Japan Post Bank Branch Code: Everything You Need to Know

Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ銀行, Yucho Ginko) uses a 3-digit branch code called a 店番 (tenban) to identify each of its virtual branches for domestic transfers (振込, furikomi).

Because Japan Post Bank operates from a single unified system inherited from its postal savings history, it has no physical branches in the traditional sense. Instead, account numbers are converted into a branch code, deposit type (預金種目, yokin shumoku), and 7-digit account number format that other Japanese financial institutions (金融機関, kinyuu kikan) can use to send money.

The bank's financial institution code is 9900, and its SWIFT code for international transfers is JPPSJPJKXXX. This guide explains what the Japan Post Bank branch code is, how to find yours, and what to do when sending or receiving transfers.

Key codes for Japan Post Bank transfers

The Japan Post bank branch code list

If you are planning to make a financial transaction in Japan, it is important to have the correct Japan Post Bank Branch Code. Without it, your transaction may be delayed or even rejected.

Here is a list of every bank branch code that is part of Japan Post bank:

How to find your Japan Post Bank branch code

Here are a couple of methods for finding your Japan Post bank branch code:

1. Your Japan Post Bank book.

On the first page of your Japan Post Bank book, in the left-hand corner, look for the numbers that follow: 店番.

2. Your Japan Post Bank card.

Look at the 5-digit symbol number (記号) on your Japan Post Bank card.

Take the 2nd and 3rd digits from the left, then place an "8" at the end.

For example, if your symbol number begins with 14030, digits 2 and 3 are "40," making your branch code 408 (四〇八).

This is the same branch code (店番) printed in your passbook.

Common issues and solutions

a. Incorrect branch code

One common issue that customers face is entering an incorrect branch code for Japan Post Bank.

This can result in the transaction being rejected or delayed.

It is important to double-check the branch code before making any transactions. Customers can find their branch code on their bank statement or by contacting their local branch.

b. Branch code changes

Japan Post Bank branch codes (店番) are tied to the conversion system established when the bank was privatized in October 2007. The codes themselves do not change routinely. If you are unsure whether you have the correct code, confirm by calling Japan Post Bank's 24-hour customer service line.

c. International transactions

For transfers from other Japanese banks into a Japan Post Bank account (口座, koza), the receiving party needs to provide: the bank name (銀行名, ginko mei) "ゆうちょ銀行 (Japan Post Bank Co., Ltd.)," the financial institution code (金融機関コード) 9900, the 3-digit branch code (店番), the deposit type (預金種目) such as 普通 (futsu, ordinary) or 当座 (toza, current), and the 7-digit account number (口座番号).

For international wire transfers (送金), the SWIFT code (SWIFTコード) is JPPSJPJKXXX. Always confirm these details with your recipient before sending, as errors in the branch code or account number can result in the transfer being delayed or returned.

It is important to ensure that the correct branch code is provided to avoid any delays or rejections of the transaction.

Customers can find their branch code and SWIFT code on their bank book, bank card, or by contacting Japan Post Bank customer service.

FAQs on Japan Post Bank branch codes

What is a Japan Post Bank branch code?

A Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ銀行) branch code, called a 店番 (tenban), is the 3-digit number that identifies a virtual branch within Japan Post Bank's account system. It is required when receiving a domestic bank transfer (振込) from another Japanese financial institution (金融機関). Japan Post Bank does not have physical branches in the traditional sense. Instead, each account is assigned to a virtual branch based on the conversion of the account's original postal symbol number (記号番号).

How do I find my Japan Post Bank branch code?

You can find your branch code (店番) on the first page of your Japan Post Bank passbook (通帳), printed to the left of your account number. If you only have your bank card, take the 2nd and 3rd digits of your 5-digit symbol number and add "8" at the end. For example, a symbol number starting with 14030 becomes branch code 408 (四〇八). You can also use the official conversion tool on the Japan Post Bank website to convert your symbol number into the branch name, deposit type, and account number needed for transfers.

What is Japan Post Bank's financial institution code?

Japan Post Bank's financial institution code (金融機関コード) is 9900. This 4-digit code identifies Japan Post Bank Co., Ltd. among all Japanese banks and is required when someone at another Japanese bank sends money to a Japan Post Bank account (口座). You will need to provide this code along with your 3-digit branch code and 7-digit account number.

What is Japan Post Bank's SWIFT code for international transfers?

The SWIFT code (SWIFTコード) for Japan Post Bank Co., Ltd. is JPPSJPJKXXX. This code is used for international wire transfers (海外送金) into Japan Post Bank accounts. If your sender asks for a specific branch SWIFT code, you can provide JPPSJPJKXXX, which refers to the head office at 2-3-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda, Tokyo. Always confirm this code with your bank or recipient before initiating an international transfer.

Why is Japan Post Bank's account number format different from other Japanese banks?

Japan Post Bank's unique account format comes from its origins as a government-run postal savings system, which operated without branches from 1875. When Japan Post was privatized in October 2007, the bank needed to adopt the standard Japanese banking format of branch code and account number. Rather than renumber all accounts, it created a conversion system: the old 5-digit symbol number (記号) and 8-digit account number (番号) convert into a 3-digit branch code, deposit type, and 7-digit account number. This is why you may see both formats on your passbook or card.

Can I use any Japan Post Bank branch code for my transactions?

No. Each Japan Post Bank account (銀行口座) is assigned to a specific virtual branch, and you must use the exact 3-digit branch code registered to your account. Using the wrong 店番 (branch code) will cause the transfer to fail or be returned. Always verify your branch code using your passbook or the official Japan Post Bank conversion tool before registering account details or providing them to a sender.

What information do I need to receive a domestic bank transfer into my Japan Post Bank account?

To receive a transfer from another Japanese bank, provide the sender with: the bank name (銀行名) "ゆうちょ銀行," the financial institution code (金融機関コード) 9900, your 3-digit branch code (店番), the deposit type (預金種目) — either 普通 (futsu, ordinary savings) or 当座 (toza, current account) — and your 7-digit account number (口座番号). You can find all of these on the first page of your Japan Post Bank passbook (通帳). If you are unsure, use the conversion tool on the Japan Post Bank website to generate these details from your symbol and account numbers.

In closing

In conclusion, understanding Japan Post Bank branch codes is crucial when conducting financial transactions with the bank. Always ensure that you use the correct branch code for the specific branch you are conducting the transaction with to avoid any delays or errors in processing your transaction.

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