Convenience stores are a familiar part of our daily lives. The ATMs installed in many of them are incredibly convenient for everyday financial transactions. However, some people may not know exactly what services are available or how they differ from bank ATMs.
This article provides an easy-to-understand explanation for beginners, covering everything from the basic knowledge of convenience store ATMs, to the features of major convenience store ATMs, available services, and precautions to take when using them.
What are Convenience Store ATMs? The Absolute Basics You Should Know
Convenience store ATMs are automated teller machines (ATMs) primarily installed inside convenience stores. There are several types, including ATMs directly installed and operated by banks, and ATMs operated by specialized businesses partnered with banks. A key feature is the ability to easily use various financial services with your usual bank’s cash card or a partner bank’s card.
Main Differences from Bank ATMs (Operating Hours, Fees, Functions, etc.)
There are several differences between convenience store ATMs and bank counters or bank-installed ATMs.
| Item | Convenience Store ATM | Bank ATM (In-branch/Standalone) |
|---|---|---|
| Operating Hours | Generally available 24/7 (excluding some maintenance times) | Often follows bank business hours (standalone ATMs may have longer hours) |
| Fees | Often charged depending on the partner bank and time of day | Free or preferential rates for own bank, often charged for other banks |
| Location | Inside convenience stores nationwide | Inside bank branches, stations, commercial facilities, etc. |
| Services Handled | Mainly deposits, withdrawals, transfers, balance inquiries. Passbook use not available on some models. | Often more multifunctional, e.g., passbook updates, rollovers, coin handling. |
| Operating Entity | Seven Bank, Lawson Bank, Aeon Bank, E-net, etc. | Each financial institution |
While the biggest appeal of convenience store ATMs is their high convenience, it’s necessary to understand the fees and some functional limitations.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Convenience Store ATMs
The following are potential advantages and disadvantages of using convenience store ATMs.
Advantages
- Overwhelming Convenience: Available at convenience stores nationwide, generally 24/7, making them extremely useful for urgent cash needs or transfers.
- Extensive Partner Network: Partnered with many banks, so you can often use your usual bank’s cash card as is.
- Easy to Operate: User-friendly screen displays make them relatively easy for first-time users to operate.
Disadvantages
- Fees May Apply: Depending on the bank used and the time of day, fees may be incurred for deposits, withdrawals, or transfers.
- Some Functional Limitations: Services like passbook use, coin handling, or large-sum transfers may not be available.
- Security Considerations: Located in places used by many unspecified individuals, so sufficient caution is needed against PIN theft, etc.
[Summary Table] Main Services Available at Convenience Store ATMs
The main services available at many convenience store ATMs are as follows. However, details vary depending on the type of ATM and the partner bank.
| Service Content | Seven Bank ATM | Lawson Bank ATM | Aeon Bank ATM | E-net | Japan Post Bank ATM (Convenience Store) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash Withdrawal | 〇 | 〇 | 〇 | 〇 | 〇 |
| Cash Deposit | 〇 | 〇 | 〇 | 〇 | 〇 |
| Transfer (Cash Card) | 〇 | 〇 | 〇 | 〇 | 〇 |
| Transfer (Cash) | × | × | 〇 | × | × |
| Balance Inquiry | 〇 | 〇 | 〇 | 〇 | 〇 |
| Credit Card Cash Advance | 〇 | 〇 | 〇 | 〇 | △ |
| Card Loan Borrowing | 〇 | 〇 | 〇 | 〇 | △ |
| E-money Top-up | 〇 | 〇 | 〇 | △ | △ |
| Cash Top-up for Smartphone Payments | 〇 | 〇 | × | × | × |
| Smartphone ATM Transactions | 〇 | 〇 | × | × | △ |
| My Number Card Related Services | 〇 | × | × | × | × |
(〇: Supported, △: Partially supported/Varies by model, ×: Not supported. Please check with each ATM operator or financial institution for the latest information.)
Features and Locations of Major Convenience Store ATMs
Here are the features and main locations of major convenience store ATMs commonly found in Japan.
Seven Bank ATM (Seven-Eleven): Features and Services
- Location: Primarily in Seven-Eleven stores nationwide, as well as stations and commercial facilities.
- Features: Partnered with a very large number of financial institutions, allowing most bank cash cards to be used. Supports “Smartphone ATM” services using a mobile app and administrative services using My Number Cards (e.g., application for health insurance card use). Some ATMs also allow withdrawal of Japanese yen using cards issued overseas.
- Main Services: Cash deposits/withdrawals, transfers, balance inquiries, credit card cash advances, e-money (nanaco, transit IC cards, etc.) top-ups, international money transfer services (via partner banks), Japanese yen withdrawals with overseas-issued cards, etc.
Lawson Bank ATM (Lawson): Features and Services
- Location: Installed in Lawson stores nationwide.
- Features: Lawson Bank accounts and cash cards from many partner financial institutions can be used. Offers a smartphone ATM service using the “Lawson Bank Direct” app. Some ATMs also offer foreign currency exchange services (cash pack sales).
- Main Services: Cash deposits/withdrawals, transfers, balance inquiries, credit card cash advances, e-money top-ups (partial), Japanese yen withdrawals with overseas-issued cards, etc.
Aeon Bank ATM (Ministop, Aeon stores, etc.): Features and Services
- Location: Installed in Aeon Group stores such as Ministop, Aeon, MaxValu, Daiei, as well as some stations and commercial facilities.
- Features: Aeon Bank cash cards and cards from many partner financial institutions can be used. A key benefit is the wide range of hours during which Aeon Bank accounts can be used free of charge. WAON top-ups and auto-charge settings are also possible.
- Main Services: Cash deposits/withdrawals, transfers, balance inquiries, credit card cash advances, e-money (WAON, transit IC cards, etc.) top-ups, various transactions for Aeon Bank accounts, etc.
E-net & Japan Post Bank ATMs (FamilyMart, etc.): Features and Services
E-net ATM
- Location: Installed in convenience stores like FamilyMart, Daily Yamazaki, Poplar, as well as some supermarkets and railway stations.
- Features: Characterized by partnerships with numerous regional banks, credit unions, and online banks. Deposits, withdrawals, and transfers are possible with cash cards from partner financial institutions.
- Main Services: Cash deposits/withdrawals, transfers, balance inquiries, credit card cash advances, etc.
Japan Post Bank ATM (Installed in FamilyMart, etc.)
- Location: Installed in some FamilyMart stores and inside post offices.
- Features: Japan Post Bank cash cards and passbooks can be used. Japan Post Bank ATMs in FamilyMart are often smaller models, and some functions may be limited. Cards from partner financial institutions can also be used.
- Main Services: Cash deposits/withdrawals, transfers (may be free between Japan Post accounts), balance inquiries, etc.
Basic Precautions When Using Convenience Store ATMs
To use convenience store ATMs safely and comfortably, pay attention to the following points:
- PIN Management: Manage your PIN strictly so it’s not known by others. When entering it, cover your hand and be aware of your surroundings. Avoid using easily guessable numbers like your birthdate or phone number.
- Check Transaction Slips: Always take the transaction slip after a transaction and check if the details are correct. If unneeded, dispose of it properly as it contains personal information.
- Check Fees: Fees vary depending on the financial institution and time of day, so check the screen before making a transaction.
- Be Aware of Surroundings During Operation: Pay attention to your surroundings for any suspicious individuals while operating the ATM.
- Don’t Forget Card/Cash: After completing your transaction, be sure to retrieve your cash card, cash, and transaction slip, and make sure not to leave anything behind.
- Suspicious Screens or Devices: If you notice any suspicious devices attached to the ATM or if the screen display seems odd, stop using it and promptly contact the ATM management company or your financial institution.
- Beware of Transfer Scams: Scams involving instructions via phone or email to operate an ATM for “refunds” or “urgent transfers” are rampant. Never comply with unsolicited transfer instructions.
Convenience store ATMs are very useful tools, but be sure to follow these precautions to use them safely. It is recommended to check your bank’s website beforehand for information on partner ATMs and fees.