Using Cards Issued Overseas at Japanese Convenience Store ATMs | Cash Withdrawal Steps, Compatible ATMs, Fees

You may be able to withdraw Japanese Yen from Japanese convenience store ATMs using cash cards or credit cards issued overseas. This is a convenient feature not only for foreign tourists visiting Japan but also for Japanese individuals who have accounts with overseas financial institutions.

This article provides a detailed explanation of the basic knowledge for using cards issued overseas at Japanese convenience store ATMs, compatibility and operating procedures for major convenience store ATMs, fees and applicable exchange rates, as well as usage limits and safety precautions.

Basic Knowledge for Using Cards Issued Overseas at Japanese Convenience Store ATMs

Before using a card issued overseas at a Japanese convenience store ATM, let’s first cover some basic information.

Main Available Transactions (Cash Withdrawal in Japanese Yen, Balance Inquiry)

The main transactions available at Japanese convenience store ATMs using cards issued overseas are as follows:

• Cash withdrawal in Japanese Yen: You can withdraw Japanese Yen from your overseas account, converted at the current exchange rate. This is the most common use.
• Balance inquiry: Some ATMs and cards may allow you to check the balance of your overseas account (displayed either converted to Japanese Yen or in the local currency).

Transactions such as deposits and transfers are generally not possible with cards issued overseas.

Supported International Card Brands (VISA, Mastercard, JCB, UnionPay, etc.)

The main international card brands that may be usable at Japanese convenience store ATMs are as follows. If these logos are displayed on the back of your card, you may be able to use it at a compatible ATM.

• VISA
• Mastercard
• JCB
• American Express (AMEX)
• Diners Club
• UnionPay (China UnionPay)
• Discover

However, not all brands are usable at all ATMs, depending on the ATM model and partnership status.

Role of International ATM Networks (PLUS, Cirrus, etc.)

In addition to international card brands, check if logos such as “PLUS” or “Cirrus” are on the back of your card. These are names of international ATM networks.

• PLUS: VISA-affiliated international ATM network.
• Cirrus: Mastercard-affiliated international ATM network.

If your card is part of these networks, you can withdraw cash from your overseas account at ATMs displaying the respective logos.

[By Major Convenience Store ATM] Compatibility and Operating Procedures for Cards Issued Overseas

This section explains the compatibility overview and general operating procedures for cards issued overseas at major convenience store ATMs. ATM screens often support multiple languages, including English.

Using Cards Issued Overseas at Seven Bank ATMs: Supported Brands and Withdrawal Steps

• Supported Brands: Widely supports major international card brands such as VISA, Mastercard, JCB, American Express, Diners Club, UnionPay (China UnionPay), and Discover. Also supports PLUS and Cirrus networks.
• Withdrawal Steps Overview:
  1. Select your language on the ATM screen (Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, etc.).
  2. Select a menu option like “International Cards” or “海外発行カード (Cards Issued Overseas).”
  3. Insert your foreign-issued card.
  4. Enter your PIN.
  5. Select “Withdrawal.”
  6. Enter or select the amount of Japanese Yen you wish to withdraw.
  7. Confirm the transaction details, fees (if an ATM fee applies), and estimated exchange rate, then execute.
  8. Receive your cash, card, and transaction slip.

Source: Overseas Issued Cards Usable at ATMs | Seven Bank

Using Cards Issued Overseas at Lawson Bank ATMs: Supported Brands and Withdrawal Steps

• Supported Brands: VISA, Mastercard, JCB, UnionPay (China UnionPay), etc. Also supports PLUS and Cirrus networks.
• Withdrawal Steps Overview:
  1. Select your language on the ATM screen.
  2. Select a menu option like “Transactions with Overseas Issued Cards” or similar.
  3. Insert your foreign-issued card and enter your PIN.
  4. Select “Withdrawal.”
  5. Enter the desired withdrawal amount.
  6. Confirm the details, fees, and estimated exchange rate, then execute.
  7. Receive your cash, card, and transaction slip.

Source: Can I use a card issued overseas at a Lawson Bank ATM? | Lawson Bank | FAQ

Using Cards Issued Overseas at Japan Post Bank ATMs (in FamilyMart, etc.): Supported Brands and Withdrawal Steps

• Supported Brands: VISA, Mastercard, JCB, UnionPay (China UnionPay), Discover, etc. Also supports PLUS and Cirrus.
• Withdrawal Steps Overview:
  1. Select a menu option like “International ATM Service” or “海外カード (Overseas Cards)” on the ATM screen.
  2. Select your language.
  3. Insert your foreign-issued card and enter your PIN.
  4. Select “Withdrawal” and enter the amount.
  5. Confirm the details, fees, and estimated exchange rate, then execute.
  6. Receive your cash, card, and transaction slip.

Source: International ATM Service (Cash Withdrawal Service with Cards Issued Overseas) – Japan Post Bank

Using Cards Issued Overseas at Aeon Bank ATMs: Supported Brands and Withdrawal Steps

• Supported Brands (Examples): VISA, Mastercard, JCB, UnionPay (China UnionPay), Discover, etc. Supports PLUS and Cirrus networks.
• Withdrawal Steps Overview:
  1. Select a menu option like “International Cards” or “海外カード取引 (Overseas Card Transactions)” on the ATM screen.
  2. Select your language.
  3. Insert your foreign-issued card and enter your PIN.
  4. Select “Withdrawal” and specify the amount.
  5. Confirm the details, fees, and estimated exchange rate, then execute.
  6. Receive your cash, card, and transaction slip.

Source: Cards Issued Overseas That Can Be Used | ATM | Aeon Bank

Using Cards Issued Overseas at E-net ATMs: Supported Brands and Withdrawal Steps

• Supported Brands (Examples): VISA, Mastercard, JCB, UnionPay (China UnionPay), etc. Supports PLUS and Cirrus networks.
• Withdrawal Steps Overview:
  1. Select a menu option like “International Cards” or “海外カード (Overseas Cards)” on the ATM screen.
  2. Select your language.
  3. Insert your foreign-issued card and enter your PIN.
  4. Select “Withdrawal” and specify the withdrawal amount.
  5. Confirm the details, fees, and estimated exchange rate, then execute.
  6. Receive your cash, card, and transaction slip.

Source: Cards Issued Overseas (Japan) | E-net Co., Ltd.

Fees and Applicable Exchange Rates When Using Cards Issued Overseas at Convenience Store ATMs

When using cards issued overseas at Japanese convenience store ATMs, multiple fees may be incurred, and it’s also necessary to understand the applicable exchange rates.

Usage Fees Charged by the ATM Operator

The Japanese ATM operator (Seven Bank, Lawson Bank, etc.) may charge a fee for using cards issued overseas. This fee is typically around a few hundred yen per withdrawal but may be free or vary depending on the card brand used. The fee will be displayed on the ATM screen, so be sure to confirm it before executing the transaction.

Overseas Usage Fees and Currency Conversion Fees Imposed by the Card Issuer

In addition to the ATM operator’s fee, it is common for your overseas card-issuing financial institution to impose a fee for overseas ATM use (overseas ATM usage fee) and a fee associated with foreign currency exchange (currency conversion fee, typically around 1.5% to 3.0%). These fees depend on the card issuer’s terms, so it’s important to check them in advance.

How to Check Exchange Rates and Points to Note

The exchange rate applied when withdrawing Japanese Yen at an ATM is generally the standard rate set by international card brands like VISA or Mastercard, plus a currency conversion fee set by your card issuer. The exchange rate displayed on the ATM screen is only an estimate; the final conversion rate will be confirmed on your card statement. Exchange rates fluctuate constantly, so the amount of Japanese Yen you receive will vary depending on when you withdraw.

Withdrawal Limits and Safety Precautions When Using Cards Issued Overseas

Please pay attention to the following points for safe and smooth transactions.

Per-Transaction and Daily Withdrawal Limits

• ATM-side limit: Japanese ATMs have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction (e.g., around 50,000 to 100,000 yen).
• Card issuer-side limit: The daily or weekly overseas ATM withdrawal limit set by your card issuer also applies.
  If you need a large amount of cash, withdraw in multiple transactions or consult your card issuer in advance to check or temporarily increase your limit.

Prior Confirmation of PIN and Caution During Input

• PIN Confirmation: A 4-digit or 6-digit PIN is required for overseas ATM use. This may differ from the 4-digit PIN common in Japan, so please confirm with your card issuer in advance. Even for credit cards often used with a signature, a PIN is almost always required for overseas cash advances.
• Caution During Input: When entering your PIN, take sufficient security precautions, such as covering your hand so that it cannot be seen by others. Entering it incorrectly multiple times may lock your card.

Common Reasons and Solutions if Your Card Cannot Be Used at an ATM

• Incorrect or Unknown PIN: Confirm that you are entering the correct PIN.
• Exceeded Usage Limit: You may have exceeded the per-transaction or cumulative withdrawal limit.
• Magnetic Stripe Malfunction or IC Chip Damage: There may be a physical problem with the card itself.
• Inadequate Overseas Usage Settings: Overseas use may be restricted by your card issuer. You need to check and enable overseas usage settings before traveling.
• ATM Does Not Support Card Brand: The ATM you are trying to use does not support your card brand.
• Temporary System Failure: A temporary issue with the ATM or network.

If the issue is not resolved, note down any error code displayed on the ATM and contact your card issuer, or try a different ATM.

Security Measures for Safe Transactions

• Check Card Before and After Use: Before and after using the ATM, check if any suspicious devices are attached to the card slot, etc.
• Be Aware of Surroundings: Be alert for suspicious individuals around you while operating the ATM, and try to avoid using ATMs in deserted areas or at night.
• Protect Card Information: Do not tell your card number or PIN to others, and do not carelessly write them down.
• Check Usage Statements: After returning to your country, always check your card statements for any unauthorized transactions.
• Prepare Emergency Contact Information: Keep the emergency contact information for your card issuer handy in case of card loss or theft.