Opening a Japanese Bank Account: Yucho (Japan Post) Guide for New Bangladeshi Students

What's your first week in Japan really like? I often tell students—when you step out of the airport and board your first train, everything feels like a blur. But in the middle of that chaos, one task matters most: opening a bank account. Because your salary, scholarship money, or funds from your parents all need a Japanese bank account.

I've seen many Bangladeshi students think opening a bank account is complicated. It's not. Especially with Yucho Bank (Japan Post Bank)—it's the easiest for new students. Branches are everywhere, and the process is straightforward.

Why start with Yucho (Japan Post) Bank?

Japan has many banks—MUFG, Mizuho, Sumitomo Mitsui. But for a newly arrived student, Yucho is the first choice. Here's why:

• Yucho has branches or ATMs in almost every area, even small towns.
• You don't need fluent Japanese to open an account—basic English or a translator works.
• No monthly fee for the first six months (for regular accounts).
• You get both a passbook and a cash card.

One caution: Yucho ATMs often close from 11 PM to 7 AM. And international transfers may cost slightly more than MUFG. So start with Yucho, and switch later if needed.

What documents do you need to open a bank account?

You'll need some documents, tied to your student visa and Residence Card. If you haven't applied for your visa yet, check our Japan student visa requirements guide.

Generally, you'll need:

• Residence Card (在留カード)—your ID. You'll get it at the airport.
• Passport—with visa.
• Student ID—from your school.
• My Number Card—helpful but not always required.
• Inkan (印鑑)—your name seal. Many banks ask for it. Get one before coming to Japan.
• Phone number—a Japanese mobile number speeds things up.

The bank may call your school to verify. Keep your school's name, address, and phone number handy.

How to open an account in your first week: step by step

Step 1: Get your Residence Card and Student ID ready

After arriving, first register your address at the city office (市役所). Without this, you can't open a bank account. Go to your ward office (e.g., Shinjuku Ward Office) and get your address written on your Residence Card.

Step 2: Find the nearest Yucho branch

Go to a Yucho Bank branch near your school or home. They're usually open from 9 AM to 3 PM. Go early to avoid the crowd.

Step 3: Fill out the form

At the branch, say "Kōza o hirakitai desu" (口座を開きたいです)—I want to open an account. They'll give you a form. Fill in your name, address, phone number, occupation (student), and school name. If you don't know Japanese, use Google Translate or ask a senpai.

Step 4: Passbook and cash card

After submitting the form, the account usually opens within 30 minutes to an hour. You'll get the passbook immediately. The cash card arrives by mail in 1–2 weeks.

Step 5: Deposit money at the ATM

After opening, deposit some money—say 5,000 or 10,000 yen. This activates your account.

Yucho vs MUFG: which is right for you?

Many ask—is MUFG (Mitsubishi UFJ) better? Both have pros. MUFG has better English support and easier international transfers. But for new students, MUFG requires more documents and longer waits. My advice: start with Yucho, move to MUFG later if needed.

Also, if you plan to do a study abroad with part-time job, you can't get paid without a bank account. Many shops and restaurants pay directly by bank transfer. So prepare your bank account before you start studying in Japan.

Important cautions

• Don't give false information when opening the account. A wrong address causes problems later.
• Keep your passbook and cash card in separate places.
• ATM withdrawals have fees. So withdraw larger amounts at once.
• To close the account, you must visit the branch and fill out a form.

Also, if you receive a scholarship for Bangladeshi students—like JASSO or MEXT—the money will come to this account. So inform your school's financial office when you open it.

Dreaming of studying in Japan and making it happen—both are possible if you take the right steps in your first week. If you have more questions, contact us.

I counsel students at Inochi Global Education Institute. You can visit our Dhaka (North Badda, Pragati Sarani — 13 minutes from the Japan Embassy) office to talk in person. Learn more about our Dhaka branch. And for full support with your Japan study journey, see our Study in Japan service.