Business bank account fees in Japan: costs and how to compare

Snapshot

Business account costs in Japan depend heavily on whether you use an online bank or a megabank. Several online banks charge no account management fee, while megabanks usually charge a monthly fee for online banking plus per transaction charges. Transfer and foreign currency costs apply on top, and for companies that pay suppliers abroad these can matter most.

Pricing style: Low or no account fee at online banks; monthly online banking fee at megabanks
Main charges: Account or online banking fee, transfers, foreign currency conversion
Free account available: Yes at some online banks, for example GMO Aozora Net Bank, transaction fees apply
Charged in: Japanese yen (JPY)

Fees and features as of 26 February 2026Last reviewed 26 February 2026

General information, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Verify current terms and eligibility with the provider before applying.

As of 26 February 2026, business account fees in Japan vary most by the kind of provider. Several online banks, such as GMO Aozora Net Bank, charge no account management fee, while megabanks usually charge a monthly fee for their online banking service, for example MUFG BizStation at about 1,760 yen a month after three months and Mizuho Business WEB at about 3,300 yen a month with the first three months free. On top of any account fee you pay for domestic and international transfers and for foreign currency conversion. For a company that pays suppliers abroad, transfer and currency costs often outweigh routine account fees. Confirm the current schedule with the provider before applying.

How business account fees work in Japan

Business account costs in Japan fall into a few groups. There is the account itself, which at many online banks carries no account management fee but at megabanks usually means a monthly charge for the online banking service. There are transfer charges for domestic and international payments, which range from close to free at some online banks up to a few thousand yen for certain bank transfers. There is the margin applied when converting between yen and other currencies. Cash handling and certificate issuance can carry their own fees. Because pricing differs sharply between online banks and megabanks, two companies can pay very different totals depending on how they bank. As of 26 February 2026, confirm the current schedule with the provider, since published fees change.

Account and online banking fees

Online banks in Japan keep running costs low, and several charge no account management fee on a corporate account. Megabanks usually charge a monthly fee for their corporate online banking platform, for example MUFG BizStation at about 1,760 yen a month after an initial period and Mizuho Business WEB at about 3,300 yen a month with the first three months free. The trade off is that megabanks add lending, branch service, and trade finance that online banks may not match. As of 26 February 2026, verify the current fees with the provider.

Transfer and foreign currency costs

Transfer fees vary widely. Online banks tend to charge less per transfer and several promote low transfer pricing, while traditional banks can charge more, and the route used, such as a branch counter, an ATM, or online, changes the fee. International transfers add a sending fee, possible correspondent bank charges, and a conversion margin away from the mid market rate. A cross border provider such as Wise Business, which serves companies registered in Japan, can reduce the cost of routine foreign currency payments. Compare the cost per transfer and the conversion margin, not only the headline charges.

What drives the cost

Three things drive what a business account costs in Japan, as of 26 February 2026. Verify with the provider

Whether you use an online bank with little or no account fee or a megabank with a monthly online banking fee.
Domestic and international transfer charges, including possible correspondent bank fees on cross border payments.
Foreign currency conversion margin, which can be the largest cost for a company that pays or receives abroad.

How to compare on fees

List the services you will actually use, including international transfers, foreign currency, and cash handling.
Ask each provider for the full fee schedule for the specific account, not only the headline account or online banking fee.
Confirm the current fees with the provider before you apply, since schedules change.

Compare business accounts available in Japan

These providers serve business customers in Japan. Fees and eligibility shown as of 26 February 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.

Compare business accounts →

Questions about business account fees in Japan

How much does a business bank account cost in Japan?

Costs vary by provider and by account. Several online banks charge no account management fee, while megabanks often charge a monthly fee for their online banking service, for example MUFG BizStation at about 1,760 yen a month after three months and Mizuho Business WEB at about 3,300 yen a month with the first three months free. Transfer and foreign currency charges apply on top. Confirm the current schedule with the provider, as of 26 February 2026.

Is there a free business account in Japan?

Some online banks charge no account management fee, for example GMO Aozora Net Bank advertises no account management fee on its corporate account, though transfer and other transaction fees still apply. Wise Business and Payoneer also have no monthly fee on standard use, with transaction fees. Confirm the current fee schedule with the provider, as of 26 February 2026.

What are typical transfer fees in Japan?

Transfer fees vary widely, from close to free at some online banks up to a few thousand yen for certain bank transfers. Online banks tend to charge less, and several promote low transfer pricing. International transfers add a sending fee, possible correspondent bank charges, and a conversion margin. Compare the cost per transfer, as of 26 February 2026.

Do megabanks charge more than online banks in Japan?

Often yes for routine running costs. Megabanks commonly charge a monthly fee for online banking and per transaction fees, while online banks keep running costs low and some charge no account management fee. Megabanks add value through lending, branch service, and trade finance. Compare what you will actually use, as of 26 February 2026.

Fees, features, and eligibility change and vary by region. This page was last reviewed on 26 February 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.