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Do You Need a Japanese Phone Number to Open a Bank Account?

Most Japanese banks require a local phone number for SMS verification. Here's which banks need one, which don't, and why getting your SIM first makes sense.

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Last verified: March 30, 2026 (JST)

One of the most common traps when settling into Japan is the chicken-and-egg problem: you need a bank account to receive your salary, but you need a phone number to open the bank account, and you need a bank account to set up your phone plan. It sounds circular because it partly is — but there's a clear way through it.

Quick Answer: Most major Japanese banks require a Japanese phone number for SMS verification during online setup. Get your SIM card sorted first. It takes 15–30 minutes online, and it unblocks everything else.

Related guides: How to Sign Up for Rakuten Mobile (2025) | Rakuten Mobile eSIM: Same-Day Activation | Rakuten Mobile Payment Options

Get up to 13,000 points when you sign up → https://www.japanmobileguide.com/referral

Why Do Japanese Banks Ask for a Phone Number?

Japanese banks send one-time passwords (OTPs) to your phone via SMS whenever you log in to online banking or initiate a transfer. This is a security requirement, not an optional step. If the number you register doesn't receive Japanese SMS messages, you won't be able to complete setup — or access your account later.

Foreign numbers typically don't receive SMS messages sent by Japanese banking systems, even if your phone is physically in Japan. This means your home country SIM won't work for this purpose, and most tourist SIMs don't include a real Japanese number at all.

Which Banks Need a Japanese Phone Number?

Most major banks require one for their online setup process. This includes:

  • Rakuten Bank — SMS verification required at registration
  • PayPay Bank — phone number required to create an account
  • au Jibun Bank — tied to the au/UQ ecosystem, phone number required
  • SBI Shinsei Bank — English-language app available; phone number needed for SMS OTP

The requirement applies specifically to the online setup flow. Some banks allow you to start the in-branch process with just your Residence Card and later add a phone number, but online-only banks have no in-branch option.

Are There Banks That Don't Require One?

Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ銀行) is often cited as the most accessible bank for new residents. You can open an account in person at a post office branch using your Residence Card and Residence Registration (住民票), and the process doesn't rely on SMS verification in the same way. The tradeoff is that the app and online services are primarily in Japanese, and setting up online access later will still require a phone number.

If your goal is to receive a salary quickly, JP Post Bank opened in person is a reliable first option while you arrange your phone plan.

The Practical Order: SIM First, Then Bank

Here's the sequence that works for most new residents:

  1. Arrive in Japan and complete residency registration — you'll receive your Residence Card
  2. Sign up for a phone plan — Rakuten Mobile lets you do this online in about 15 minutes with your Residence Card; eSIM activation is same-day
  3. Open a bank account — use your new Japanese number for SMS verification
  4. Register your bank account with your employer — salary payments begin

The phone step is the fastest and least bureaucratic of the four. Rakuten Mobile's fully online signup process, combined with same-day eSIM activation, means you can have a working Japanese number before you leave the ward office on the day you arrive.

Does the Type of Visa Matter?

No — the requirement is for a Japanese phone number, not a specific visa type. Whether you're on a work visa, student visa, spouse visa, or working holiday visa, the process is the same: Residence Card, proof of address, payment method.

Are You Using Rakuten Mobile?

Rakuten Mobile is a practical first step for new residents. Plans start at ¥1,078/month based on actual data usage, there's no contract lock-in, and the entire signup process is available in English. Customer support is available at 0800-805-0805. Sign up through a referral link and you'll earn up to 13,000 Rakuten Points — worth having when you're building a new financial life in Japan.

Get up to 13,000 points when you sign up → https://www.japanmobileguide.com/referral

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a VoIP number (like Google Voice) for Japanese bank SMS verification? No. Japanese banks verify against real mobile carrier numbers. VoIP numbers, app-based numbers, and most foreign numbers are blocked or rejected by Japanese banking SMS systems.

What if I already have a bank account but didn't set up the phone verification? You can usually add a phone number later by visiting a branch in person and updating your registered contact details. Some banks also allow this through ATMs using your bankbook and stamp (印鑑).

Do I need a My Number (マイナンバー) to open a bank account? As of 2024, banks are required to link accounts to My Number, but you can typically open an account first and provide the My Number Card later. Check with your specific bank for their current process.

What if my Residence Card address hasn't been registered yet? Most banks require a registered address in Japan that matches your Residence Card. Complete your residency registration at the ward office first, then apply for a bank account.

Quick Reference

Step What you need
Residency registration Passport + visa
Phone plan sign-up Residence Card + payment method
Bank account (online) Residence Card + Japanese phone number
Bank account (JP Post, in-person) Residence Card + Residence Registration
Employer salary setup Bank account number + branch code

Sources

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