ATMs in Japan: Credit cards and fees

You’ll find international automatic teller machines (ATM) and cash dispensers in more than 20,000 post offices and 10,000 7-Eleven convenience stores across Japan. Other locations include international airports, CitiBank's, major department stores, and most FamilyMart convenience stores in the Greater Tokyo and Osaka regions.

ATMS that convert foreign currency carry the International Atm Service sign and logos of usable credit cards on the machine. Many also give you English menus, and are straightforward to use.

The largest service - Japan Post Bank - translates in 12 languages which include French, German, Portuguese, and English. Its ATM has a free phone service for customer help.

The Japan Post Bank ATM Navigation app and Seven Bank’s International ATM page can help you find ATMs in your area.

You’ll also find International ATMs at the following major banks:

• Seven Bank
• Japan Post Bank
• Aeon Bank
• SMBC Trust Bank
• Mizuho Bank
• E-net

This ATM Locator gives you neighboring ATMs that convert foreign currency.

Can I withdraw money with my credit/debit card?

Most International ATMs and machines at 7-Elevens accept all major international credit and debit cards. This includes Visa, Plus, Mastercard, Maestro, Cirrus, American Express and JCB cards. Currently, only Aeon Bank and 7-Bank ATMs accept Maestro with IC chips. Follow this website for updates.

Cards accepted at major Japanese Banks

• Seven Bank - Seven Bank takes VISA, Mastercard, Maestro, Cirrus, JCB, Diner's card, Discover, China Unionpay, and American Express. You can withdraw up to 50,000 yen at one time.
• Japan Post - Japan Post Bank's accept VISA, VISA ELECTRON, PLUS, MasterCard, Maestro, Cirrus, American Express, Diners Club, JCB, China UnionPay and DISCOVER. You can also use the Japan Post Bank international overseas cash card. Your limit is 100,000 yen with each transaction.
• Aeon Bank - Aeon accepts Mastercard, Maestro, and Cirrus.
• Mizuho Bank - Mizuho accepts Mastercard, Maestro and Cirrus.
• E-net - E-net allows VISA, PLUS, UnionPay, MasterCard, Maestro, Cirrus, and JCB.

Times and locations of ATMs

In large cities, most ATMs in all 7-Eleven convenience stores and in major post offices run 24-hours. These include machines in the Tokyo Central Office, Shinjuku Office, Shibuya Office and the central offices of Osaka, Kyoto. Note, however, that ATMs in post offices are unavailable on Sundays andpublic holidays between 8.00 pm and midnight. Those in other locations close at 5.00 PM on Saturdays and shorten their hours on holidays.

Times vary according to post office size:

• Large post offices typically operate 7.00 AM to 11.00 PM with shorter hours on weekends.
• Medium-sized post office usually work between 8.00 AM to 8.00 PM with shorter hours on weekends. Many close Sundays.
• Small offices usually open from 9.00 AM to 4.00 PM and are closed on weekends.

Major Bank locations and service times:

• Seven Bank - Seven Bank owns more than 22,000 international ATMs at all 7-eleven stores, train-stations, airports, and some major stores. Its ATMs operate around the clock depending on which bank card you use. Using a Japan Post Bank card on a Seven Bank ATM, for instance, would disable you from withdrawing money from 11.55 PM to 1.00 AM.
• Japan Post - Japan Post Bank has about 27,200 ATMs. You’ll find most of their ATMs in post offices, but some are at train stations and supermarkets. You can usually use their ATMs from 5.00 AM-11.55 PM on weekdays. Banks open 7.00 AM on Mondays and days after holidays. Bank hours on Sundays, holidays and December 31st run from 5.00 AM- 9.00 PM. Japan Post works 7.00 AM- 9.00 PM on the first three days of a new year. Service hours vary by location.
• Aeon Bank - Aeon has its ATMs in Aeon malls and large shopping areas. The company operates in 18 cities.
• SMBC Trust Bank - SMBC covers five locations. You can use their ATMs after 3.00PM on weekdays, Saturdays, Sundays or holidays. Bank business days and hours tend to change. Call the bank to verify.
• Mizuho Bank - Mizuho ATMs exist in 13 locations in Tokyo.
• E-net - The Company’s ATMs work 24 hours a day. You’ll find their machines in supermarkets, convenience stores, and groceries in more than 39 locations. Retailers include FamilyMart, Don Quijote, Circle K Sunkus, Daily YAMAZAKI, and POPLAR stores.

ATM exchange rate

Most of Japan’s major International ATMs offer excellent currency exchange rates and tend to compete in their services. In fact, you’ll get a better exchange rate in Japan - usually within 1% of the market rate - than you’ll get from converting foreign currency to JPY at home (typically 5%-11% at banks, the AAA, and foreign currency exchange vendors). Nonetheless, expect irregularities.

More about the fees and how to economize

Most - although not all - international ATMs will deduct minor service fees, often around 108 yen during normal hours and 216 yen during off-peak hours and weekends. Costs can increase to around 432 yen if you withdraw more than the limited yen amount, such as 100,000 yen from Japan Post banks. Seven Bank ATMs are free, but Japan Post charges 105 JPY going up to 210 JPY on weekends and holidays. Also, realize that your bank may add an additional fee which depends on the card used. Capital One, for instance, carries rates as low as 0%, but some services may charge as much as $10 per transaction. Inquire with your card issuer, or bank, for going rates. Alternately, you can compare card rates through NerdWallet.

To play it safe, before you leave for Japan make sure that your credit or debit card can be used abroad. Also, notify your bank that you're going to use your card overseas in case your bank freezes your account suspecting fraud.

Use Wise for an even better deal

If you or a friend have a Japanese bank account, use Wise to transfer your money ahead of time and save even more. Not only does the real mid-market exchange rates Wise offers generally beat the banks, but because your money is received and sent locally in both your home country and in Japan, all those nasty international fees magically disappear.