Summary: Japanese banks record the period of stay shown on your residence card. When that date passes and the bank has not seen your new card, it can block withdrawals and transfers, even if you renewed your status on time. The fix is simple: send the bank your new residence card details through its app, an ATM, the post or a branch. If your renewal is still being processed, show proof of the application. This guide explains why it happens and how to update, with examples from bank notices. Checked: 18 October 2026.
Why your account can stop
Banks in Japan must check who their customers are as part of anti-money-laundering rules. For customers who are foreign residents, part of that check is the period of stay (zairyu kikan, 在留期間) printed on the residence card. When you opened your account, the bank wrote that date into its records.
When you extend your stay or change your status, the Immigration Services Agency gives you a new residence card. Immigration does not tell your bank. So the bank still has the old date. Once that date passes, the bank cannot confirm that you are still living in Japan legally, and its account rules allow it to restrict the account.
What gets blocked depends on the bank. Examples from bank notices:
- Japan Post Bank says that if you do not notify it, you will not be able to make withdrawals or transfers.
- The 77 Bank says withdrawals, transfers and account-to-account transfers from ordinary savings accounts stop for customers whose registered period of stay has passed (from 16 February 2026).
- MUFG Bank sends a letter before the date and says it may restrict transactions if you do not reply by the deadline.
The restrictions in these notices are on taking money out or sending it. That is why many people only notice when an ATM withdrawal or a transfer fails.
Signs the bank needs your new card
- A letter from the bank asking you to confirm your period of stay or “purpose of transactions” (お取引目的等の確認).
- A message on the ATM screen or in online banking asking you to update your residence information.
- An ATM withdrawal or online transfer that is refused without a clear reason.
You do not need to wait for a warning. Japan Post Bank, for example, asks customers to update after any card renewal, even if they see no message.
How to update your bank
Banks accept the update in different ways. Use whichever your bank offers. Check your bank’s English page or call its customer centre if you are not sure.
| Method | What you do | Example from a bank notice |
|---|---|---|
| App | Open the bank’s app, choose the menu for updating your period of stay, and photograph your new card. | Japan Post Bank: “Yucho Tetsuzuki App”, generally available 24 hours |
| ATM | Insert your cash card and follow the screen to scan your residence card. | The 77 Bank: accepted at Seven Bank ATMs from 16 February 2026; it can take a few days to show |
| Post | Fill in the form the bank sent you and return it with a copy of both sides of your new card. | MUFG Bank: form plus an A4 copy of the front and back of the card |
| Branch counter | Bring your new residence card and your bankbook or cash card. | Japan Post Bank also asks for your registered seal (inkan) |
One more point from the 77 Bank: residence cards issued on or after 14 June 2026 cannot be read by its ATM method until around January 2027, so holders of those cards should use the counter for now. Other banks may have similar limits for the new cards, so if the ATM or app does not accept your card, go to a branch.
If your renewal is still being processed
If you applied to extend your stay before your period of stay ended, immigration law lets you keep living in Japan with your current status until the decision is made, or until two months after the old expiry date, whichever comes first. This is often called the special period (tokurei kikan). During this time you do not have a new card yet, so the bank only sees the old date.
Tell your bank that the renewal is in progress and ask what it needs. The 77 Bank, for example, lifts the restriction for two months from the expiry date if you show either:
- your residence card with the stamp showing an application for renewal is in progress (在留資格更新許可申請中), or
- the confirmation email for an online renewal application.
When your new card arrives, update the bank again with the new card. The application fees and timing for the renewal itself are in Extending your period of stay in Japan.
Checklist
- Apply for your renewal early. Applications can usually be made from about three months before your period of stay ends.
- While you wait, tell your bank the renewal is in progress and keep your stamped card or application email.
- On the day your new card arrives, update every bank and credit union where you have an account, including accounts you rarely use.
- If you also moved, update your address with the bank at the same time. See Moving house in Japan.
- Check that a small withdrawal or transfer works a few days later.
FAQ
My account is already blocked. What should I do first?
Contact the bank right away and send your new residence card details by the quickest method it offers. A branch visit is usually the most direct if you need the money soon. Bring your residence card, bankbook or cash card, and your seal if you registered one.
Does this apply to permanent residents?
Permanent residents have no period of stay, but their residence card itself has an expiry date and must be renewed. Banks may ask for the new card after a card renewal too. If your bank sends a letter, reply to it.
I am leaving Japan. Can I keep the account?
MUFG Bank asks customers to close accounts they will no longer use, for example when returning home. Once your period of stay ends, an account left open is likely to be restricted. Ask your bank before you leave.
Is a letter or call about this a scam?
Real requests exist, but scammers copy them. Do not use phone numbers or links in an unexpected message. Contact the bank through its official website, app or the number on your cash card. See Fake police calls in Japan for common tricks.
Related reading
- Extending your period of stay in Japan: new fees from 1 October 2026
- Moving house in Japan: the 14-day address change and your residence card
Sources
- Updating your residence information – Japan Post Bank (English)
- Notice to foreign national customers – The 77 Bank (Japanese)
- Period of stay notice – MUFG Bank (Japanese, PDF)
- Extension of period of stay and the special period – University of Tokyo (English)
This article explains general procedures and is not legal or financial advice. Rules differ by bank; follow your bank’s own instructions.
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