Cash Withdrawals at Convenience Store ATMs | Comparing Fees, Limits, and Operating Hours by Convenience Store

When you suddenly need cash, convenience store ATMs are the closest and most reliable option. Even when bank counters or their ATMs are closed, convenience store ATMs potentially allow you to withdraw cash 24 hours a day. However, it’s important to understand in advance that fees and withdrawal limits vary depending on the ATM, type of cash card, and time of day.

This article provides a detailed explanation, from basic information about making cash withdrawals at convenience store ATMs, to specific procedures for major convenience store ATMs, fees, limits, and even ways to save on fees and precautions for use.

Basics of Cash Withdrawals at Convenience Store ATMs

To withdraw cash from a convenience store ATM, you need a compatible cash card and PIN. Let’s first cover the basic points.

Types of Cash Cards and Compatible ATMs

To withdraw cash from a convenience store ATM, you need a cash card from a financial institution partnered with that ATM.

City banks, regional banks, credit unions (shinkin banks), credit cooperatives, labor banks (rokin), JA Bank, online banks, etc.: Cash cards from many financial institutions can be used at major convenience store ATMs (such as Seven Bank ATMs, Lawson Bank ATMs, E-net ATMs, Aeon Bank ATMs, etc.).
Japan Post Bank: Japan Post Bank cash cards can be used not only at Japan Post Bank ATMs but also at Seven Bank ATMs, Lawson Bank ATMs, E-net ATMs, etc.
Debit Cards: Some debit cards (such as cash cards with J-Debit functionality) can also be used for cash withdrawals at partner ATMs.
Credit Card Cash Advances: You can also withdraw cash using your credit card’s cash advance limit, but this is considered borrowing and incurs interest. This article primarily focuses on cash withdrawals from bank accounts.

You can check which convenience store ATMs your cash card can be used at, as well as conditions such as fees, on the website of your card-issuing financial institution or the ATM operating company’s website.

Precautions for Handling Your PIN

Entering your cash card’s PIN (usually 4 digits) is essential for cash withdrawals. Handle your PIN with extreme care.

Enter it without being seen by others: When entering your PIN, cover your hand and take care to prevent it from being seen by people around you or hidden cameras.
Avoid easily guessable numbers: Avoid setting easily guessable numbers like your birthdate, phone number, or address numbers as your PIN.
Do not write down your PIN: It is dangerous to write down your PIN on the cash card itself or in places where it’s stored with the card, such as your wallet.
Multiple incorrect entries will lock the card: If you enter your PIN incorrectly a certain number of times, your card may be locked for security reasons and become unusable. In that case, you will need to contact your card-issuing financial institution for procedures such as reissuance.

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

This section explains the general procedure for cash withdrawals, estimated fees, and per-transaction limits for major convenience store ATMs. Fees and limits may vary depending on the financial institution and time of day, so always check the latest information on the ATM screen or official website before use.

Cash Withdrawal at Seven Bank ATMs: Procedure, Fees, and Per-Transaction Limit

Procedure Overview:
1. Select “Withdrawal (お引出し)” on the ATM screen.
2. Insert your bank cash card.
3. Enter your PIN.
4. Enter the amount you want to withdraw and press the “Confirm” button.
5. Receive your cash and transaction slip.
Fees: Vary depending on the partner financial institution and time of day.
Per-Transaction Limit:
- 500,000 yen (initial setting). The maximum amount depends on the regulations of the financial institution that issued the cash card.
- A separate daily withdrawal limit is also set.

Source: Using ATMs | Seven Bank

Cash Withdrawal at Lawson Bank ATMs: Procedure, Fees, and Per-Transaction Limit

Procedure Overview:
1. Select “Withdrawal (お引出し)” on the ATM screen.
2. Insert your cash card and enter your PIN.
3. Enter the withdrawal amount and confirm.
4. Receive your cash and transaction slip.
Fees: Vary depending on the partner financial institution and time of use.
Per-Transaction Limit:
- 200,000 yen (initial setting). The maximum amount depends on the regulations of the financial institution that issued the cash card.
- A separate daily withdrawal limit is also set.

Source: Using ATMs | Lawson Bank

Cash Withdrawal at FamilyMart (E-net/Japan Post Bank ATMs): Procedure, Fees, and Per-Transaction Limit

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

E-net ATM

Procedure Overview:
1. Select “Withdrawal (お引出し)” on the ATM screen.
2. Insert your cash card and enter your PIN.
3. Enter the withdrawal amount and confirm.
4. Receive your cash and transaction slip.
Fees: Vary depending on the partner financial institution and time of day.
Per-Transaction Limit:
- 200,000 yen (initial setting). The maximum amount depends on the regulations of the financial institution that issued the cash card.
- A separate daily withdrawal limit is also set.

Source: E-net Co., Ltd.

Japan Post Bank ATM (FamilyMart installed type)

Procedure Overview:
1. Select “Withdrawal (お引出し)” on the ATM screen.
2. Insert your Japan Post Bank cash card or a partner financial institution’s card and enter your PIN.
3. Enter the withdrawal amount and confirm.
4. Receive your cash and transaction slip.
Fees: Vary depending on the partner financial institution and time of day.
Per-Transaction Limit: 500,000 yen (initial setting). The maximum amount depends on the regulations of the financial institution that issued the cash card.

Source: Branches/ATMs – Japan Post Bank

Cash Withdrawal at Ministop (Aeon Bank ATMs): Procedure, Fees, and Per-Transaction Limit

Procedure Overview:
1. Select “Withdrawal (お引出し)” on the ATM screen.
2. Insert your Aeon Bank cash card or a partner bank’s cash card and enter your PIN.
3. Enter the withdrawal amount and confirm.
4. Receive your cash and transaction slip.
Fees: Vary depending on the partner financial institution and time of day.
Per-Transaction Limit: 500,000 yen (initial setting). The maximum amount depends on the regulations of the financial institution that issued the cash card.

Source: ATM Services | Aeon Bank

How to Get Free or Cheaper Convenience Store ATM Withdrawal Fees

While convenience store ATMs are highly convenient, some people may be concerned about the fees. The following methods may help reduce fees:

Use your bank’s preferential services: Many banks offer preferential services, such as several free uses of partner convenience store ATMs per month if you designate your account for salary deposits, maintain a certain deposit balance, or use their credit card. Check the services offered by your bank.
Choose fee-free time slots: Using ATMs during times when fees are free or lower, such as weekday daytime hours, is also effective.
Choose online banks or banks with free fees: Some online banks or new types of banks feature several free withdrawals per month at partner convenience store ATMs as a strength.
Consolidate your withdrawals: Withdrawing small amounts multiple times can incur fees each time. By planning and withdrawing the necessary amount at once, you can reduce the total amount of fees.
Utilize cashless payments: Actively using cashless payment methods such as credit cards or smartphone payments is one way to reduce the frequency of cash withdrawals.

Precautions for Cash Withdrawals (Late Night/Early Morning Use, Limits, etc.)

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

Fluctuations in Usage Time and Fees: Fees are often higher during late night/early morning hours or on weekends and holidays. Also, depending on the bank, ATMs may be unavailable during certain times due to system maintenance.
Confirmation of Withdrawal Limits: Per-transaction and daily withdrawal limits are set. If you need a large amount of cash, confirm the limits in advance and consider requesting a limit change from your financial institution if necessary. You can also set a lower limit yourself for security reasons.
ATM Operating Environment: When using ATMs during quiet hours like late at night, be especially mindful of your surroundings and check for suspicious individuals.
Forgetting Cards or Cash: After completing your transaction, be sure to take your cash card and cash, and be careful not to leave anything behind. Don’t forget to take your transaction slip as well.
Suspicious Devices or Screens: If you notice any suspicious parts attached to the ATM or if an unusual screen is displayed, stop the operation and immediately contact the number provided on the ATM or the police.
Avoid “Distracted Operation”: Using an ATM while operating a smartphone, or “distracted operation,” increases the risk of forgetting your card or cash, or having your PIN stolen. Concentrate on the operation.

Convenience store ATMs are an indispensable and convenient part of our daily infrastructure. Understand the fees, limits, and usage precautions correctly to use them safely and wisely.