The Lake (formerly Lake ALSA) card loan can be used for borrowing and repayments at affiliated ATMs in convenience stores nationwide. The convenience of being able to handle transactions whenever needed, even late at night or early in the morning, is a major appeal. However, it’s important to understand the service details in advance, as fees may apply depending on the convenience store ATM and the transaction amount. This article provides a comprehensive guide, from detailed information on using Lake at major convenience store ATMs (Seven-Eleven, Lawson, etc.) to instructions on how to operate the cardless “Smartphone ATM”.
- A Comprehensive Guide to Convenience Store ATMs for Lake
- [By Store] Detailed Guide to Lake ATM Use: Borrowing/Repayment Fees & Hours
- A Complete Guide to Borrowing & Repaying with the Cardless “Smartphone ATM”
- General Points of Caution When Using Lake at Convenience Store ATMs
- Transaction Limits: Per-Transaction and Daily Borrowing/Repayment Caps
- Handling of Coins: Repayments at Convenience Store ATMs are Banknote-Only
- Handling of Change: Repayments in ¥1,000 Increments and the “Deposit Balance” System
- Checking System Maintenance Times: Lake Official Site and ATM Information
- PIN Management and Security: For Safe ATM Use
- Q&A on Using Lake at Convenience Store ATMs
- Q1. After making a repayment at a convenience store ATM, is my available credit updated immediately?
- Q2. Can I use the Smartphone ATM at Lawson or FamilyMart?
- Q3. What are the convenience store ATM fees? Is there a way to make them free?
- Q4. Can I borrow or repay at a convenience store ATM during the New Year or long holiday weekends?
- Q5. Can I repay a remaining balance of less than ¥1,000 at a convenience store ATM?
- Q6. If I use a convenience store ATM, will a statement be mailed to my home?
- Q7. My Lake card isn’t working at a convenience store ATM. What are the possible causes?
- Q8. Is it possible to repay the entire loan balance (lump-sum repayment) at a convenience store ATM?
A Comprehensive Guide to Convenience Store ATMs for Lake
Lake is affiliated with major convenience store ATM networks across Japan, providing a system that allows users to easily borrow or repay money wherever they are. First, let’s outline which convenience stores offer Lake’s services.
Availability at Major Convenience Stores (Seven-Eleven & Lawson)
ATMs installed in major convenience stores, which are frequently used in daily life, play a central role in Lake transactions.
- Seven-Eleven: Seven Bank ATM
- Lawson: Lawson Bank ATM
Lake Card Compatibility at Seven Bank and Lawson Bank ATMs
Both Seven Bank ATMs and Lawson Bank ATMs support borrowing and repayments using a Lake loan card. A key feature is their high convenience, as they are generally available 24 hours a day. Notably, Seven Bank ATMs also support the cardless “Smartphone ATM” transactions, which will be described later.
Other Affiliated Convenience Store ATMs (FamilyMart, etc.)
In addition to Seven-Eleven and Lawson, Lake is also affiliated with ATM networks installed in the following convenience stores.
- FamilyMart, Daily Yamazaki, etc.: E-net ATM
- Ministop, etc.: AEON Bank ATM
- Some FamilyMart stores, etc.: Japan Post Bank ATM
Availability at E-net, AEON Bank, and Japan Post Bank ATMs
Borrowing and repayments using a Lake card are also possible at E-net ATMs in stores like FamilyMart, AEON Bank ATMs in Ministop, and Japan Post Bank ATMs installed in some convenience stores. However, these ATMs only support card-based transactions and cannot be used for Smartphone ATM services.
[By Store] Detailed Guide to Lake ATM Use: Borrowing/Repayment Fees & Hours
From here, we will provide a more detailed explanation of the fees and operating hours for conducting Lake transactions at each affiliated ATM.
*All fees include tax. Information is current as of June 2025. Please check the official websites of Lake or each ATM operator for the latest information.
Using Lake at Seven-Eleven (Seven Bank ATM)
Available Transactions
- Borrowing
- Repayment
Borrowing & Repayment Fees: Tiered by Transaction Amount
| Transaction Amount | Fee |
|---|---|
| ¥10,000 or less | ¥110 |
| Over ¥10,000 | ¥220 |
Source: Lake ATM Service | Seven Bank
ATM Availability and Lake Maintenance Information
Seven Bank ATMs are generally available 24 hours a day, but they cannot be used during Lake’s system maintenance periods.
Using Lake at Lawson (Lawson Bank ATM)
Available Transactions
- Borrowing
- Repayment
Borrowing & Repayment Fees: Tiered by Transaction Amount
| Transaction Amount | Fee |
|---|---|
| ¥10,000 or less | ¥110 |
| Over ¥10,000 | ¥220 |
Source: Lake (Shinsei Financial) | Lawson Bank
ATM Availability and Lake Maintenance Information
Lawson Bank ATMs are also generally available 24 hours a day, except during Lake’s system maintenance hours. It is recommended to check the official website for the latest maintenance information before use.
A Complete Guide to Borrowing & Repaying with the Cardless “Smartphone ATM”
What is Smartphone ATM? Cardless Transactions Using the Official “Lake App”
Lake’s “Smartphone ATM” is a service that allows you to borrow from and repay to an ATM without a loan card by using the official “Lake App”. It is extremely convenient as you don’t need to carry a card and can complete everything with just your smartphone. As of 2025, this service is offered exclusively at Seven Bank ATMs.
[Seven Bank ATM Exclusive] Smartphone ATM Borrowing & Repayment Steps
Preparation: Download and Set Up the Official “Lake App”
To use the Smartphone ATM, you must first install the official “Lake App” on your smartphone and log in as a member. From the app’s home screen, select “Smartphone ATM” to start the transaction.
ATM Operation Flow: How to Scan the ATM Screen’s QR Code with the App
- Start the ATM Operation: Go to a Seven Bank ATM and select the “Withdrawal, Deposit, Credit Transactions, etc.” button on the main screen.
- Display the QR Code on the ATM Screen: A QR code for the transaction will be displayed on the ATM screen.
- Scan the QR Code with the App: Launch the “Lake App” on your smartphone and open the camera from the “Borrow with Smartphone ATM transaction” menu. Use the camera to scan the QR code displayed on the ATM screen.
- Confirm Corporate Number and Enter PIN: After scanning the QR code, enter the “Corporate Number” displayed in the app onto the ATM screen. Next, enter your Lake PIN.
- Enter Amount and Complete Transaction: Enter the transaction amount on the ATM screen, confirm the details, and the process is complete. Collect your cash and transaction receipt.
Smartphone ATM Fees and Transaction Limits
The fees for using the Smartphone ATM are the same as when using a card. A fee of ¥110 is charged for transactions of ¥10,000 or less, and ¥220 for transactions over ¥10,000. The transaction limit is also the same as with a card, which is within your personal contract limit.
Common Reasons and Solutions for Smartphone ATM Not Working
If you are unable to use the Smartphone ATM, the following reasons are possible:
・It is during Lake’s system maintenance window.
・You are trying to operate at an ATM other than a Seven Bank ATM.
・The app version is outdated, or your smartphone’s internet connection is unstable.
・Poor QR code reading (due to low smartphone screen brightness, dirt, etc.).
First, try updating the app to the latest version and retrying in a location with a good connection. If the problem persists, wait a while or contact Lake’s toll-free number.
Source: [Lake Official] Smartphone ATM Transaction | Card Loan & Cashing by Lake
General Points of Caution When Using Lake at Convenience Store ATMs
Transaction Limits: Per-Transaction and Daily Borrowing/Repayment Caps
Separate from your Lake contract limit, convenience store ATMs have their own per-transaction limits. For example, at a Seven Bank ATM, the maximum amount that can be deposited or withdrawn at one time is ¥500,000. If you need to transact an amount exceeding this, you will have to do it in multiple transactions.
Handling of Coins: Repayments at Convenience Store ATMs are Banknote-Only
All affiliated convenience store ATMs do not accept coin deposits. Repayments must be made in ¥1,000 banknote increments. Therefore, you cannot pay off the loan in full (lump-sum repayment) at a convenience store ATM if the balance includes an amount less than ¥1,000.
Handling of Change: Repayments in ¥1,000 Increments and the “Deposit Balance” System
If you deposit more than your outstanding balance at a convenience store ATM, the change will not be returned on the spot. The overpaid amount is held by Lake as a “deposit balance” and will either be applied to your next repayment or you can request a refund via bank transfer from your member page.
Checking System Maintenance Times: Lake Official Site and ATM Information
Lake conducts regular system maintenance, during which all ATM transactions are suspended. A particularly long maintenance session is held from late at night on the third Sunday of every month to early Monday morning, so if you plan to use the service over the weekend, it is important to check the times on the official website beforehand.
PIN Management and Security: For Safe ATM Use
When using an ATM, do not neglect basic security measures, such as covering the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN to prevent others from seeing it. It is important to remember your PIN correctly, as entering it incorrectly multiple times will result in your card being locked and unusable.
Q&A on Using Lake at Convenience Store ATMs
Q1. After making a repayment at a convenience store ATM, is my available credit updated immediately?
A1. Yes, in principle, your available credit is updated immediately after the repayment process is complete. You can check it in real-time on your member page or in the app.
Q2. Can I use the Smartphone ATM at Lawson or FamilyMart?
A2. No, you cannot. As of 2025, the only ATM that supports Lake’s Smartphone ATM service is the “Seven Bank ATM” located in Seven-Eleven stores.
Q3. What are the convenience store ATM fees? Is there a way to make them free?
A3. The fee is ¥110 for transactions of ¥10,000 or less, and ¥220 for transactions over ¥10,000. There is currently no way to make these fees free.
Q4. Can I borrow or repay at a convenience store ATM during the New Year or long holiday weekends?
A4. Yes, except during Lake’s system maintenance hours, you can generally use them 24 hours a day, including during the New Year and Golden Week holidays. The fees are also the same as on normal days.
Q5. Can I repay a remaining balance of less than ¥1,000 at a convenience store ATM?
A5. No, you cannot. As convenience store ATMs only accept banknotes, you must use a Web Repayment service or a bank transfer to repay a remaining balance of less than ¥1,000.
Q6. If I use a convenience store ATM, will a statement be mailed to my home?
A6. No, it will not be mailed. You can check the transaction details on the receipt issued at the ATM. You can also log in to your member page to view your transaction history online at any time.
Q7. My Lake card isn’t working at a convenience store ATM. What are the possible causes?
A7. The main possible causes include a faulty magnetic stripe or damaged IC chip on the card, an incorrect PIN, or exceeding your credit limit. If you suspect a physical problem with the card, please contact Lake’s toll-free number to arrange for a reissue.
Q8. Is it possible to repay the entire loan balance (lump-sum repayment) at a convenience store ATM?
A8. You can repay amounts in ¥1,000 increments, as long as the total does not include a balance of less than ¥1,000. However, in most cases, a balance with cents will occur due to interest calculation, making it difficult to pay off the loan completely at a convenience store ATM alone. If you want to make a lump-sum repayment of the entire balance, it is best to check the total repayment amount on your member page beforehand and use a Web Repayment service or a bank transfer.