. This seems to be the go-to recommended bank for expats.

Sony Bank: I have this bank specifically because all incoming international money transfers are free, meaning they don’t charge you any fees to receive it. SBI used to charge be about 2500 yen every time I received international payments, even in yen. Shinsei has a system where they reimburse you each month if you have a certain amount in your account, so international money transfers will eventually be almost free.

How about you? What banks have you been happy with?

  • @flakeEnglish
    3•1 year ago

    Been pretty happy with SMBC (NOT Prestia).

    • @Stylus2650OPMEnglish
      1•1 year ago

      Thanks for sharing! How is their mobile app and are there any sort of ATM fees or free perks?

      • @flakeEnglish
        2•1 year ago
        • The mobile app is OK, mostly use it for getting a one time password only.
        • Two free withdrawals per month at ATMs, it’s enough for me because of paying for most things with a credit card in order to maximize rewards
        • Free perks… not sure, but it’s one of the big banks so it’s pretty much guaranteed that other services integrates with it, for example SBI (can transfer instantly) as Moneytree

        I don’t have much to say, I’m just so happy I found this community in the fediverse and hoping to see more content here 🙂

        • @Stylus2650OPMEnglish
          2•1 year ago

          Excellent, thanks for sharing and I also hope we get more members so this community can grow. 😄