Comparing Money Transfer Services Available in Japan: The Complete Guide for Foreigners

Sending money internationally is one of the most common financial needs for foreigners living in Japan. Whether you're supporting family back home, paying rent on a property overseas, or managing finances across borders, choosing the right money transfer service can save you thousands of yen in fees. This guide compares the top money transfer options available in Japan so you can make the most informed decision.

!International money transfer services in Japan

Why Money Transfer Matters for Expats in Japan

Japan is home to hundreds of thousands of foreign residents who regularly send money abroad. Unfortunately, many expats use traditional Japanese banks without realizing how expensive this can be. Major banks like MUFG, SMBC, and Mizuho charge fees of ¥4,000–¥6,000 per international transfer, and on top of that, they apply exchange rate markups that quietly eat into your transfer amount.

The good news is that modern fintech alternatives like Wise, Revolut, and SBI Remit have transformed international money transfers, offering significantly lower fees and more transparent pricing. Understanding the differences between these services is essential for anyone who regularly moves money across borders while living in Japan.

Before diving in, make sure you have a Japanese bank account set up — most services require one to fund your transfers. For more details on opening a bank account in Japan, check our Complete Guide to Banking and Finance in Japan.

Top Money Transfer Services in Japan: Fee Comparison

Here's a side-by-side comparison of the most popular money transfer services available in Japan, based on sending ¥100,000 to a US bank account:

As you can see, the difference between using Wise and a traditional Japanese bank can be over $50 on a single ¥100,000 transfer. For frequent senders, this adds up quickly.

Wise: The Best Overall Option for Most Expats

Wise (formerly TransferWise) is widely considered the gold standard for international money transfers in Japan. Since launching in 2011, it has built a reputation for transparent, low-cost transfers using the mid-market exchange rate — the same rate you see on Google.

Key features:

• No hidden exchange rate markup — Wise uses the mid-market rate and charges a small transparent fee
• Fees around 0.6% — sending ¥500,000 costs roughly ¥3,000 in fees
• Transfer limits up to 150 million yen — suitable for large transfers
• Multi-currency account — hold and manage money in 50+ currencies
• Mastercard debit card — spend internationally without conversion fees
• English-language app and support — easy for non-Japanese speakers

Requirements for Japan residents:

• Japanese bank account
• My Number Card (or Notification Card + photo ID)
• Resident registration in Japan

Wise is particularly strong for transfers to the US, UK, Europe, and Australia. The app is intuitive and the fee structure is fully transparent before you confirm any transfer.

For more information on managing finances in Japan as a foreigner, see our Complete Guide to Working in Japan.

SBI Remit: Best for Cash Pickup in Asia

SBI Remit is one of Japan's most established specialized remittance services, particularly popular among workers sending money to the Philippines, Vietnam, and other Asian countries. Unlike Wise, SBI Remit supports cash pickup — meaning your recipient can collect funds at a local agent without needing a bank account.

Key features:

• Fixed fee of ¥1,980 per transfer
• Strong coverage in Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, and more
• Cash pickup option at partner locations
• Transfers often arrive same-day or next-day to Asian corridors
• Registration requires My Number and resident card

Best for: Sending money to family members in Asia who don't have bank accounts, or when speed is critical for Asian corridors.

Note that SBI Remit's exchange rates aren't as competitive as Wise for large amounts, but for smaller amounts sent to popular Asian destinations, the service is reliable and well-established.

!Comparing money transfer apps for Japan expats

Western Union: Widest Global Reach

Western Union is one of the oldest and most recognizable money transfer brands globally, and it has a solid presence in Japan. With support for 200+ countries and territories, it's the go-to option if you need to send money to a less common destination not covered by newer fintech services.

Key features:

• Starting fee of ¥400 for cash pickup transfers
• Accepts payments at Lawson convenience stores (no bank account needed to send)
• Available at approximately 15 physical branches in Tokyo
• Online app available for registered users
• Supports both bank deposits and cash pickup

Best for: Sending to countries with limited fintech coverage, recipients who prefer cash pickup, and situations where you need to pay with cash at a convenience store.

The exchange rates at Western Union include a markup, so for large amounts, Wise will almost always be cheaper. But Western Union's convenience and global reach make it valuable for specific use cases.

Revolut: Best for Multi-Currency Lifestyle

Revolut is a financial super-app that offers international transfers alongside a full suite of banking features. It's particularly popular among digital nomads and expats who travel frequently across multiple countries.

Key features:

• No exchange fees for up to ¥750,000 per month (on weekdays)
• 1% markup applies on weekend transactions
• Instant transfers to other Revolut accounts globally
• Multi-currency spending card
• Cryptocurrency, stock trading, and travel insurance features
• Available to Japan residents

Best for: Expats who travel frequently, people who want a single app for multiple financial needs, and those sending smaller amounts regularly.

Watch out for: Weekend exchange rate markups of 1% can eat into your transfer value. For large transfers, Wise tends to be more cost-effective.

For a broader look at managing daily finances in Japan, check our Complete Guide to Daily Life in Japan.

Traditional Japanese Banks: Convenient But Expensive

While convenient if you already have an account, major Japanese banks (MUFG, SMBC, Mizuho, Resona) are among the most expensive options for international transfers.

Typical costs:

• Transfer fees: ¥3,500–¥6,000 per transaction
• Exchange rate markup: Often 1–2% above mid-market
• Intermediary bank fees: May reduce recipient's amount by $10–$30

One exception is Rakuten Bank, which offers international transfers for a flat ¥750 fee — dramatically lower than other banks. However, Rakuten limits transfers to ¥1 million per transaction per day, and their exchange rates still include some markup.

Best for: Very large transfers where the flat Rakuten Bank fee represents a small percentage, or if you need the security and familiarity of a major bank institution.

How to Choose the Right Service

Choosing the right money transfer service depends on your specific situation:

• For regular large transfers (¥100,000+): Wise is almost always the best choice for minimizing total cost
• For cash pickup in Asia: SBI Remit offers reliable same-day service to major Asian countries
• For sending to obscure destinations: Western Union's 200+ country coverage is hard to beat
• For a multi-currency lifestyle: Revolut's app ecosystem offers flexibility beyond just transfers
• For small, frequent transfers: Compare Wise and Western Union based on your specific corridor

Registration Requirements and Tips

Most services in Japan require the following documentation:

• Valid photo ID (residence card, driver's license, or passport)
• My Number Card or Notification Card
• Japanese bank account for funding transfers
• Proof of address in Japan (utility bill, residence certificate)

Pro tips for a smooth experience:

1. Register for multiple services in advance — don't wait until you urgently need to send money
2. Always check the total cost, not just the listed fee — exchange rate markups can be significant
3. Note that GoRemit, formerly a popular service for expats in Japan, was discontinued in October 2025
4. For one-time large transfers, getting quotes from multiple services is worth the extra few minutes
5. Keep records of all transfers for tax purposes — Japan's tax system may require disclosure of large overseas transfers

For more guidance on financial services in Japan, the Living in Nihon banking guide provides comprehensive information on financial services for foreigners. You can also find expat-focused financial resources at For Work in Japan and career-related financial tips at Ittenshoku.

Additional Resources

For authoritative research on money transfer costs and comparisons, these sources provide detailed up-to-date information:

• JapanLifeStart Fee Comparison — detailed fee breakdown for top services
• Tokyo Cheapo Money Transfer Guide — practical tips for expats sending money from Japan
• Japan Living Guide on Remittances — comprehensive overview for expats

Conclusion

For most foreigners in Japan, Wise is the best everyday solution for international money transfers due to its transparent pricing, mid-market exchange rates, and easy-to-use app. SBI Remit excels for cash pickup in Asian countries, Western Union leads in global reach, and Revolut suits frequent travelers who want an all-in-one financial platform.

The most important rule: always compare the total cost, not just the headline transfer fee. Hidden exchange rate markups can cost you more than the listed fee. With the right service, you can save thousands of yen each year on international transfers.

Ready to make your first transfer? Check our Complete Guide to Banking and Finance in Japan for everything you need to know about setting up your financial life in Japan.