International Money Transfer Apps: Top Services for Expats in Japan
Sending money home from Japan is easier than ever. This guide compares trusted apps for cost, speed, limits, and convenience—plus Japan-specific requirements like My Number. See who wins for cash pickup vs. bank deposits, large transfers, and everyday remittances.
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Who this guide is for
If you live in Japan and need to send money to family, pay overseas bills, or move savings to another country, you’ll find simple, practical picks here. We focus on services available to residents in Japan, with clear notes on fees, limits, and ID rules. For a bank-first approach, see our companion guides on opening an account and best banks for foreigners in Japan .
Snapshot: top money transfer apps in Japan
| Service | Best for | How you send | How they deliver | Typical speed | Notes for Japan users |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | Lowest total cost to bank accounts | Bank transfer, balance | Bank deposit | Same day to 2–3 days | Mid-market rate, transparent fees; very high limits for residents under Type 1 license. |
| Revolut (Japan) | One-app banking + international transfers | Bank transfer, card top-up | SWIFT bank transfer | 1–3 days (SWIFT) | International transfers advertised free; option to “Pay All Fees” so recipient gets full amount; My Number required. |
| Western Union (Japan) | Fast global cash pickup | Card/bank via app or web | Cash pickup, bank deposit | Minutes to same day | Full Japan site/app; broad network for cash payouts. |
| Seven Bank × Western Union | 24/7 ATM + app sending | From Seven Bank account | Cash pickup; bank deposit (PH/China) | Minutes to same day | Daily/annual caps (1,000,000 JPY/day & month; 3,000,000 JPY/year); English app support. |
| SBI Remit | Cash pickup and bank deposit to 200+ countries | Bank transfer/app | Cash pickup, bank deposit | Minutes to same day | App lists MoneyGram network; multilingual; quick cash pickup. |
| Remitly (Japan) | Easy, mobile-first remittances | Bank transfer, card | Bank deposit, cash pickup (by corridor) | Minutes to days | Japan senders supported with promos for new users. |
| WorldRemit (Japan) | Many corridors + delivery types | Bank transfer, card | Bank, cash pickup, mobile wallet | Minutes to days | “Send from Asia” includes Japan; extensive FAQ support. |
| Smiles Mobile Remittance | Popular with overseas workers (PH/ID/VN) | From app wallet | Bank, cash pickup, home delivery (by corridor) | Often same day | Japan-licensed app; fee pages and limits guidance published; large user base. |
| PayForex (Queen Bee Capital) | Local Japan remittance specialist | Bank transfer, app | Bank, cash pickup (by partner) | Same day to a few days | Real-time rates; fee from 0 JPY in some corridors; 200+ countries. |
| Rakuten Bank Overseas Remittance | If you already bank with Rakuten | From Rakuten web/app | Bank deposit (via partner) | 1–3 business days | Removed prior send limits in Apr 2025; supports 200+ countries. |
Tip: PayPal/Xoom is great to Japan, but sending from Japan is limited. Xoom lists send countries mainly as the US, Canada, UK, and EEA—not Japan. If you reside in Japan, consider the apps above instead.
Throughout the guide, we’ll link to related topics like Japan’s My Number basics , ATM tips , and tax reporting for foreign residents .
Japan-specific rules you should know
KYC and My Number: Most providers must verify your identity under Japan’s anti-money-laundering rules. The Financial Services Agency (FSA) publishes a an English pamphlet explaining how to open accounts and send money, including the need for proper ID and residency status. Some apps, like Revolut Japan, explicitly require you to submit My Number for overseas transfers.
Large transfers: Wise states residents in Japan can send large amounts up to 150,000,000 JPY equivalent under its Type 1 license—useful for tuition, property, or moving savings abroad.
ATM or bank caps: Seven Bank’s international transfer service caps at 1,000,000 JPY per time/day/month and 3,000,000 JPY per year—handy to know if you plan multiple cash-pickup remittances.
2025 change: Shinsei Bank’s GoRemit service officially ended on October 20, 2025. If you previously used GoRemit, switch to one of the alternatives below.
The best apps by need
1) Lowest total cost for bank-to-bank transfers
Pick: Wise; also consider Revolut, WorldRemit, PayForex, Rakuten Bank
- Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate with upfront fees you can see before paying. For many corridors, their price is tough to beat—especially for bank deposits. You can also fund from your Wise balance for faster payouts.
- Revolut (Japan) advertises no fees for international SWIFT transfers and offers a “Pay All Fees” option so the recipient gets the exact amount (you pay a flat JPY charge). Remember that intermediary banks may still take fees unless you choose the “pay all” route.
- WorldRemit is widely available to send from Japan with competitive promos. It supports multiple delivery types and publishes a price comparison claim (“on average 41% cheaper than most banks”)—use their calculator to confirm your corridor.
- PayForex (Queen Bee Capital) is a Japan-licensed specialist touting real-time FX and fees from 0 JPY on some routes. If you prefer a domestic provider with multilingual support, it’s worth a quote.
- Already bank with Rakuten Bank? Its overseas remittance service now has no explicit 1x/day/month/year caps (system upper bounds still apply), and it covers 200+ countries via a partner.
When cost matters most: compare two providers for your exact route and amount, and look at the final amount your recipient receives, not just the visible fee. That’s where spreads and correspondent bank fees hide. See our fee breakdown guide .
2) Fastest for cash pickup
Pick: Western Union (Japan); also try Seven Bank × Western Union, SBI Remit, Kyodai, Smiles
- Western Union (Japan): send from the Japan app or website to cash pickup locations worldwide, often in minutes. Use the WU app for repeat sends and tracking.
- Seven Bank × Western Union: if you keep funds in Seven Bank, you can send 24/7 via app or at ubiquitous Seven Bank ATMs, with the same WU pickup network. Check the service caps in the “Notes” above.
- SBI Remit: app-based sending with MoneyGram’s network and cash pickup in as fast as ~10 minutes by corridor. Good language coverage.
- Kyodai Remittance: a long-standing Japan provider popular with Latin American communities; now part of the Ria Money Transfer family, with an updated app.
- Smiles Mobile Remittance: loved by many Filipino, Indonesian, and Vietnamese users in Japan; supports cash pickup partners (by corridor) and publishes live rates and fees.
Cash pickup tips: share the receiver’s full legal name as on ID and the MTCN or reference number. Many countries require a valid phone number and may limit large same-day pickups.
3) Largest transfers (tuition, property, savings)
Pick: Wise; runner-up: Revolut, Rakuten Bank
- Wise supports up to 150,000,000 JPY equivalent for residents (Type 1 license). You’ll complete one-off enhanced checks and may need to fund from a Japanese bank.
- Revolut moves funds over SWIFT (no transfer fee), with an option to prepay all correspondent charges (flat JPY per transfer for major currencies). Verify with your recipient bank whether their inbound SWIFT charges still apply.
- Rakuten Bank: if both sender and your Japan salary already sit in Rakuten, its April 2025 change removing strict send caps can make one-off big transfers smoother (still subject to internal/system ceilings and compliance review).
4) Simple, mobile-first remittances
Pick: Remitly; also consider WorldRemit, Smiles
- Remitly offers a very easy flow, “Express” options (card-funded) and good new-customer promos in many corridors from Japan.
- WorldRemit is similarly straightforward, with multiple delivery types and transparent calculators.
- Smiles adds loyalty points that can offset future fees and has active community support in English and Asian languages.
What changed in 2025
- Shinsei GoRemit ended on October 20, 2025. If you relied on it, migrate to SBI Remit, Wise, Revolut, or another app here.
- Rakuten Bank removed previous per-day/month/year transfer caps for outbound overseas remittance (Apr 21, 2025). This is big for power users; you still set your own per-transfer limit and must pass reviews.
- Revolut Japan highlighted My Number for overseas transfers and added a “Pay All Fees” option so your recipient gets the full amount.
- Seven Bank clarified international transfer limits and English app support pages.
Read Ultimate Japan Finance Guide for Expats – Banking, Taxes, Investing and Navigating Japanese ATMs and Online Banking (Foreigner Guide) for better understanding of finance and banking related topics.
Fees and exchange rates
Every transfer has two costs:
- The visible fee (e.g., 220 JPY local transfer after free allowances; flat fees per plan; or per-transfer cash pickup charge). Example: Revolut shows local transfer fees and says international SWIFT transfers are free for the sender—though correspondent banks may charge unless you choose “Pay All Fees.”
- The exchange rate spread (the difference from mid-market).
- Wise uses the mid-market rate and shows the fee separately.
- Many providers publish calculators so you can see the final receive amount up front (e.g., WorldRemit).
- Western Union and others note that they also earn from currency exchange; compare “you send / they receive” totals.
Quick rule: compare two apps for your exact corridor and amount, on the same minute if possible. Exchange rates move.
Set-up checklist for Japan residents
- Gather IDs: Residence Card, passport, and My Number (card or notification letter). The FSA’s “Living in Japan” page explains why banks and remitters must verify these under AML laws.
- Create your profile: Apps like Smiles and WorldRemit support eKYC and selfie checks; some approve within 1–2 business days.
- Make a small test: Send a ¥5,000–¥10,000 test to confirm the route, speed, and name formatting.
- Save beneficiaries: Most apps let you reuse recipient data—handy for monthly rent or family support.
- Keep records: Screenshots and PDF receipts help for taxes or visa renewals. See our tax basics for residents in Japan .
Mini-reviews (what each app is great at)
Wise
Wise shines for transparent bank-to-bank transfers. You see mid-market FX and a clear fee before paying. Large transfers for residents can reach 150 million JPY equivalent under its Type 1 license. For very large JPY sends, read Wise’s “large transfers” and “send JPY by SWIFT” notes.
Best for: Lowest total cost to bank accounts, big payments.
Consider if: Your priority is clarity and savings over absolute “instant” speed.
Pair with: Our easy bank account opening checklist .
Revolut (Japan)
Revolut is an all-in-one money app with international transfers. Japan users get no sender fee on SWIFT transfers, plus “Pay All Fees” to guarantee exact recipient amounts (flat JPY per major currency). My Number is required for overseas transfers.
Best for: One app for daily spending plus remittances.
Watch for: Intermediary fees if you don’t select “Pay All Fees.” Bank top-ups or card top-ups may have separate costs.
Western Union (Japan)
Reliable cash-pickup to a massive global network, with a full Japan website and app. Great when your recipient prefers cash.
Best for: Urgent cash pickup to places with limited banking access.
Watch for: FX spreads; always compare receive amounts.
Seven Bank × Western Union
If you hold a Seven Bank account, you can send via the app or from ATMs—handy at convenience stores. Know the service caps: 1,000,000 JPY per time/day/month; 3,000,000 JPY/year. Cash pickup is near-instant; China/Philippines also allow bank deposit routes.
Best for: 24/7 convenience with a domestic bank account.
Watch for: Annual cap if you support several recipients.
SBI Remit
The SBI Remit app offers broad country coverage and fast cash pickup through partners such as MoneyGram—many payouts in ~10 minutes by corridor. Multilingual support helps first-time users.
Best for: Quick cash pickup plus bank deposit options.
Watch for: Exchange margins by corridor; compare totals.
Remitly (Japan)
Remitly is mobile-first, with clear Express vs Economy options and frequent new-user offers. It supports Japan senders to many popular destinations.
Best for: Simple app experience and fast onboarding.
Watch for: Express (card-funded) can cost more; compare the receive amount.
WorldRemit (Japan)
WorldRemit supports sending from Japan with many delivery types, plus an updated FAQ hub and calculator to preview fees and timing.
Best for: Flexible delivery in many corridors.
Watch for: Card funding vs bank funding can change fees and timing.
Smiles Mobile Remittance
A Japan-licensed No.1 mobile remittance app (per company materials) popular with Asian communities, Smiles posts fee tables, live rates, and notices on limits & frequency—and even loyalty points to reduce future fees.
Best for: Regular family remittances to PH/ID/VN and similar corridors.
Watch for: Corridor-specific rules (ID, mobile wallet names, etc.).
PayForex (Queen Bee Capital)
Local specialist with real-time rates and fees from 0 JPY on select corridors; supports 200+ countries/regions. If you like dealing with a Japan company, this is a strong shortlist candidate.
Best for: Price hunters who want a domestic provider.
Watch for: Delivery speed and payout types vary by partner.
Rakuten Bank Overseas Remittance
If you already get paid into Rakuten Bank, using its built-in overseas remittance is convenient. Since April 21, 2025, Rakuten removed the strict send-amount caps (you still have system ceilings and compliance checks).
Best for: Existing Rakuten customers moving funds abroad.
Watch for: Processing during banking hours and correspondent bank charges.
Comparison table: costs, speed, and limits (quick look)
Figures vary by corridor and amount. Always check in-app before sending.
| App | Fee model (sender) | FX rate policy | Speed headline | Known caps/notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | Transparent % + flat | Mid-market | Same day–2+ days | Up to 150M JPY equivalent for residents (Type 1). |
| Revolut | Local JPY transfers: free allowances then JPY 220; SWIFT international transfers free; “Pay All Fees” optional flat JPY | Intermediary fees may apply unless “Pay All Fees” | 1–3 days (SWIFT) | My Number required for overseas transfers. |
| Western Union (JP) | Variable | Provider earns on FX | Minutes–same day | App + web available in Japan. |
| Seven Bank × WU | Variable | Provider earns on FX | Minutes–same day | 1,000,000 JPY per time/day/month; 3,000,000 JPY/year. |
| SBI Remit | Variable | Margin by corridor | Minutes–same day | App highlights MoneyGram network; multilingual. |
| Remitly | Variable; Express vs Economy | Margin by corridor | Minutes–days | Japan send supported; new-user offers. |
| WorldRemit | Variable | Margin by corridor | Minutes–days | “Send from Asia” includes Japan. |
| Smiles | Variable; loyalty points offset fees | Margin by corridor | Often same day | Fee and limits pages published. |
| PayForex | From 0 JPY | Real-time rates | Same day–few days | 200+ countries/regions. |
| Rakuten Bank | Bank’s fee schedule | Partner FX | 1–3 business days | No explicit 1x/day/month/year caps since 2025-04-21. |
Corridor examples (what to consider)
- Japan → Philippines: Cash pickup speed is king. Compare Western Union (JP) and SBI Remit for minutes-level cash pickup, and Wise/Remitly/WorldRemit/Smiles for high-rate bank deposits to BDO/GCash. Check each app’s calculator for net receive amount. Read Sending Money Home: Best Ways to Transfer from Japan to Philippines
- Japan → India: Bank deposits are efficient. Wise and Revolut are strong for fee clarity; confirm if your Indian bank accepts SHA/OUR charges—use Revolut’s “Pay All Fees” when you need the recipient to get the exact INR. Read Sending Money Home: Best Ways from Japan to India
- Japan → USA/EU: SWIFT routes are common. If your recipient bank charges inbound fees, Wise may be cheaper overall because of mid-market FX; Revolut with “Pay All Fees” guarantees full receipt at a flat JPY charge. Read Sending Money from Japan to USA: Low-Fee Options
Safety and compliance
- Use your real name and address—they must match your Residence Card/passport. The FSA guide explains why banks and remitters verify identity to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing. Read Residence Card (Zairyu Card) and Address Registration Guide
- Keep beneficiary names exact (no nicknames). Many cash pickup networks reject mismatches.
- Understand SWIFT fees: even when the sender pays “no fee,” intermediary or receiving banks can deduct charges—unless your app provides a “pay all fees” option.
Step-by-step: your first transfer from Japan
- Pick two apps from this guide that operate in Japan (e.g., Wise and Remitly; or Seven Bank × WU and SBI Remit).
- Verify your ID (My Number, Residence Card). Revolut explicitly needs My Number for overseas transfers.
- Run a test of ¥5,000–¥10,000 to your recipient’s bank account (or cash pickup) and time it.
- Compare net received amounts and time-to-cash.
- Save the winner as your default. Set monthly reminders for rate checks. See our quick budget setup for newcomers in Japan .
FAQ
Is PayPal/Xoom useful for sending money from Japan?
Not usually. Xoom lists senders primarily in US/Canada/UK/EEA. You can receive into Japan via Xoom and PayPal, but residents in Japan should pick the Japan-based apps above to send out.
Can I send large amounts for school fees or moving savings?
Yes—Wise supports up to 150M JPY equivalent for residents (Type 1 license). For SWIFT transfers, Revolut lets you pay all correspondent fees so your recipient gets the exact amount.
What if my old Shinsei GoRemit account stops working?
That’s expected—GoRemit ended on October 20, 2025. Move to SBI Remit, Wise, Revolut, or others listed here.
I want cash pickup in minutes—what’s simplest?
Try Western Union (Japan) or SBI Remit. If you already bank with Seven Bank, their WU tie-in is convenient and runs 24/7 with clear caps.
Do I need My Number?
Often yes. For example, Revolut requires My Number for overseas transfers; other providers will ask for similar documents per FSA guidelines.
Editor’s picks (quick matches)
- Value to a bank account: Wise, WorldRemit, PayForex, Rakuten Bank.
- Cash pickup in minutes: Western Union (JP), Seven Bank × WU, SBI Remit, Kyodai.
- All-in-one money app: Revolut (Japan).
- Mobile-first simplicity: Remitly, Smiles.
- Very large transfers: Wise (Type 1 license), Revolut with Pay-All-Fees.
How to compare like a pro (five-minute method)
- Open two apps and plug in the same amount (e.g., ¥100,000) and same destination.
- Note the receive amount and ETA (minutes/hours/days).
- If using SWIFT, check whether the app offers a “Pay All Fees” option (e.g., Revolut).
- For cash pickup routes, confirm the pickup network and ID rules in the destination country (Western Union pages list key restrictions).
- Screenshot everything and repeat next month—rates change.
Conclusion
Pick the app that matches your goal—lowest total cost to a bank account, fastest cash pickup, or the ability to send large amounts—then run one small test. Keep your ID ready, compare the final receive amount, and you’ll save money with every time. Check Internal read Ultimate Japan Finance Guide for Expats – Banking, Taxes, Investing to have a better guidance on how to handle money and save it.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.
