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Best Ways to Send Money to Japan

Ensure fast send times, low fees, the best exchange rates, and helpful customer support on money transfers to Japan.

Continue reading for reviews, expert advice, and essentials for transfers to Japan.

Jonathan Merry
Author 
Jonathan Merry
7 minutes
February 5th, 2024
Disclosure
Best Overall
9.2
Wise

Wise is the top rated money transfer provider that usually appears in our search results to Japan.

Fastest Option
8.6
XE

XE tends to offer fast transfer times to Japan for many origin countries and send amounts.

Cheapest Option
8
Regency FX

Users who searched to send money to RegencyFX usually find XE had the lowest rates and fees.

How much does it cost to send money to Japan?

Sending money to Japan can be more affordable than you might think. However, understanding the fees can be confusing. This confusion arises because money transfer providers make money in different ways. They can charge transfer fees, mark up the exchange rate, or do both simultaneously.

Let's imagine you want to send $1,000 from the United States to Japan.

After analyzing the 20+ providers in our database, we have found that your best option would be to use Wise to make a bank transfer. They add no markup to the exchange rate, and charge a fee of $10.85.

Mid-market rate versus markup

Mid-market rate versus markup

The mid-market rate is the average between the buying and selling prices of two currencies. It fluctuates over time. The markup is the additional amount charged by the provider above this rate.

At MoneyTransfers.com, we make it easy to compare rates by providing the updated exchange rate markup for each money transfer provider. Additionally, you can review fees, transfer times, and read customer reviews.

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Best services to send money to Japan

When choosing a method to send money to Japan, you'll want to consider factors like convenience, cost, and transfer times.

  • Wise focuses on providing a great balance between low fees, the mid-market exchange rate, and fast transfer times to and from Japan.

  • RegencyFX is the cheapest way to send money to to Japan, with zero transfer fees and a small markup on exchanges.

  • XE offers quick transfers to Japan, with no fees for transfers above $500.

Use our data to find the best options for you and discover the money transfer providers that offer the exact service you need.

The suggestions below are created by combining data from thousands of real-life searches that were conducted on MoneyTransfers.com by individuals who, like you, wanted to send money internationally to Japan.

Wise
Wise

Overall, Wise is the best way to send money to Japan. They have low, transparent fees and offer the mid market exchange rate.

This isn't just our opinion, this is based on thorough analysis of the benefits, costs, and speed of using Wise for your transfers.

Cost: Wise fees aren't always the lowest, but their mid-market exchange rate is unbeatable. You can also calculate your exact fees before you send any money.

Speed: Wise is usually one of the fastest providers on the market. Transfers to Japan with Wise are often completed within a week.

Ease of use: Wise is the most user-friendly provider we've reviewed, with an intuitive app and clear navigation.

You can calculate your fees for sending money to Japan with Wise before you send any money using their online, in-app calculator. You can also open a multi-currency account, in which you can hold up to nine different currencies at once, including Japanese yen.

Watch our video review of Wise

XE
XE

Our analysis shows that XE stands out as the fastest service for sending money to Japan. This is particularly impressive considering the vast network they cover, with services available in over 200 countries. For anyone looking to transfer money internationally, especially to Japan, XE simplifies the process, making it quick and efficient.

One of the most appealing aspects of using XE is the cost-saving benefit for larger transactions. They waive fees for transfers over $500, which is a significant advantage for both personal and business users. This feature not only makes XE an economical choice but also encourages larger transactions, knowing that extra costs won't be a concern.

Moreover, XE's high transfer limits cater to a wide range of needs, from small personal transfers to large business transactions. This flexibility, combined with their extensive global reach, positions XE as a top choice for anyone needing to send money to Japan. Whether you're supporting family, managing overseas investments, or paying for services, XE provides a reliable and fast solution to meet your needs.

Regency FX

Our analysis shows that RegencyFX stands out as the cheapest service for sending money to Japan. This is a big win for anyone looking to transfer funds without worrying about excessive fees eating into their money. What sets RegencyFX apart is its commitment to zero transfer fees, making it an attractive option for both one-time and recurring international payments. This means more of your money gets to where it needs to be, without unnecessary deductions.

One of the standout features of RegencyFX is the dedicated account manager provided to each customer. This personal touch ensures that you have a go-to expert for all your transfer needs, making the process smoother and more tailored to your specific requirements. It's like having a financial concierge, ensuring your transactions are handled with care and expertise.

Moreover, RegencyFX makes recurring international payments a breeze. This feature is especially beneficial for those who need to send money regularly, offering peace of mind and consistency in your financial dealings. While there is a markup on the mid-market rate, the transparency and efficiency of the service, combined with the significant savings on transfer fees, position RegencyFX as a top choice for sending money to Japan.

Need more options? Compare ALL rates

Get more for your money: compare and choose from over 20 money transfer providers and find the top options to send money to - best rates guaranteed!

What is the cheapest way to send money to Japan?

Money transfer services are the cheapest way to send money to Japan

Whether you need to send money to your loved ones in Japan, pay for tuition fees, or send large amounts of money to invest in a property, money transfer services help you avoid bank charges and processes.

The exact cost of sending money to JPY can be influenced by factors like:

  • The country of origin

  • The amount you need to send

  • The payment method you select

  • The current exchange rates

Our comparison engine helps you find the best deal for your transfer by comparing the exact costs of all the most reliable money transfer services on the market in 2024.

USD to JPY Live Exchange Rate

Mid-market Rate
1
= 149.130012 JPY
Mid-market rate at: 15:31 UTC
USD/JPY Median: 148.535218 Low: 147.627010 High: 149.130012

Sending money to another country requires an understanding of exchange rates. An exchange rate can be compared to a constantly changing price tag that indicates the value of your currency in relation to another country's currency, in this case Japan's JPY.

A favorable exchange rate means that you will receive more foreign currency for each unit of your own currency, making your transfer more effective.

Use the tool on this page to get the latest exchange rate for your currency to JPY. It's pre-set to USD but, if you're dealing with different currencies such as Euros or Canadian dollars, you can easily adjust the settings and get the values you need. This helps you know exactly how much money will arrive in Japan when you send it.

Expert Tip: Watch the Exchange Rate

Did you know you can save money by keeping an eye on exchange rates? If you're not in a hurry to send money to Japan, watching how the rates change can be smart. When the USD to Yen rate is good, your money will get you more in Japan. This means you can send more money without spending extra!

Sign up for our automated notifications. We'll let you know the best time to send money. With these alerts, you won't miss out on a great rate. It's like having a money-saving expert in your pocket!

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How long does it take to send money to Japan?

Quick and efficient - that's what you need when sending money to Japan. Money transfer services offer a great solution to those times when speed is of the essence, as their transfer times tend to be much shorter compared to banks.

Take, for instance, an urgent need to transfer $1,000 from the USA to Japan. Services like XE excel in this regard, offering near-instantaneous transfers. Even other providers like Wise and Global66, while not as fast, ensure your money arrives swiftly.

Bear in mind that speed, like costs, can be influenced by:

  • The amount you're transferring. Smaller sums often move through the system quicker, while larger amounts may face delays due to necessary security verifications.

  • The time you start the transfer. To maximize speed when you send the money via bank transfer, initiate the operation before your bank's cut-off time. Miss this, and your transfer gets postponed to the next business day.

How to send and receive money in Japan

Sending money to Japan, is easy, especially when you gather the necessary documentation, and meet all legal requirements. To help you avoid unnecessary complications and delays, we have compiled a simple step-by-step process.

Use our comparison engine to find the best deals.
Pick the provide the offers what you need.
Register a free account and confirm your identity. Usually, you will need a photo ID and a proof of address.
Choose the destination country of your money transfer, the amount to send, and your preferred payment method.
Confirm your recipient's details. You may be asked to confirm your relationship to the recipient and the purpose of your transfer.
Check the recipient's details to make sure they're correct.
Submit the transfer and wait for the money to reach its final destination.
Important information

Important information

Transfer limits in Japan. There are no legal limits on how much money you can send to Japan.

What do you need to complete an international transfer to Japan?

When you open an account with a money transfer service, you will be asked to provide your personal information. Before the transfer is executed, you will also need to share the necessary details of your recipient.

Your contact details

You will need to share your contact details with the provider of your choice, so make sure to double check your email and address are correct.

Photo ID

Money transfer services will need you to share a photo ID to confirm your identity. Have it ready and make sure it's valid.

Proof of address (optional)

Some providers may ask you to share a phone bill or a bank statement to prove your address.

Japan money transfer guides

Financial regulators in Japan

The Financial Services Agency (FSA) is responsible for the accounting standards of banks and other financial institutions.

Analysis and methodology

At MoneyTransfers.com, we're not just another comparison site; we're your ally in beating the high costs and complexities of international money transfers. Our platform is designed to turn the tables on overpriced banks and providers, ensuring you get the best deal every time.

What sets us apart

  • Unmatched Transparency: We believe in honesty and clarity. With us, what you see is what you get - no hidden agendas, no preferential treatment for providers.

  • Comprehensive Provider Network: We go the extra mile to include an extensive range of providers in our comparisons. From industry giants to innovative newcomers, we partner with a diverse array of trusted providers, ensuring you have access to the best options available.

  • Tailored Solutions: We understand that every customer's needs are unique. That's why we offer personalized recommendations based on your specific requirements, ensuring you find the perfect match to send money to Japan.

The results displayed on this page are based on data we collected via our comparison engine during the past six months and show you a simple way to get the best fees, fastest transfer times, or most helpful customer support.

What are the best options for sending money to Japan?
How do exchange rates affect my money transfer to Japan?
What are the fees associated with sending money to Japan?
How long does it take to send money to Japan?
Is it safe to send money to Japan online?
What information do I need to send money to Japan?
Can I send money to Japan from any country?
Are there limits to how much money I can send to Japan?
How can I track my money transfer to Japan?
What should I do if my money transfer to Japan goes wrong?
Can I send money to Japan via MoneyTransfers.com?
Do I pay taxes on money transfers to Japan?

Contributors

Jonathan Merry
Jonathan is the founder and editor of MoneyTransfers.com. Jonathan is highly experienced in the currency transfer market, having previously worked in the FX trading industry, alongside being an avid traveller. Using his knowledge he identified a need for transparency and further education to help people save money on their money transfers, leading to the creation of MoneyTransfers.com