Japan Post Bank (Yucho Bank) requires foreign national customers to periodically report and update their residence card information — specifically their residence status and period of residence — as part of its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CTF) compliance obligations. Failure to notify the bank before the residence period expires can result in the account being frozen (suspension of withdrawals and transfers). However, significant changes to how this system works in practice have occurred since June 14, 2026, when the new My Number (individual number)-embedded residence cards began to be issued.
Why Is This Update Required?
Under international standards (FATF Recommendations), financial institutions are required to continuously monitor foreign customer information, including residence status and the validity period of residence. Japan Post Bank fulfills this obligation by asking foreign national customers to report their residence card details before expiry, keeping its records current. If a customer fails to report before their residence period lapses, the bank may restrict services such as withdrawals and transfers — effectively freezing the account.
How to Update (for cards issued on or before June 13, 2026)
Cards Issued On or After June 14, 2026 — What Changed
Residence cards issued on or after June 14, 2026 now include the holder's My Number (individual number), following a change implemented by the Immigration Services Agency. As a result, the Yucho Tetsuzuki App is temporarily unable to process these new cards.
- Residence cards issued on or after June 14, 2026 cannot be used with the Yucho Tetsuzuki App for the time being (per Japan Post Bank's official notice).
- Customers with new-format cards must visit a Japan Post Bank branch or post office savings counter in person to complete the update.
- Counter visits should be made by reservation — walk-in customers may experience long waits or be turned away on busy days.
Current Operational Status: Freezes Reportedly Suspended for Now
Since the introduction of My Number-embedded residence cards, a practical problem has emerged: if an account were frozen, Japan Post Bank currently has no viable means of unfreezing it — the app cannot process the new cards, and in-person counter procedures are not yet fully operational for these cards.
As a result, it appears that Japan Post Bank is currently not freezing accounts even when a customer's residence period has lapsed — treating this as an interim operational measure.
This is not an officially announced policy change; it appears to be a practical workaround during a transition period. The account freeze policy may be resumed or strengthened in the future.
What Foreign Nationals Should Do
- Report your updated card as soon as you renew it: Even if your account is not currently frozen, complying with the system is the safe and correct approach.
- Make a reservation before visiting a branch: If you hold a new My Number-embedded card (issued on or after June 14, 2026), the app cannot be used — a branch visit is required. Phone: 0120-340-004 (weekdays 9:00–19:00, weekends/holidays 9:00–17:00).
- Do not confuse residence visa renewal with bank notification: Renewing your residence card at the Immigration Services Agency and notifying Japan Post Bank are two separate procedures. After your card is renewed, you must also report the update to the bank.
- Other financial institutions may have similar requirements: As AML regulations tighten across Japan, major banks, regional banks, and online banks are also beginning to implement regular residence status checks for foreign national customers.
Residence Card Renewal (Visa Extension) Support
Before you can notify Japan Post Bank, you first need a valid, up-to-date residence card — which means completing the residence status renewal or change application at the Immigration Services Agency. Sakura Central Legal Office handles these applications directly as an authorized filing agent. If your residence period is approaching or you need help with the renewal process, contact us for a free initial consultation.
For residence card renewal and residence status extension applications, Sakura Central Legal Office handles filings directly as an authorized agent.
Free initial consultation available.