SWIFT/BIC codes in Japan: banks starting with V

SWIFT/BIC codes in Japan

For Japan we have 712 SWIFT/BIC codes from 586 banks. You will need such a code mainly for international transfers, and especially for payments in foreign currencies.

Every bank is listed with its own page with the head office code and, where available, codes for branches and departments. Below the list we explain how a code from Japan is put together, how to send money to Japan at a fair price and how to check a code before you pay.

The cheapest way to send money to Japan

What you pay for a payment to Japan has more than one component – not only the fee you see. You pay a transfer fee, sometimes fees from correspondent banks along the way and, above all, the exchange rate markup if the money is converted.

Most of the cost usually sits in the exchange rate, rather than in the fee – the bank builds a margin into its rate. An easy check: set the rate you get next to the mid-market rate and look at the difference.

Money transfer services frequently use a rate near the mid-market rate. GoldexPay lists these providers next to each other so you can see what actually arrives in Japan.

How long does a transfer to Japan take?

There is no fixed answer for payments to Japan: some arrive within a day. Bank holidays in either country can add extra days.

Many banks are connected to SWIFT gpi for faster and traceable payments. Each payment gets a unique reference, the UETR that banks can use to see where the money is. Keep the payment confirmation until the recipient confirms – you will need it if something goes wrong.

Incoming international payments in Japan

Someone abroad who wants to pay you will ask for several details from you – incomplete details often cause delays. Share your name as registered with the bank, the IBAN or account number, the BIC of your bank and your address, which some banks require.

The code of your bank is in the list on this page. Certain sending banks also want the name and address of your bank.

Do not be surprised if the amount credited is below what the sender paid. Fees for incoming transfers vary per bank – your bank’s price list tells you what applies. Make clear with the sender who covers the fees, especially for larger amounts.

The Japanese Yen (JPY) and conversion costs

Japan uses the Japanese Yen. A payment in a foreign currency is exchanged into JPY.

Who does the conversion has an effect on how much arrives. In many cases you pay less to send JPY directly via a provider that converts near the mid-market rate so the receiving bank does not need to convert again. Rates for JPY change during the day.

Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi Ufj, LTD., The and its SWIFT codes

In our data, Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi Ufj, LTD., The has the largest number of SWIFT/BIC codes in Japan. Its head office code is BOTKJPJTXXX.

Many codes usually means that the bank registers branches and departments separately – it says nothing about the size of the bank as such. Unless the recipient asks for a branch, the head office code BOTKJPJTXXX works for a payment to Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi Ufj, LTD., The.

Paying a bank in Japan from abroad

Because Japan is outside SEPA, an international payment is usually sent as a SWIFT payment. That means the payment always needs the SWIFT/BIC code of the recipient’s bank.

Not every country uses the IBAN. Ask the recipient exactly which details their bank needs for incoming international payments; banks often publish instructions for this. Before it arrives, a transfer can go through correspondent banks that charge for their part.

Recognising a SWIFT code from Japan

SWIFT/BIC codes use the same format worldwide: eight characters plus an optional three-character extension. It starts with four letters for the bank, then a two-letter country code and two characters for the location.

Whatever the bank, all Japan codes have the same fifth and sixth letters. Codes with other letters in that position come from a bank abroad, even if the bank name looks familiar.

The optional last three characters identify a branch or department; XXX means the head office. Use a branch code just if the recipient explicitly gives you one; otherwise the head office code is the safe choice.

How reliable is this list?

The most reliable source for a SWIFT code is the bank details provided by the recipient. When the code you were given does not match the code listed here, do not guess.

This list draws on public sources that we update periodically. Still, banks merge, rename themselves or retire codes. Use this list as a reference, not as the final word. We are a comparison site for money transfers and not part of any bank listed here.

Scammers often use fake invoices with changed bank details that look completely genuine. Before paying, verify changed details by phone.

Banks in Japan beginning with the letter :letter

This list only shows the banks in Japan whose name starts with :letter. The totals mentioned here cover every bank we list.

Some banks are listed under their legal name, which may start with words like Bank or Banco. Use the full list for Japan if you are not sure the exact name.