Hello, this is Sierra from the Sony Bank market research team!
I would like to introduce Dustin, who recently joined our team, and ask him how he feels about using Sony Bank WALLET.

Hi, I'm Dustin.
Since I opened an account with Sony Bank, I have been using Sony Bank WALLET mainly for daily shopping. In this blog, I would like to share my past experience how my lifestyle has changed and how I use it in everyday life.

Open Account App Designed for International Residents

When I moved to Japan, my Japanese language abilities were very limited. I only knew basic phrases, like how to say hello and goodbye. As a result, it was very difficult for me to set up important things, like my bank account, just the way I wanted. This meant that I didn’t apply for a debit card, as the thought of going through the application process in Japanese initially seemed like too much of a chore.

If I had known back then how easy it is to use Sony Bank’s Open Account app to start using their English online banking and receive a Sony Bank WALLET (a cash card with Visa debit functionality), I would have jumped at the opportunity.

Why Use Sony Bank WALLET Instead of Cash?

When I lived in America, whenever I went shopping I paid using a debit card. For the first few years after I moved to Japan, I used cash almost exclusively when shopping and going to restaurants. I imagine many people who have moved to Japan from abroad do the same thing.

While I usually got around using cash just fine, occasionally situations arose that left me longing for the simplicity and convenience being able to use a debit card would add to my lifestyle.

For example, once during a holiday trip, I found myself needing to withdraw cash from an ATM to buy a souvenir I wanted. Unfortunately, this was a bank holiday, which affected my ability to make withdrawals from certain ATMs at certain hours. After searching around for an ATM that would allow me to make a withdrawal, I came up empty-handed—unable to get any cash and unable to buy what I wanted. If I had access to a debit card, I wouldn’t have wasted any time or gone without the souvenir. That experience got me to start thinking more seriously about getting one.

In my search for a debit card, I came across Sony Bank and their Sony Bank WALLET, a cash card with Visa debit functionality. As soon as I saw how easy it would be to apply to open an account, I downloaded the Open Account app and submitted my application.

A few weeks after sending Sony Bank all the necessary documentation, I received the Sony Bank WALLET card via postal mail. Once I had the card in my hands, I immediately went to the nearest ATM, deposited cash into my account, and began using Sony Bank WALLET for my everyday payment needs. Since then I’ve never had to worry about not having enough cash or make sure I knew where the closest in-network ATM was. Even if I’m in a situation where I need to use cash, I can use Sony Bank WALLET to withdraw money at any partner ATM, so I always feel secure as long as it’s with me.

Shop Online Internationally With Ease

While Sony Bank WALLET makes in-person transactions convenient, I think its true value shines when its used for online shopping. I’m a huge fan of the convenience of online shopping, and admittedly, I often use it as a means of stress-relief. With Sony Bank WALLET, my online shopping isn’t restricted to Japanese websites. I can pay for things from international websites that accept Visa using the site’s local currency thanks to Sony Bank’s Foreign currency savings accounts. Even if I forget to exchange money using my Foreign currency savings account, Sony Bank wallet automatically exchanges the money from my Yen savings account for an exchange fee, provided I have an account in that currency.

Another major benefit of being able to shop online internationally with Sony Bank WALLET is that I can buy presents on special occasions for my friends and family and have them delivered, even if I can’t be there to give them the gifts in person. And since Sony Bank WALLET has debit card functionality, unlike a credit card, I can’t overspend, which helps to keep my finances in check.

Now that I’ve switched over to using Sony Bank WALLET, my level of satisfaction with my bank has gone up dramatically—I don’t see myself ever going back to the way things were before. The amount of times I have had to search for a bank branch, wait in line to complete a procedure, or look for an ATM to withdraw cash for living expenses has dramatically decreased. I no longer need to carry around a bunch of coins, and fumble with them at the checkout counter. I no longer worry about my wallet, and I can use my money in a host of ways I couldn’t before. And the best part? I could can do it in English, right from my smartphone.

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