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We’ll take a look at the costs and exchange rates you need to know about if you want to use Kyodai Remittance Japan, and also touch on an alternative, Wise. Wise offers low cost international payments which uses the real mid-market exchange rate - a cheap and convenient option to send money abroad from Japan.
Before we go into details, let’s take a cost example: Sending 100,000 JPY (including a transfer fee) to a bank account in Indonesia
Kyodai Remittance¹ | Wise ² | |
---|---|---|
Fee | 1,480 JPY | 113 JPY + 0.58% |
Exchange rate | Exchange rate with a possible markup (1 IDR = 0.0074 JPY) | Mid-market rate - the same rate that you find on Google (1 IDR = 0.00733036 JPY) |
Actual cost | 1,480 JPY + possible markup within the exchange rate offered | 689 JPY |
Your recipient receives | 13,371,167IDR | 13,547,907 IDR Send money |
(November 23 2020 at 15:59 (EET))
This example shows why it’s important to look at both the upfront transfer fees, and the exchange rates offered by different service providers. The upfront costs of using Wise are lower than Kyodai - and you’ll also notice a difference in the exchange rate applied for the transfer. That probably means that Kyodai Remittance uses their own exchange rates.
While Wise uses the real mid-market exchange rate with no markup, many other providers add an extra charge into the exchange rate they pass on to customers. This isn’t transparent, and pushes up prices. More on this just below.
Send money with the real rate💡
To really understand the Kyodai Remittance rate you need to know a bit about the mid-market exchange rate. That’s the rate set by the currency markets, and the one you’ll find on Google or using a reputable currency converter tool.
However, this isn’t usually the rate you’ll get when sending money overseas as a retail customer. Typically banks and service providers tag an extra fee onto the exchange rate in the form of a markup.
To see this in action you’ll need to compare the exchange rate you’re offered by a currency service against the mid-market rate. If there’s a difference it probably means the provider has added a markup or margin to the rate you’ll get. This is clear from the cost example above.
It’s also worth noting that the exchange rate you find online for Kyodai Remittance Japan is not necessarily the rate you’ll get for your transfer. Here’s the small print:³
“The rates are for reference only. Please note that at the time of the remittance process the rate can change.”
To avoid the uncertainty, and get the mid-market rate with no hidden fees, you may want to consider an alternative like Wise.
Check the real rate right now📈
Kyodai Remittance transfer fees vary by country, amount being sent, and the way you want your payment to be received.
Here’s a selection of the Kyodai Remittance fees to popular destination countries, to give an idea of the charges.⁴ For more details, you can check out Kyodai Remittance calculator.
Range | Kyodai Remittance fees |
---|---|
Up to 100,000 JPY | 700 JPY |
100,001 to 300,000 JPY | 1,000 JPY |
300,001 to 550,000 JPY | 2,000 JPY |
550,001 to 1,000,000 JPY | 3,000 JPY |
Range | Kyodai Remittance fees |
---|---|
Up to 30,000 JPY | 880 JPY |
30,001 to the limit | 1,480 JPY |
Using WesternUnion | --- |
Up to 10,000 JPY | 460 JPY |
10,001 to 50,000 JPY | 600 JPY |
50,001 to 250,000 JPY | 1,000 JPY |
250,001 JPY up to the limit | 1,450 JPY |
Range | Kyodai Remittance fees |
---|---|
Up to 50,000 JPY | 880 JPY |
50,001 to 250,000 JPY | 1,480 JPY |
250,001 JPY up to the limit | 1,980 JPY |
Range | Kyodai Remittance fees |
---|---|
Any amount | 2,000 JPY |
With Wise , you can send money to 80+ countries using the mid-market exchange rate without any markup.
To send money with Wise,
And that is it! You can track your transfer in your account and your recipient will also be notified when a transfer reaches them.
You can also receive money for free to a Wise multi-currency account from the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and many European countries, just as if you had a local bank account in those countries. Hold your money in 50+ different currencies, and switch it using the mid-market rate whenever you want to!
After registering online, by mail or at a branch, you can send money with Kyodai Remittance. Transfers can be set up online, at a branch or at Japan Post Bank ATM with the Kyodai Remittance card or Japan Post Bank card. Depending on where you’re sending to, recipients may be able to receive money by cash pickup or directly to their bank account.
Here’s what you need to do.⁵
First, register online, at a branch or by a physical mail
ID documents you need to register with Kyodai Remittance |
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Foreign customers - a valid residence card Japanese customers require any of the following:
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And send money either at a branch, with a Kyodai Remittance card, by bank deposit or with a Japan Post Bank card;
Simply visit one of Kyodai’s branches and the staff will guide you through the remittance process. Remember to take your ID document along.⁶
Using any Japan Post Bank ATM you can insert your Kyodai Remittance card and make a deposit in notes. There is an additional fee for this service of up to 430 JPY + after hours fees of 100 JPY if relevant.⁷
If you and your recipient are both registered with Kyodai you can also call, email or use the Kyodai app to arrange your deposit, and pay by bank transfer.⁸
Using either a Japan Post Bank ATM or counter service you can send money overseas for a fee. Costs vary from 125 JPY to 440 JPY in addition to the normal Kyodai Remittance fees.⁹
Sending money overseas doesn’t have to be difficult. But finding the best service for your needs will take a little research. As international transfer services structure their fees in a range of different ways you’ll need to look at both the upfront costs and the exchange rates on offer when you choose the right service for you. Make sure you take a look at the low cost, simple online transfers from Wise to see if you can save.
Sources
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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