Compare types of personal loans offered by banks and online services

In Japan, a personal loan is a common solution for residents who need access to financing for personal needs through local or digital institutions. for emergencies or major expenses through banks or online financial services.

Loan conditions vary by institution. Rates, limits, and repayment terms depend on credit score, income, visa status, and years of residence in Japan.

Popular providers include Sony Bank, Rakuten Bank, MUFG, and SMBC Trust. Each offers application platforms with support in Japanese or English.

Applicants must present valid ID, proof of income, and address. Loan approval depends on requested amount, repayment period, and overall risk profile.

Foreign residents must check minimum stay or employment contract terms. Carefully review conditions and contract terms before accepting any loan agreement.

1. Sony Bank Personal Loan

Sony Bank offers an online loan service designed for simplicity, flexibility, and accessibility to both Japanese and foreign residents with a stable financial profile.

The process is managed digitally, from application to contract, and offers competitive rates depending on the applicant’s credit evaluation and repayment capacity.

1.1. Basic Requirements and Eligibility

To apply for a Sony Bank personal loan, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 20 years old and under 65 by loan maturity
• Have a stable income and permanent residence in Japan
• Hold an active Sony Bank account prior to application
• Submit employment verification if required based on loan amount
• Provide a valid residence card (for foreign applicants)
• Demonstrate long-term residency or permanent visa status
• Understand basic Japanese for communication during the process

These conditions help determine eligibility and approval readiness for personal loan applications through Sony Bank.

1.2. Loan Terms and Usage Details

Sony Bank’s personal loan allows users to borrow for purposes like education, renovation, or medical costs. Business-related loans are not eligible under this plan.

Loan amounts typically range from ¥1 million to ¥10 million, with repayment periods between 1 and 10 years, depending on the applicant’s credit history.

Interest rates vary based on credit score and income stability, generally ranging from 2.5% to 13.8% annually. Loan disbursement is made directly to the Sony Bank account.

1.3. Benefits and Considerations

Below is a comparison of key benefits and considerations related to Sony Bank’s personal loan service:

Benefit	Description	Consideration	Description
100% Online Process	Apply and manage loan via Sony Bank website	Requires Bank Account	Must have or open a Sony Bank account
No Collateral Required	Loan approval does not require property or assets	Language Support Limited	Limited English support during application
Flexible Loan Purpose	Covers personal needs like tuition or renovation	Resident Status Needed	Long-term visa or PR may be required
Competitive Rates	Rates vary by credit; often below average in Japan	Credit Check Strict	Full screening based on credit profile

Each user should consider their eligibility and the application steps. Checking terms in advance helps avoid delays or disqualification.

2. Rakuten Bank Personal Loan

Rakuten Bank provides a fully online personal loan with simplified steps and integration into the Rakuten ecosystem, suitable for users familiar with digital services.

Its application process offers speed and transparency, especially for Rakuten members. The service is aimed at employed residents with consistent income.

2.1. Basic Requirements and Eligibility

To apply for a Rakuten Bank loan, users must fulfill the following:

• Be aged 20 to 62 years old at the time of application
• Have stable income and permanent address within Japan
• Hold a valid Japanese bank account and phone number
• Pass credit evaluation based on Rakuten and partner criteria
• Not currently in bankruptcy or debt restructuring
• Provide government ID and proof of residence

All applicants undergo automatic screening. Results are usually provided within one business day after submitting the form online.

2.2. Loan Terms and Usage Details

The Rakuten Bank loan offers flexibility in use, from education to moving expenses. Funds are disbursed into the user’s registered Rakuten Bank account.

Loan amounts start from ¥100,000 and may reach up to ¥5 million. Repayment options include monthly automatic deductions, and early repayments are allowed.

Interest rates range between 1.9% and 14.5% depending on the user’s credit profile. A Rakuten ID can improve integration and offer service advantages.

2.3. Benefits and Considerations

Benefit	Description	Consideration	Description
Fast Application	Online form with same-day screening	Limited English Support	Site and process mostly in Japanese
Rakuten Integration	Loan links to Rakuten services and points	Rakuten ID Needed	Best features require Rakuten ecosystem use
No Handling Fees	No application or early repayment fees	Strict Credit Policy	Credit score affects limits and acceptance
Full Digital Access	No paperwork, bank visits, or stamps required	Age Limit Applied	Not available if over 62 at time of request

Reviewing Rakuten Bank’s criteria and confirming digital readiness can help applicants streamline their approval process.

3. MUFG Bank Personal Loan

MUFG offers structured personal loans with defined terms, in-person support, and multilingual assistance at select locations. Applications require face-to-face or phone verification before approval.

This product is designed for residents with stable employment and income, offering repayment via monthly bank deductions and fixed terms between 1 and 60 months.

3.1. Basic Requirements and Eligibility

Applicants for MUFG personal loans must:

• Be between 20 and 65 years old by contract maturity
• Live in Japan with a verifiable address and phone number
• Present valid ID and a Japanese bank account
• Submit proof of stable employment and income
• Meet minimum income standards set by MUFG at application time
• Complete in-person or phone verification as part of screening

These conditions are required regardless of whether the application starts online or via a partner platform.

3.2. Loan Terms and Usage Details

MUFG loans are intended strictly for personal use and exclude business activities. Loan amounts range from ¥100,000 to ¥5 million in ¥100,000 increments.

Repayment terms vary from 1 to 60 months with automatic monthly deductions, typically on the 27th. No guarantor or collateral is required.

Interest rates depend on the loan amount and credit profile. Lower rates apply to higher loan amounts. Simulators are available for repayment forecasts.

3.3. Benefits and Considerations

Benefit	Description	Consideration	Description
In-Branch Guidance	Loan consultation with staff in selected branches	Physical Visit Required	Not all services are fully online
No Guarantor Needed	Approval does not require third-party guarantees	Screening Still Required	Full income and ID check remains necessary
Defined Loan Range	Borrow ¥100,000 to ¥5,000,000 as needed	Shorter Terms Applied	Max term is 60 months only
Monthly Auto-Payment	Payments debited from account on a fixed date	Requires Japanese Account	Local account setup mandatory

MUFG suits those who prefer structured financial support with loan simulations and in-person service to guide their decisions.

4. SMBC Trust Bank Housing Loan

SMBC Trust Bank provides housing loans to residents planning to purchase, renovate, or refinance property in Japan, with specific terms for foreign borrowers.

It offers flexible repayment terms and support in English via the Prestia branch network, appealing to salaried professionals with long-term plans.

4.1. Basic Requirements and Eligibility

To apply for an SMBC housing loan, users must:

• Be 20 to 70 years old at the end of the repayment period
• Have a stable source of income in Japan
• Hold valid long-term visa or permanent residency status
• Provide property purchase contract or plans for refinancing
• Present documentation including ID, income proof, and residence
• Have or open an SMBC Trust Bank Prestia account

English-speaking representatives are available at Prestia locations in major cities.

4.2. Loan Terms and Usage Details

This product is specific to housing-related purposes. It includes loans for new purchases, renovations, and home refinancing or consolidation.

Loan amounts vary based on the appraisal value of the property and borrower’s income. Repayment terms may extend up to 35 years.

Interest rates are fixed or variable, and detailed simulations are provided during the consultation to help applicants choose terms.

Unlike a general personal loan, this housing loan is secured by the property itself, which acts as collateral. In return, it allows longer repayment terms and potentially lower interest rates.

A personal loan, in contrast, does not require collateral and can be used for any personal expense. This flexibility results in shorter terms and higher interest due to increased risk to the lender.

4.3. Benefits and Considerations

Benefit	Description	Consideration	Description
English Support	Prestia staff assist non-Japanese speakers	Branch Availability	English service only in select locations
Long Repayment Terms	Up to 35 years depending on property and age	Housing Only Use	Funds must be used for property-related
Personalized Quotes	Simulations provided to match user situation	High Document Requirement	Includes property and income verification
Local Presence	Available in major Japanese cities	Requires Property Contract	Must show agreement or plan documentation

Users seeking housing finance with structured guidance and language support can benefit from this long-term focused product offered by SMBC Trust Bank.

Making the Right Personal Loan Decision in Japan

Choosing a personal loan in Japan involves balancing available options with your financial habits, residency status, and documentation readiness.

Digital users may benefit from fully online solutions like Sony Bank or Rakuten Bank, which offer fast applications and flexible use of funds.

Traditional banks like MUFG are better suited for applicants who value in-person support and structured loan consultations in multiple languages.

SMBC Trust stands out for long-term housing loans and English assistance, especially for foreign professionals seeking real estate in Japan.

Regardless of the institution, always review loan terms, check rate ranges, and calculate repayment capacity before proceeding.

Start by assessing your current income, visa conditions, and language preferences to select the loan service that aligns with your situation best.