Cash Transfers at Convenience Store ATMs | A Thorough Comparison of Fees, Methods, and Limits by Convenience Store

When you need to make a cash transfer for an urgent payment and bank counters are closed, convenience store ATMs can be helpful. However, for cash transfers at convenience store ATMs, the fees, procedures, and limits vary depending on the type of ATM used, the partner bank, and the transfer amount.

This article provides a detailed explanation, from basic information about making cash transfers at convenience store ATMs, to specific procedures for major convenience store ATMs, fees, limits, and even tips for reducing fees and important precautions.

Is Cash Transfer Possible at Convenience Store ATMs? Basic Information You Should Know

Many convenience store ATMs offer cash transfer services, but not all ATMs allow anyone to use them unconditionally. It’s important to understand some basic information in advance.

Banks That Do and Do Not Allow Cash Transfers (Relationship Between ATM and Recipient)

When making a cash transfer from a convenience store ATM, you need to consider the following points:

ATM Operating Company and Partnerships: Whether cash transfers are possible and the conditions for them vary depending on which financial institutions the company operating the convenience store ATM (e.g., Seven Bank, Lawson Bank) handles transfer services for.
Recipient’s Financial Institution: Generally, transfers can be made to most domestic financial institutions, but some may not be supported.
Presence of a Cash Card: Fees, limits, and operating methods may differ between transfers made using a cash card and those made with cash only. In particular, cash-only transfers may be limited to specific ATMs or times, and by law, the maximum transfer amount per transaction is set at 100,000 yen.
User’s Bank Account: Cash transfers may be possible even at an ATM of a bank where you do not have an account, but fees tend to be higher.

Generally, transfers can be made to many financial institutions, including city banks, regional banks, credit unions, and online banks. However, it is recommended to check the guidance at the convenience store ATM you plan to use or the websites of the respective ATM operating companies for details.

Required Recipient Account Information

When making a cash transfer, accurate recipient account information is necessary. Prepare the following information in advance:

Financial Institution Name: The recipient’s bank name, credit union name, etc.
Branch Name: The recipient’s branch name (or branch code).
Account Type: Savings account, checking account, etc.
Account Number: 7-digit account number.
Recipient Name: The name on the recipient’s account (in Katakana).

If this information is incorrect, the transfer may fail, or a “recall” (procedure to return transferred funds) may be necessary. Recalls generally incur a fee.

[By Convenience Store] Cash Transfer Procedures, Fees, and Limits

This section explains the general procedure for cash transfers, estimated fees, and limits for major convenience store ATMs. However, as fees and limits may change, always check the latest information on the ATM screen or official website before use.

By law, cash transfers exceeding 100,000 yen cannot be made at ATMs. For transfers over 100,000 yen, you need to use a cash card for the transfer or complete the procedure at a bank counter.

Cash Transfer at Seven Bank ATMs: Procedure, Fees, and Supported Banks

Seven Bank ATMs do not allow transfers using cash. You can make transfers using your bank’s cash card.

Procedure Overview (for card-based transfers):
1. Select “Transfer (お振込み)” on the ATM screen.
2. Insert your cash card and select the source account.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to enter the recipient’s financial institution, branch, account number, transfer amount, etc.
4. After confirming the transfer details, the amount will be debited from your account.
5. Receive the transaction slip.
Fees (for card-based transfers): Vary depending on the transfer amount and the recipient’s financial institution.
Limit (for card-based transfers): 2 million yen/day (initial setting).
Supported Banks (for card-based transfers): Supports many domestic financial institutions. You can check the ATM screen for specific transfer services available with your card.

Source: Using ATMs | Seven Bank

Cash Transfer at Lawson Bank ATMs: Procedure, Fees, and Supported Banks

Lawson Bank ATMs do not allow transfers using cash. You can make transfers using your bank’s cash card.

Procedure Overview (for card-based transfers):
1. Select “Transfer (お振込み)” on the ATM screen.
2. Insert your cash card and select the source account.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to enter the recipient’s financial institution, branch, account number, transfer amount, etc.
4. After confirming the transfer details, the amount will be debited from your account.
5. Receive the transaction slip.
Fees (for card-based transfers): Vary depending on the transfer amount and the recipient’s financial institution.
Limit (for card-based transfers): 500,000 yen/transaction (initial setting).
Supported Banks (for card-based transfers): Supports transfers to a wide range of financial institutions.

Source: Using ATMs | Lawson Bank

Cash Transfer at FamilyMart (E-net/Japan Post Bank ATMs): Procedure, Fees, and Supported Banks

FamilyMart primarily has E-net ATMs and Japan Post Bank ATMs installed.

E-net ATM

E-net ATMs do not allow transfers using cash. You can make transfers using your bank’s cash card.

Procedure Overview (for card-based transfers):
1. Select “Transfer (お振込み)” on the ATM screen.
2. Insert your cash card and select the source account.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to enter the recipient’s financial institution, branch, account number, transfer amount, etc.
4. After confirming the transfer details, the amount will be debited from your account.
5. Receive the transaction slip.
Fees (for card-based transfers): Vary depending on the transfer amount and the recipient’s financial institution.
Limit (for card-based transfers): Varies by your financial institution.
Supported Banks (for card-based transfers): Many partner financial institutions.

Source: E-net Co., Ltd.

Japan Post Bank ATM (FamilyMart installed type)

Japan Post Bank ATMs (FamilyMart installed type) do not allow transfers using cash. You can make transfers using your bank’s cash card.

Procedure Overview (for card-based transfers):
1. Select “Transfer (お振込み)” on the ATM screen.
2. Insert your cash card and select the source account.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to enter the recipient’s financial institution, branch, account number, transfer amount, etc.
4. After confirming the transfer details, the amount will be debited from your account.
5. Receive the transaction slip.
Fees (for card-based transfers): Vary depending on the transfer amount and the recipient’s financial institution.
Limit (for card-based transfers): 500,000 yen/day (initial setting).
Supported Banks (for card-based transfers): Supports transfers to Japan Post Bank accounts and other bank accounts.

Source: Branches/ATMs – Japan Post Bank

Cash Transfer at Ministop (Aeon Bank ATMs): Procedure, Fees, and Supported Banks

Procedure Overview:
1. Select “Transfer (お振込み)” on the ATM screen.
2. Select “Transfer with cash” (on compatible models) or insert your Aeon Bank cash card or a partner bank’s card.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to enter the recipient’s information and transfer amount.
4. Confirm the transfer details and either deposit cash or have the amount debited from your account.
5. Receive the transaction slip.
Fees: Vary depending on the transfer amount and the recipient’s financial institution.
Limit (for cash transfers, if supported): Up to 100,000 yen per transaction.
Supported Banks: Aeon Bank and many partner financial institutions.

Source: ATM Services | Aeon Bank

Tips for Saving on Convenience Store ATM Transfer Fees

While convenience store ATM transfer fees can be seen as a price for convenience, you might want to reduce them if possible. Consider the following methods:

Check your bank’s partner ATMs or preferential services: Your bank may have partnerships allowing free use of specific convenience store ATMs, or offer fee preference services based on your transaction status.
Use during weekday daytime: For ATMs where fees vary by time, weekday daytime hours are generally set as the cheapest.
Utilize online banking or smartphone apps: Online banking, accessible via smartphone or computer, often has lower transfer fees than ATM transfers. Registering payees is also convenient.
Consider the transfer amount: Many ATMs have different fee tiers based on the transfer amount (e.g., less than 30,000 yen vs. 30,000 yen or more). Consider consolidating transfers where possible, or conversely, splitting them if it keeps you within a lower fee tier.

Precautions for Cash Transfers (Transfer Limits, Handling Times, etc.)

When using cash transfers at convenience store ATMs, pay attention to the following points:

Transfer Limit: As mentioned earlier, cash transfers at ATMs are legally limited to 100,000 yen per transaction to prevent money laundering, etc. If you want to transfer more than this amount in cash, you need to do so at a bank counter.
Handling Time and Transfer Processing Time: Even if the convenience store ATM itself operates 24 hours, the handling time for cash transfers may be limited. Also, for transfers made during bank system maintenance, or in the evening/on weekends and holidays, the actual transfer processing (crediting to the recipient’s account) is generally handled on the next business day. If it’s urgent, check the recipient’s deposit timing.
Accuracy of Input Information: If you make a mistake in the recipient’s account number or name, the transfer will not be processed correctly. Pay close attention during input and always double-check on the confirmation screen.
Confirmation of Recipient Name: When you enter the recipient’s account number, many ATMs will display part or all of the recipient’s name. Always check if this matches the requested name.
Keep the Transaction Slip: After completing the transfer procedure, always receive the transaction slip and keep it in a safe place. It serves as proof in case of any transfer trouble.
Beware of Transfer Scams: Scams where fraudsters pretend there is a “refund” or “medical expense reimbursement” and trick victims into operating an ATM to transfer cash (refund scams, etc.) are rampant. If you are instructed to operate an ATM over the phone, first suspect a scam and consult with family or the police.

Cash transfers at convenience store ATMs are used by many due to their convenience. However, it is important to correctly understand the fees, limits, and precautions, and to use them wisely and safely. If you have any questions, check the guidance at the ATM you are using or the information from each financial institution.