Quick Answer: Receiving money in Japan from abroad can be done via SWIFT bank wire (most common), Wise multi-currency account, or PayPal. Japanese banks typically charge ¥1,500-4,000 to receive international wire transfers. Wise can be cheaper as it provides local bank details in multiple countries, avoiding SWIFT fees. Be aware of intermediary bank fees that can reduce the received amount.
Method 1: SWIFT Bank Wire (Traditional)
The most common method for receiving international transfers. Your sender needs your Japanese bank's SWIFT code, your account number, branch code, and your full name as registered on the account.
Required Information to Share with Sender
Receiving Fees by Bank
| Bank | Receiving Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MUFG | ¥1,500 | Per incoming transfer |
| SMBC | ¥1,500 | Per incoming transfer |
| Mizuho | ¥2,500 | Per incoming transfer |
| Japan Post Bank | Limited support | International receiving is restricted |
| Sony Bank | ¥0 (foreign currency) | Free if received in foreign currency account |
| SBI Shinsei | ¥2,000 | Per incoming transfer |
Method 2: Wise Multi-Currency Account
Wise provides local bank details in multiple countries (US, UK, EU, Australia, etc.). Your sender can transfer to Wise's local account in their country, avoiding SWIFT fees entirely. The money appears in your Wise balance and can be converted to JPY at the mid-market rate.
Method 3: PayPal
PayPal works for receiving smaller amounts, especially from freelance work or personal transfers. However, PayPal's exchange rate markup (typically 3-4% above mid-market) and receiving fees (3.6% + ¥40 for commercial transactions) make it expensive for larger sums.
Tips: Avoiding Double Fees
💡 Fee-Saving Strategies:
- Ask sender to pay "OUR" fees — SWIFT transfers have fee options: OUR (sender pays all), SHA (shared), BEN (recipient pays all). "OUR" means no intermediary fees are deducted from your amount
- Use Wise for receiving — Avoids SWIFT intermediary fees entirely
- Sony Bank foreign currency account — Receive in foreign currency (no receiving fee), then convert when rates are favorable
- Batch smaller amounts — Receiving one large transfer is cheaper than multiple small ones due to per-transaction fees
Q: Why did I receive less than the sender sent?
SWIFT transfers can pass through intermediary banks, each of which may deduct a fee (typically $10-30). Additionally, your Japanese bank's receiving fee is deducted, and the exchange rate applied may differ from the mid-market rate. These combined costs can reduce the received amount by 3-5%.
Q: Can I receive money into Japan Post Bank from abroad?
Japan Post Bank has limited international receiving capabilities. It can receive transfers through the postal (GIRO) network from certain countries, but standard SWIFT transfers are generally not supported. For international receiving, a mega bank or online bank account is more practical.
Disclaimer: Fees shown are approximate and based on publicly available data as of early 2026. Actual fees may vary. Please verify with your bank. This article references specific financial products for informational purposes.
