How to Open an Account With Mizuho Bank: A Guide for Foreigners

Opening a Mizuho Bank account as a foreigner in Japan can feel overwhelming, but it’s possible with the right information.

Mizuho is one of Japan’s largest banks, offering a range of services for residents and newcomers. Whether you want to open your account in person or try online registration, this guide explains each step, the documents you’ll need, and what to expect.

You’ll also learn how to save money on international transfers with Wise, so you can manage your finances in Japan with less hassle and more transparency.

💡Discover the Wise account

Table of contents
How to open a Mizuho Bank account for foreigners: Requirements Step-by-step guide to opening an account with Mizuho Bank² Mizuho Bank open account online registration Managing your Mizuho Bank Account Using the ATM Fees and charges Save on international transfers with Wise

Disclaimer: This article is not sponsored by or affiliated with Mizuho Bank and has only been reviewed by Wise, not the bank. For more information, please be sure to visit their website.

How to open a Mizuho Bank account for foreigners: Requirements

If you're a foreigner looking to open a Mizuho Bank account in Japan, it's important to check the eligibility criteria and gather the required documents before starting your application. Understanding these requirements will help ensure a smooth account opening process.

Eligibility for foreigners to open a Mizuho Bank account

To open a Mizuho Bank account in Japan, you must have been residing in Japan for at least 6 months.

Required documents to open a Mizuho Bank account¹

Residence card (在留カード zairyu card)

• Your residence card must have at least 3 months of validity remaining from the date of application.
• If your period of stay expires within 3 months, extend it before applying

Additional identification (if applicable)

• Students: Student ID (学生証 gakuseisho) or certificate of enrollment (在学証明書 zaigaku shomeisho) - required if your residence status is "Student".
• Technical intern trainees: Employee ID(社員証 shainsho) or work certificate(在職証明書 zaishoku shomeisho) - required if your residence status is "Technical Intern Training".

Personal seal (印鑑 inkan) or signature

• Traditional personal seals are accepted
• Rubber stamps like Shachihata are not accepted
• Alternatively, you can use your signature

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Step-by-step guide to opening an account with Mizuho Bank²

There are two main ways for opening a Mizuho Bank account for foreigners:

1. Visiting a branch
2. Using Mizuho Bank open account online services (via their website)

If you are an American citizen, or if you already have a Mizuho Bank account and wish to open a second Mizuho Bank account in Japan, you must visit a branch. Here's a complete guide for each method.

In-person at a Mizuho Bank branch

Prepare the required documents

• One ID document with a photo (e.g. MyNumber Card) or two ID documents (e.g. Residence Card (在留カード zairyu card) / Certificate of Residence (住民票 jyuminhyo))
• Personal seal (印鑑 inkan) - rubber stamps like Shachihata are not accepted

Visit a Mizuho Bank Location

• Bring a someone who can speak Japanese along or have a translation app ready, as English-speaking staff may not be available
• Tell the staff you would like to open a bank account "口座を開設したいです (Kouza wo kaisetu shitai desu)"

Filling in the application³

Both the application you fill in via the internet and at the branch counter is only available in Japanese.

If you wish to use English services, apply via Mizuho Direct app.

Receive your bank account number and ATM card

• After completing the application, you'll receive your bank account number immediately.
• Your ATM card (cash card) will be mailed to your registered address.

Common words and phrases during account application

Here is a table of useful phrases you can find on application forms or use to communicate at the bank counter.

Japanese	English	Instructions
おところ (otokoro)	Address	Your address
郵便番号 (yubin bango)	Postal code	Fill in your postal code
電話番号 (denwabangou)	Phone number	Fill your Japanese phone number
おなまえ (onamae)	Name	Your name in alphabetic capital letters, then again in katakana in the furigana field
生年月日 (seinengappi)	Date of birth	You might be required to fill in this according to the Japanese’s date format according to the bank
金額 (kingaku)	Amount of money	Fill in your initial deposit amount.
カードの種類 (kado no shurui)	Type of card	Choose the card type you would like to apply for.

Mizuho Bank open account online registration

For those preferring digital banking, Mizuho Bank open account online is available through their website.

Note that this service is different from Mizuho Direct, which is only for existing account holders.

Opening a Mizuho Bank account online: Required Documents

Choose one of the following:

• My Number Card
• Driver's license
• Driving record certificate
• Residence card (在留カード zairyu card)
• Special permanent resident certificate

Note:

• Your ID address must match your current address
• Students and technical intern trainees need additional documentation
• The online application is only available in Japanese

How to open a Mizuho Bank account for foreigners online

Identity Verification

• Enter your personal information
• Verify identity by scanning your My Number IC chip or Residence Card (在留カード zairyu card) or uploading ID photos

Card Selection

• Select from these card card types:
  • Mizuho Milleage Club Card
  • Mizuho JCB Debit
  • Mizuho IC Cash Card

Complete your account creation

• Receive the completion email with your account number
• Start using your account once you receive your card

Useful Japanese words and phrases

Japanese	Romaji	English
口座 （こうざ）	Kouza	Account
口座の種類 (こうざのしゅるい）	Kouza no Shurui	Account Type
開設 （かいせつ）	Kaisetsu	Opening
普通預金 （ふつうよきん）	Futsu Yokin	General Deposit Account
引き出し （ひきだし）	Hikidashi	Withdrawal
残高照会 （ざんだかしょうかい）	Zandaka-shokai	Balance Inquiry
払込用紙 （はらいこみようし） / 振込用紙 （ふりこみようし）	Haraikomi-yoshi / Furikomi-yoshi	Payment Slip
口座番号 （こうざばんごう）	Kouza-bango	Account Number
金額（きんがく）	Kingaku	Amount to be Transferred
電話番号 （でんわばんごう）	Denwa-bango	Phone Number
戻る （もどる）	Modoru	Go Back
確認 （かくにん）	Kakunin	Confirm
取消 （とりけし）	Torikeshi	Return
料金 （りょうきん）	Ryokin	Fee

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Managing your Mizuho Bank Account

Using the Mizuho Direct app

Mizuho Direct app is an internet banking service where you can arrange banking transactions and procedures online, whether it is from your computer or smartphone. There is also an option to change the language to English, making it easy to navigate as well.

Important: Mizuho Direct is an internet banking service available only to existing Mizuho Bank account holders. You cannot open a new account through Mizuho Direct.

Once you have successfully opened your Mizuho Bank account, you can register for Mizuho Direct to enjoy convenient online banking services.

How to register for Mizuho Direct

Prepare your account information

• Your Mizuho Bank account number
• Your cash card
• Your registered phone number

Choose your registration

• Via the Mizuho Direct app
• Via the Mizuho website
• At an ATM
• At a Mizuho Bank branch

Complete registration (via app/website)

• Enter your account details
• Create a login ID and password
• Set up security questions
• Verify your identity using your cash card information

Receive confirmation

• Get your customer number
• Confirm registration is complete

Start using Mizuho Direct

• Log in with your credentials
• Access online banking services

How to change the language⁴

1. Tap お客さまメニュー (okyakusama menu - customer menu) at the bottom right
2. Scroll down and select 言語 (gengo - language) in settings
3. When the restart prompt appears, tap "Exit"
4. Restart the app
5. The app will now display in English

Merits of using Mizuho Direct app⁵

• 24/7 availability for all transactions
• Lower fees compared to branch or ATM transfers
• Enhanced security with biometric authentication and one-time passwords
• One-touch balance checking
• Monthly income and expense reports with visual graphs

Using the ATM

Checking your balances

• Bring your cash card or bankbook to any Mizuho ATM
• Select 残高照会 (zandaka shōkai - balance inquiry)
• Insert your card and enter your PIN

Transferring money

• You must bring your bank book (or cash card) to make a bank transfer in Japan.
• Select お振込み (ofurikomi) or ご送金 (gosōkin) for transfers
• Enter recipient details and amount
• Confirm with your PIN

Fees and charges⁶

Mizuho Mileage Club Members

Transfer fees for Mizuho Direct (per transaction)

Recipient	Transfer Amount	Transfer free
To the Same Mizuho Bank Branch※1 & Mizuho Bank Head Office※2	-	Free
To Other Banks	Less than 30,000 JPY	Free※3
To Other Banks	Over 30,000 JPY	Free※3

Based on information found on 13 October 2025.

※1 A transfer to the same branch means the withdrawal account and transfer destination account are in the same branch.
※2 Transfers to Mizuho Trust & Banking Corporation refer to the “Mizuho Bank Head Office/Branch”
※3 Free for Mizuho Mileage Club S stage. Fees can vary depending on the stage.

Transfer fees for ATM Cash Card (per transaction)

Recipient	Transfer Amount	Transfer fees
To the Same Mizuho Bank Branch※1 & Mizuho Bank Head Office※2	-	220 JPY
To Other Banks	Less than 30,000 JPY	270 JPY
To Other Banks	Over 30,000 JPY	330 JPY

Based on information found on 13 October 2025.

※1 A transfer to the same branch means the withdrawal account and transfer destination account are in the same branch.
※2 Transfers to Mizuho Trust & Banking Corporation refer to the “Mizuho Bank Head Office/Branch”

Fees for non-Mizuho Mileage Club members

Transfer fees for Mizuho Direct (per transaction)

Recipient	Transfer Amount	Transfer fees
To the Same Mizuho Bank Branch※1 & Mizuho Bank Head Office※2	-	Free
To Other Banks	Less than 30,000 JPY	110 JPY
To Other Banks	Over 30,000 JPY	110 JPY

Based on information found on 13 October 2025.

※1 A transfer to the same branch means the withdrawal account and transfer destination account are in the same branch.
※2 Transfers to Mizuho Trust & Banking Corporation refer to the “Mizuho Bank Head Office/Branch”

Transfer fees for ATM Cash Card (per transaction)

Recipient	Transfer Amount	Transfer fees
To the Same Mizuho Bank Branch※1 & Mizuho Bank Head Office※2	-	220 JPY
To Other Banks	Less than 30,000 JPY	270 JPY
To Other Banks	Over 30,000 JPY	330 JPY

Based on information found on 13 October 2025.

※1 A transfer to the same branch means the withdrawal account and transfer destination account are in the same branch.
※2 Transfers to Mizuho Trust & Banking Corporation refer to the “Mizuho Bank Head Office/Branch”

Pay-Easy Fee

Pay-easy (ペイジー peiji) is a payment service that lets you pay taxes, utility bills, online shopping fees, and other charges using your computer, smartphone, or ATM. Below are the Pay-easy tax and bill payment service fees.

Amount	Mizuho Direct	ATM Cash Card
Less than 30,000 JPY	110 JPY	110 JPY
Over 30,000 JPY	220 JPY	220 JPY

Based on information found on 13 October 2025.

※1 Payment fees are generally not charged, but depending on the receiving organization or type of bill, processing fees may apply with each payment.

Other fees:

• Bill transfer fee is free regardless of the transaction amount.
• Payment fees are generally not charged, but depending on the collection agency or type of fee, a payment fee may be charged each time a payment is made.
• Payment fee per transaction is free if you meet the requirements of a Mizuho Mileage Club member.

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Save on international transfers with Wise

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Main characteristics of Wise

• Send money to over 140 countries with low cost
• Hold and exchange over 40 currencies with one account
• Get great value when exchanging foreign currency to Japanese yen at mid-market rates
• Wise debit card can be used across 160 countries
• Acquire local account details in 10 difference currencies including the U.S, Europe, Singapore, etc.
• Licensed service in Japan: Wise Payments Japan K.K is licensed as Type 1 and type 2 funds transfer service provider in Japan

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FAQ

Do I need a personal seal or Hanko to open an account?

Mizuho Bank accepts signatures for the application so having a Hanko (seal) is not necessarily required.

How long does it take to open a Mizuho Bank account?

When you apply online, you can receive your bank account number on the same day at the earliest.

Your Mizuho cash card will arrive by post within 2-4 weeks after your application.

Keep in mind that opening times can vary. Mizuho Bank will screen your application and may refuse to open an account in some cases.

Can I apply for a credit card while I’m opening a bank account with Mizuho Bank?

Mizuho Bank partners with ANA and JCB to offer combined banking and credit cards. You can get:

ANA Mileage Club Card - A cash card with built-in credit card function and IC chip
Mizuho JCB Debit - A cash card with JCB debit function and IC chip.

🌸 Interested in getting a Credit Card in Japan?

Key takeaways

• Mizuho Direct is an Internet banking service of Mizuho Bank that is foreigner-friendly with English settings.
• Mizuho Mileage Club Members have benefits like free Internet banking transfer fees.
• Wise allows you to transfer money overseas quickly with a low cost since mid-market exchange rates are being used.

Disclaimer: This article is not sponsored by or affiliated with Mizuho Bank and has only been reviewed by Wise, not the bank. For more information, please be sure to visit their website.

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Sources:

1. To customers who have a residence card and are applying to open an account
2. 口座開設（口座をつくる） | みずほ銀行
3. I am a foreign national. How can I open an account | FAQ（よくあるご質問）
4. Can I use the Mizuho Direct App in English? | FAQ
5. みずほダイレクト［インターネットバンキング］
6. 手数料一覧（みずほダイレクト）