How to Send Money Internationally from Japan: Fees, Banks, and Services Compared

2026年4月23日

How to Send Money Internationally from Japan: Fees, Banks, and Services Compared

The best way to send money from Japan depends on the amount, destination, and how the receiver needs to collect it. For many everyday transfers, online remittance services are usually easier and cheaper than a traditional bank wire. For large transfers, unusual currencies, business-related payments, or cases where the receiving bank needs a formal SWIFT wire, a bank may still be the safer choice.

As of April 2026, the main point is simple: do not compare only the visible transfer fee. Check the exchange rate, intermediary bank charges, receiving fees, identity checks, and whether the service supports your destination country.

Quick orientation:

Small family transfers: Seven Bank, SBI Remit, Western Union, or Wise may be practical, depending on the country.
Large personal transfers: Wise and bank wires are worth comparing carefully; limits and document checks matter.
Bank-to-bank overseas wires: useful for formal transfers, but often slower and more expensive.
First-time users in Japan: prepare your Residence Card and My Number document before you need to send money.

This guide is for foreign residents, students, workers, and long-term residents in Japan who need to send money overseas for family support, savings, tuition, rent, loan payments, or moving money between their own accounts.

What Costs You Actually Pay

International transfers from Japan usually have more than one cost. A service that advertises a low fee can still be expensive if the exchange rate is weak.

The main cost parts

Most transfers involve some mix of these:

Transfer fee: the listed fee charged by the bank or remittance company.
Exchange rate margin: the difference between the market rate and the rate offered to you.
Intermediary bank fee: a fee deducted while a SWIFT transfer passes through correspondent banks.
Receiving bank fee: a fee charged by the recipient’s bank.
Funding fee: a domestic bank transfer, ATM, convenience store, or card-related cost.
Cancellation or reversal fee: charged if the transfer must be corrected or returned.

For a small transfer, the listed transfer fee may matter most. For a large transfer, the exchange rate can matter more than the fee. A difference of only 1 yen per US dollar is already 10,000 yen on a USD 10,000 transfer.

Key point: compare the final amount the receiver gets, not only the sender-side fee.

Main Options from Japan

There is no single best service for everyone. The right choice changes when the receiver needs cash pickup, when the destination country is limited, or when the transfer is large enough to trigger extra checks.

Option	Best for	Typical cost pattern	Main caution
Traditional bank wire	Large or formal bank-to-bank transfers	Higher fixed fee plus exchange and possible intermediary fees	May take several days and require documents
Wise	Online transfers with clear exchange-rate comparison	Upfront fee and exchange rate shown before sending	Limits and supported routes vary by method
Seven Bank International Money Transfer	Residents who want ATM/app access and cash pickup or bank credit	Fee table by amount and payout type; exchange margin included	Requires Seven Bank setup and receiver registration
SBI Remit	Frequent transfers to supported countries	Country-specific fee tables; some routes start from low hundreds of yen	Check the exact country page and exchange rate
Western Union Japan	Cash pickup, wide country coverage, urgent transfers	Fees and rates vary by country, payment method, and payout method	Exchange rate margin can be important
Japan Post Bank	Existing Japan Post Bank customers using online service	Current service is online; branch/post office service ended	English information is limited for the new outbound service

Banks: When They Make Sense

A Japanese bank wire can be useful when the receiver specifically asks for a SWIFT transfer, when you need to send to a bank account that online remittance services do not support, or when you need a formal bank record for a property purchase, tuition payment, or relocation.

The tradeoff is cost and friction.

SMBC Trust Bank PRESTIA, for example, explains that an overseas fund transfer can include three types of charges: the bank’s transfer fee, foreign exchange cost, and charges from beneficiary or intermediary banks. Its published overseas transfer fee table lists online banking at 3,500 yen per transfer for standard account holders, with lower or waived fees for some account statuses. Branch or mail transfers are listed at 7,000 yen per transfer for account holders.

That does not mean every bank wire costs exactly that amount. It means you should expect a bank wire to have layers:

the Japanese bank’s own outward remittance fee;
the bank’s exchange rate if yen is converted into foreign currency;
possible fees deducted by banks between Japan and the recipient;
possible receiving fees at the destination bank.

Banks also screen transfers. MUFG’s public explanation of payment regulations under Japan’s Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act says customers may need to declare the purpose of remittance and confirm that the transaction is not connected to sanctions restrictions. In practice, banks and remittance companies may ask for documents showing the purpose of the transfer, source of funds, or relationship with the recipient.

Japan Post Bank update

Japan Post Bank says branch and post office international remittance service ended on August 29, 2025. It now points customers to an online international remittance service for sending from Japan to overseas, with details mainly in Japanese.

That matters for foreign residents who previously expected to handle an international transfer at a post office counter. If you need English support or counter help, confirm the current procedure before going.

Online Remittance Services: Often Better for Daily Life

For many residents, online remittance services are easier because they show the fee and exchange rate before confirmation. They may also offer payout choices that banks do not, such as cash pickup or mobile wallet payout in some countries.

Wise

Wise is useful when you want to see the fee and exchange rate before sending. Its Japan verification page says users in Japan need a valid Japanese photo ID, a valid My Number document, and matching name, birth date, and address details across documents and the Wise profile.

Wise also states that Japan-based users can make large transfers up to 150,000,000 yen equivalent under its Type 1 license when sending money from a bank, card, or other payment method to another bank, card, or alternative payment method. Other actions, such as holding money in a Wise account, may have different limits.

Use Wise when:

you want a clear quote before paying;
the destination route is supported;
the receiver can accept bank, card, or other supported payout methods;
you are comfortable completing verification online.

Check carefully when:

the amount is large;
you need to hold funds inside the account first;
the receiver’s bank requires a SWIFT transfer;
your document address has not been updated after moving in Japan.

Seven Bank International Money Transfer

Seven Bank is practical for residents who already use Seven Bank or want access through ATMs and an app. Its English service page says the service can send to about 200 countries and offers English support. Fees are based on amount and payout method.

For the app-based service, Seven Bank lists fees such as:

400 yen for 1 yen to 10,000 yen by credit-to-account or e-wallet method;
1,350 yen for 50,001 yen to 100,000 yen by credit-to-account or e-wallet method;
1,650 yen for 100,001 yen to 500,000 yen by credit-to-account or e-wallet method;
cash pickup fees are slightly higher in the same bands.

Seven Bank also states that foreign exchange rates include Seven Bank’s margins. So again, do not stop at the fee table. Check the final amount to be received.

SBI Remit

SBI Remit publishes country examples with low starting fees. Its service page gives examples such as Vietnam fees starting from 460 yen and the Philippines fee table starting from 480 yen, with different bands by amount. It also states that the maximum single remittance is the equivalent of USD 10,000 and cannot exceed 1,000,000 yen.

This kind of service can be useful for frequent smaller transfers to supported countries. The important step is to check the fee table for your exact destination, not only the example country.

Western Union Japan

Western Union Japan is useful when the receiver needs cash pickup or when you need broad country coverage. Its Japan site says users can send online, by app, or in person, and can pay through methods such as bank transfer or convenience store payment depending on the route. It also says registered users can send up to 1 million yen per transfer to selected countries.

Western Union also states that it makes money from currency exchange and that fees and rates vary by brand, channel, and location. This makes it important to use the estimator for the exact destination, payout method, and payment method.

Documents and Rules You Should Expect

International money transfers in Japan are not anonymous. Banks and licensed remittance services must check customer information, and first-time setup can take longer than expected.

My Number is usually required

Japan’s My Number is a 12-digit number assigned to residents with resident records. The Digital Agency explains that it is used for legally defined administrative procedures, including tax and social security.

For international transfers, providers commonly require My Number documents. SBI Remit says that since January 1, 2016, customers sending overseas wire transfers in Japan are required to provide their Individual Number to the financial institution conducting the transaction. SMBC Trust Bank also notes that residents must notify the bank of My Number the first time they transfer or receive funds to or from overseas through an SMBC Trust Bank account.

Prepare these before your first transfer:

Residence Card;
My Number Card, or another accepted My Number document;
registered address that matches your bank or service profile;
recipient’s full legal name;
recipient’s bank details or cash pickup details;
purpose of transfer;
source of funds, especially for larger transfers.

Different companies accept different My Number documents. For example, some may accept a residence certificate showing My Number, while others may not accept older notification documents. Check the provider’s current list before applying.

Purpose and source of funds matter

A transfer may be delayed if the purpose is vague. Instead of writing only “personal,” choose the closest accurate purpose, such as family support, tuition, rent, savings transfer, loan repayment, or salary savings.

For larger transfers, keep documents ready:

payslips or employment contract;
tax documents;
school invoice;
property or rental invoice;
bank statements showing savings history;
document proving your relationship with the receiver, if relevant.

This is not only a bank issue. Online services can also ask for evidence before processing or releasing a transfer.

How to Choose the Cheapest Option

The cheapest provider is not always the one with the lowest displayed fee. Use the same amount, same destination, and same payout method when comparing.

A simple comparison method

Before sending, open two or three providers and compare:

Enter the exact yen amount you will pay.
Select the same destination country and payout method.
Check the final amount the receiver gets.
Check whether the receiver’s bank may deduct an extra fee.
Check arrival time and cancellation rules.
Save or screenshot the quote before confirming.

For example, if you are sending 100,000 yen to a family member, a service with a 400 yen fee but a weaker exchange rate may deliver less money than a service with a 900 yen fee and a better rate. For a 1,000,000 yen transfer, the exchange rate difference becomes much more important.

When speed matters more than price

Cash pickup services can be useful when the receiver does not have a bank account or needs money quickly. Seven Bank and Western Union both support cash pickup routes for some countries. These services may cost more than a bank-account transfer, but they solve a different problem: access.

Use cash pickup when:

the receiver needs money urgently;
the receiver does not have a reliable bank account;
the destination country’s banking system is slow or difficult;
the receiver can safely visit a pickup location with ID.

Avoid cash pickup when a simple bank-account transfer is cheaper and the receiver can wait.

Common Mistakes

Small errors can stop a transfer or make it expensive to fix.

Name mismatch

Use the receiver’s legal name exactly as it appears on their bank account or ID. Middle names, spelling order, accents, and married names can matter. If the transfer is returned, you may lose fees or exchange-rate value.

Ignoring exchange rate margins

A “zero yen fee” offer is not automatically free. The provider may earn through the exchange rate. Always compare the final received amount.

Sending before verification is complete

First-time verification can take time. If you need to pay tuition or rent by a deadline, register early and send a small test transfer if appropriate.

Choosing the wrong payout method

Bank deposit, cash pickup, mobile wallet, and card transfer are not interchangeable. The cheapest method may not work for your recipient.

Forgetting Japanese bank account restrictions

Some Japanese bank accounts have limits for new residents, non-residents, or certain account types. If your account was opened soon after arrival in Japan, confirm that it can send funds to the remittance provider or handle overseas transfers.

Practical Recommendations by Situation

Use these as starting points, then check the current quote.

Student sending small amounts home

Compare Seven Bank, SBI Remit, Wise, and Western Union for your country. If your family needs cash pickup, Western Union or Seven Bank may be more practical than a bank wire. If your family has a bank account, compare the received amount after exchange.

Worker sending monthly family support

Choose a service that supports saved recipients and repeat transfers. The best option is usually the one that gives a good received amount and does not make you repeat paperwork every month. Keep records, especially if the amount is large over the year.

Long-term resident moving savings overseas

For larger savings transfers, compare Wise and your bank. Ask both sides about limits, documents, exchange rate, intermediary fees, and receiving fees. Do not wait until the week you leave Japan; large transfers may trigger review.

Person paying overseas tuition, rent, or a mortgage

Check whether the receiving school, landlord, or bank requires SWIFT details. Some institutions do not accept cash pickup or third-party remittance references. Use a method that produces a clear payment record with your name and payment purpose.

Current Watchpoints in 2026

Several details are worth checking before each transfer because international remittance rules and fees change often.

Japan Post Bank’s branch and post office international remittance service ended on August 29, 2025; check its current online-only outbound procedure.
Seven Bank’s fee tables differ by service type, destination, amount, and payout method.
Western Union fees and exchange rates vary by route and may change without notice.
Wise limits differ depending on whether you are sending directly, holding money, or using another account function.
Banks may ask for added documents when sanctions screening, source-of-funds checks, or purpose confirmation applies.

The practical move is to compare the quote on the day you send. For regular transfers, repeat the comparison every few months because fees, promotions, exchange rates, and country support can change.

FAQ

Can tourists send money internationally from Japan?

Sometimes, but many services are built for residents and require Japanese identity verification, address verification, and My Number documents. Tourists may find it easier to use an overseas bank account, card-based service, or a service available in their home country.

Is a bank wire safer than an online remittance service?

A licensed remittance service is not automatically unsafe, and a bank wire is not automatically cheap. Banks are useful for formal or large transfers, while remittance services can be better for everyday personal transfers. Check licensing, support, fees, exchange rate, and payout method.

Does sending money overseas from Japan create tax?

The transfer itself is not automatically income tax. But tax questions can arise if the money is salary, business income, investment income, gifts, inheritance, or overseas income. Keep records and ask a tax professional or the tax office if the source or purpose is complicated.

Why did my transfer get delayed?

Common reasons include mismatched names, missing My Number verification, unclear transfer purpose, incomplete recipient details, sanctions screening, bank holidays, or a request for source-of-funds documents.

Bottom Line

For most personal transfers from Japan, start by comparing Wise, Seven Bank, SBI Remit, and Western Union against your bank’s overseas wire fee. Look at the final received amount, not the headline fee.

For larger or formal transfers, contact your bank and the receiving bank before sending. Ask three concrete questions: what fees can be deducted, what documents are needed, and what payment reference must appear on the transfer.

The next thing to check is not another general ranking. It is the live quote for your destination, the receiver’s payout method, and whether your ID and My Number documents are already accepted by the provider.

References

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