Open an SBI Bank Account Online: Step-by-step guide

This article was reviewed on July 25, 2025. Information may have changed since publication, please verify with the relevant provider. Wise Payments Japan is not affiliated with SBI Bank. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please use your own judgment when making decisions.

Opening a bank account in Japan can be challenging for non-Japanese speakers, but don’t worry! There is a banking option for foreigners where you can open an account online. Make sure you have a legal residence first, since you will need the Residence Card (zairyu card) to register for a bank account.

This article will guide you on how to open an SBI Bank account online and list required documents and fees for you to get ready. Check out our guide for a list of other banks you can find in Japan.

Can a foreigner open a bank account with SBI in Japan?

Yes! Good news, a foreigner could open a bank account with SBI. As long as you are a resident of Japan and own a personal Japanese telephone number, you can make an account.¹

SBI is a commercial bank in Japan and its modern financial institution, SBI Shinsei Bank has a PowerFlex Account, which offers English online banking and 24/7 support.²

PowerFlex Account has many advantages including:²

• English support online—available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
• Many digital functions such as webform and call back reservation form (in English)
• Includes at least one free domestic online transfer per month
• Attractive exchange rates
• Extensive list of available currencies
• 32 Cash Card colors to choose from

Attention: there are times when PowerFlex Account service is not available due to the system maintenance.

Eligibility to open account: ¹

• Those who apply to one of these:
  • Permanent Resident
  • Spouse or Child of Japanese National
  • Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident
• Those who apply to one of these:
  • International customers who have resided in Japan for over 6 months or more
  • Working in a company with an office located in Japan (excluding part-time jobs)

Read the Confirmation of Resident defined under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act for more details.

Fees charged by SBI³

Standard fees

ATM withdrawal fees

Domestic transfer (As of July 22, 2025)

Fees above subject to consumption tax include 10% consumption tax and local consumption tax.

Other fees may apply for non-SBI SHINSEI BANK account holders, please verify with the Provider.

International transfer

How to open a SBI bank account with Power Direct⁴

Online application can be done through SBI Bank’s Power Direct—the online banking system that can be used via PC or Smartphone. When opening a PowerFlex bank account, make sure you have all required documents for your application. U.S. citizens will be required to provide additional documents.

Required documents

• A photocopy of your Residence Card or Special Permanent Resident Certificate (both sides)
  • Address must be your current address
  • Must be the same name and address as the one on account application form
• A photocopy of one of these IDs:
  • Japanese driver’s license
    • Issue date must be more than 6 months ago
  • Individual Number (My Number) Card

    • Photocopy of front side only

    • Notification card cannot be accepted

      OR

Original copy of one of these:

• Residence Certificate
  • Provide all pages including the issue date and seal of the issuer
  • Must be issued within the past 6 months
• A utility bill receipt
  • Must be issued within the past 6 months

The identification documents for customers who are 18 years old or older will differ from customers under 18 years old. Check out here for more information.

Steps of opening a bank account with SBI⁵

1. Apply online by filling out the PowerFlex Account Application.
2. The printed application form will be sent to your address within 1 week.
3. Send the application form and ID documents by mail. Processing will take 7-10 business days.
4. Receive your cash card through mail.
5. Receive your PIN through mail. Cash cards and PIN will arrive on different dates due to security reasons.
6. The account is ready! Make a deposit.

SBI Shinsei bank opening hours

All branches of SBI Shinsei bank are open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on weekdays. Only asset management consultations through appointment are available on Saturdays.⁶

SBI contact numbers

Click on the link below to access contact numbers of SBI banks in Japan.

Power Call | SBI Shinsei Bank

Manage money with Wise account: Fast and easy

You can also open a Wise accountonline where you could exchange yen to different currencies and transfer funds smoothly at low cost. Since Wise uses mid-market rate, you can exchange currencies with a competitive fee. Wise card will also let you withdraw cash from ATMs and let you pay in different currencies. If you don’t have an address in Japan yet, or want to quickly open an account, Wise can be your option!

Check out the benefits of Wise below:

Sign up for a free account

Some key takeaways:

• SBI Shinsei Bank has bilingual online banking service called PowerDirect
• With PowerDirect, you can open a Powerflex account with many benefits such as no ATM fees or at least one free domestic online transfer per month.
• Wise offers an alternative account that allows currency exchange at competitive rates and provides relatively fast transfers, depending on the currency and destination.

Disclaimer: This article is not sponsored by or affiliated with SBI and has only been reviewed by Wise, not the bank. For more information, please be sure to visit their website.