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Money & Cards

Money & Cards

Banking, payments, and financial services to help you manage your money in Japan.

42 published guidesLatest first
EssentialsHousing & Daily LifeMoney & CardsWork & Study

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Leaving Japan in the Right Order: Residence Tax, Exit Notification & Your Pension Refund (2026)
June 20, 2026

Leaving Japan in the Right Order: Residence Tax, Exit Notification & Your Pension Refund (2026)

Money & Cards

Leaving Japan in the right order: settle residence tax, appoint a tax agent, file the exit notification, claim your pension refund and reclaim the 20.42% tax.

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ATMs That Accept Foreign Cards in Japan: Seven Bank & Japan Post Guide
June 20, 2026

ATMs That Accept Foreign Cards in Japan: Seven Bank & Japan Post Guide

Money & Cards

Which Japan ATMs accept overseas cards? Seven Bank and Japan Post (Yucho) hours, fees, withdrawal limits, and tips for tourists and residents.

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Furikomi: How to Make a Bank Transfer in Japan (ATM & Online)
June 20, 2026

Furikomi: How to Make a Bank Transfer in Japan (ATM & Online)

Money & Cards

How to send money by bank transfer (furikomi) in Japan — at the ATM and via online banking, the fees, what each kanji on the screen means, and how to avoid sending to the wrong account.

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Japan Point Cards Explained: A Foreigner's Guide to Loyalty Points
June 20, 2026

Japan Point Cards Explained: A Foreigner's Guide to Loyalty Points

Money & Cards

Confused by the point card at every register in Japan? A plain-English guide to the big loyalty programs (Rakuten, d, PayPay, T/V, Ponta), how to pick one, and how not to lose points.

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How to Build Credit History in Japan as a Foreigner (Credit Score, Cards & Loans)
June 20, 2026

How to Build Credit History in Japan as a Foreigner (Credit Score, Cards & Loans)

Money & Cards

How credit works in Japan for foreigners: why your home-country score doesn't transfer, how shinyo joho (credit info) and CIC work, how to build a record, and why a first credit card matters for phones, loans and mortgages.

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Crypto Exchanges in Japan for Foreign Residents: How to Open an Account (& the Tax)
June 19, 2026

Crypto Exchanges in Japan for Foreign Residents: How to Open an Account (& the Tax)

Money & Cards

Can foreign residents use a Japanese crypto exchange? Yes, with KYC (residence card + bank). bitFlyer vs Coincheck, how to open an account, and the heavy tax.

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Best Debit & Prepaid Cards in Japan for Foreigners (No Credit Check)
June 19, 2026

Best Debit & Prepaid Cards in Japan for Foreigners (No Credit Check)

Money & Cards

Can't get a credit card in Japan yet? Debit and prepaid cards need no credit check. Revolut, Kyash and Sony Bank WALLET compared — fees, FX, and which to pick.

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iDeCo for Foreign Residents in Japan: Eligibility, Tax Break & the Leaving-Japan Catch
June 19, 2026

iDeCo for Foreign Residents in Japan: Eligibility, Tax Break & the Leaving-Japan Catch

Money & Cards

Can foreign residents use iDeCo? Yes, if you pay into the pension. The tax break, contribution limits, and the catch: it's hard to cash out if you leave Japan.

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Cheapest Way to Send Money to Japan from Abroad (2026)
June 18, 2026

Cheapest Way to Send Money to Japan from Abroad (2026)

Money & Cards

Sending money to Japan from overseas? We compare Wise, Remitly, Revolut, and bank wire for fees, exchange rates, and delivery speed — so the maximum amount reaches your Japanese bank account.

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[Ultimate Guide] Can't Pay Your Japanese Pension? How to Apply for Exemption and Protect Your Visa
February 16, 2026

[Ultimate Guide] Can't Pay Your Japanese Pension? How to Apply for Exemption and Protect Your Visa

Money & Cards

Your monthly ¥17,000 National Pension bill can legally become ¥0 with the right procedure. Ignoring it puts your visa renewal at risk. Learn how to apply for Student Exceptions or Exemptions in just 5 minutes.

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[2026 Guide] File Taxes in English! The 3-Hour Japan Tax Return for Side Hustles & Crypto
February 14, 2026

[2026 Guide] File Taxes in English! The 3-Hour Japan Tax Return for Side Hustles & Crypto

Money & Cards

Dreading the "Kakutei Shinkoku"? This guide explains the dangerous "200,000 yen misconception," how to hide side hustles from your company, and the best English-friendly accounting software (freee/Taxnap) to finish your taxes in 3 hours.

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[2026 Guide] Japan's ¥30,000 & ¥100,000 Benefits for Foreigners: Eligibility, Deadlines & Plan B
February 13, 2026

[2026 Guide] Japan's ¥30,000 & ¥100,000 Benefits for Foreigners: Eligibility, Deadlines & Plan B

Money & Cards

"I heard about the ¥100,000 benefit, but I got nothing..." We explain the "Jan 1 Rule" and "Dependent Trap" blocking your payout, plus a "Plan B" to get ¥20,000 on your own immediately.

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Choose a credit cardCompare money transferOpen a bank accountStart using PayPayPrepare side-income tax filing

Wise: Money for Everyone

The cheap, fast way to send money abroad and hold 40+ currencies.

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Financial Super App

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Rakuten Card

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GTN EPOS Card

Specialized for foreigners! High approval rate and full support

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