Daily Life Lessons · Banks
Be able to send money after correctly checking the transfer details, apply for account transfers (direct debit) for utility bills and more, and deal with low balances, wrong transfers and ATM-related scams.
A bank transfer (振込) is a way to send money from your account or with cash to another person's account. Check the recipient's financial institution name, branch name, account type (ordinary, current, etc.), account number, and the recipient's name (in katakana).
If you transfer to the wrong account, contact the financial institution you used right away and ask for a transfer reversal (組戻し). If the money has already been deposited, the recipient's consent is required, and it may not be returned.
An account transfer (口座振替, also called direct debit / 引き落とし) automatically pays bills such as electricity, gas and mobile phone charges from your account on a set date. You apply using an application form or the billing company's website, for example. If your balance is too low, the payment will not be taken. Follow the billing company's instructions on how to pay after that, and pay promptly.
City offices and pension offices never ask you to operate an ATM to give you a refund. If someone on the phone tells you to go to an ATM, it is a scam.
振込（ふりこみ）は、相手（あいて）の 口座に お金を 送る ことです。
送る 前に 確認： - 銀行の 名前・支店（してん）の 名前 - 口座の 種類（普通 など）と 口座番号 - 受け取る 人の 名前（カタカナ）
まちがえて 送ったら、すぐ 銀行に 連絡して ください。お金が 戻らない ことも あります。
口座振替（こうざふりかえ）＝引き落とし（ひきおとし）は、電気・ガスなどの 料金を 口座から 自動で 払う ことです。 お金が 足りないと 引き落とされません。請求（せいきゅう）する 会社の 案内を 見て、早く 払いましょう。残高（ざんだか）に 気を つけましょう。
役所（やくしょ）が「ATMで お金を 返します」と 言う ことは ありません。それは 詐欺（さぎ）です。
Which of these is normally NOT needed when checking transfer details?
Check the financial institution name, branch name, account type, account number and recipient's name. The date of birth is not needed.
What should you do if you transfer to the wrong account?
Contact them right away and ask for a transfer reversal (組戻し). If the money has already been deposited, the recipient's consent is required.
What is an account transfer (direct debit)?
It is a way to automatically pay electricity, gas, mobile phone charges and so on from your account.
What happens if your balance is too low on the debit date?
If your balance is too low, the payment is not taken. Whether it is debited again or you receive a bill depends on the billing company. Follow its instructions and pay promptly.
What should you do if you get a call saying "You have a refund, so take your mobile phone and go to an ATM"?
City offices and pension offices never ask you to operate an ATM. ATMs also have no function for receiving refunds.
Q. What should I be careful about when transferring at an ATM?
A. Read the screen carefully and check the recipient and the amount before confirming. If someone you don't know is giving you instructions over the phone, stop immediately. Transfer fees and service hours differ by financial institution.
Q. What do I need to apply for an account transfer?
A. Generally, you need your account details and the seal registered with the bank (届出印). In some cases you can apply on the billing company's website or on a terminal in a shop using your cash card or similar. The method differs by billing company and financial institution.
Q. Can I lend my bankbook or cash card to someone?
A. No. Selling, lending or giving away your account is a crime even if you receive no money. When you return to your home country, close your account.
This practice tool asks questions in random order (it works when JavaScript is enabled). You can still read all the questions and explanations above without it.
Systems and procedures may differ depending on the city, ward, town or village where you live and on the time of year. Please check the latest information from your local government or the relevant organizations.
Content checked on: 2026-09-28
This page is a translation of the Japanese original. If the translation and the original differ, the Japanese version takes precedence. View the Japanese original