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Have you ever gone up to the cashier after eating at your favorite restaurant and realized you are out of cash? Or have you ever walked up to a bank or ATM only to find it closed?
As Japan slowly eases into the digital age, fortunately, the days of running out of cash or inability to use ATMs are more or less behind us. Japan now has ATMs operating longer hours and an increasing number of businesses accepting various forms of cashless payments, including credit card, debit card, and e-money.
Despite this progress, there are times when you do need cash. But how exactly can you access it? Here we share an overview of Japanese bank and ATM operating hours and ways Sony Bank is helping its growing customer base, including foreign residents, lead a cashless life.
Bank Hours
Most banks with teller services in Japan are open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 3 pm, and are closed on weekends and bank holidays. During operating hours, they provide their customers with services including cash deposits and withdrawals.
ATM Hours
One important thing to note is that not all ATMs in Japan operate 24 hours a day. ATMs at banks are generally open from 7 am to midnight on weekdays and 9 pm on weekends and bank holidays, although hours may be shorter at some branches.
Fortunately, ATMs inside many convenience stores operate around the clock.
How is Sony Bank paving the way for a cashless life?
Opening an account with Sony Bank provides you with greater convenience by being able to make purchases and perform transactions anytime, anywhere without having to visit the bank or ATM and without the need for cash. This cashless system may even help you improve your personal finances and spending accountability.
1. Worldwide ATM and Point of Sales network access
Sony Bank WALLET’s Visa Debit functionality gives you access to all the convenience of a Visa card. Not only you can use your card at partner ATMs within Japan or any overseas ATMs where Visa is accepted, it also allows you to make cashless payments at any of the 20 million merchants worldwide who accept Visa. No need for cash!
2. No more bulky wallets
Opening an account with Sony Bank means that you will no longer need to carry around a heavy, bulky wallet or stand in long lines at ATMs. Just swipe your Sony Bank WALLET (Visa Debit card) and enter your PIN (or sign the receipt) to make payments, and the exact amount will be withdrawn directly from your account.
3. Ease of transactions on user-friendly online banking platform
One of the greatest benefits of Sony Bank WALLET is how easily you can make payments. Make payments, pay your bills and transfer funds online via Sony Bank’s easy-to-use English online banking from your smartphone or personal computer, anytime and anywhere.
4. Easy way to track spending and stay on budget
With Sony Bank WALLET, you will no longer worry at the end of the month. Cashless payments with Sony Bank allow you to easily track your spending, with email notifications and an online transaction history you can check at any time. Being able to see your balance at the touch of a button can help you reign in spending on unnecessary items and stay within your budget.
5. Comprehensive, customer-oriented English help desk
Sony Bank’s English website offers comprehensive guides, covering everything from opening your bank account to clear explanations of products and services, transaction fees and procedures. Sony Bank also offers chat-based English help desk operated by a team of friendly, bilingual staffs who can help you with your questions or walk you through different procedures step by step. Outside of English help desk hours, an on-call interpreter is available to provide phone support via the Japanese online banking page should you need to report the loss or fraudulent use of your Sony Bank WALLET or token (one-time password generator).
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