There are various ways to send money to Japan. Choosing the right method can not only save costs but also ensure that funds reach the destination quickly and safely. Whether it’s using traditional bank transfers, modern remittance companies, mobile payment apps, or even transferring through digital currencies, each method has its pros and cons.
This article will introduce you to the fees, exchange rates, and convenience of different remittance methods, helping you make the most informed choice when sending money to Japan.

Bank transfer is a traditional way to send money to Japan and is a channel that many people are accustomed to using. When remitting through a bank, funds usually go directly into the payee’s bank account, and the process is relatively simple. However, the fees for bank transfers are relatively high, especially for international transfers. The handling fees are usually not low, and the exchange rates are not as favorable as those of other specialized remittance platforms.
In addition, bank transfers usually take a relatively long time to complete, especially on non - working days or for cross - border remittances. It may take several days for the funds to arrive. If high - speed transfer is required, bank transfer may not be the best option. Even if some banks offer more favorable international remittance services, their overall costs and processing times are still higher than those of other remittance methods.
Compared with bank transfers, remittance companies such as Western Union and MoneyGram offer more competitive fees and exchange rates. These companies specialize in providing international remittance services, with simpler procedures, faster fund - arrival speeds, and in most cases, relatively lower remittance fees. Especially for those who need to remit money frequently, remittance companies are undoubtedly a good choice.
Western Union and MoneyGram offer a wide variety of remittance options. Customers can choose to directly deposit funds into the payee’s bank account or opt for cash withdrawal. This flexibility makes remittance companies the first choice for many users. Nevertheless, it should be noted that these platforms also charge handling fees according to the remittance amount, destination, and service type. Therefore, when choosing a remittance company, users should understand the charging standards in advance and compare the fees of different platforms to select the most cost - effective remittance service.
With the advancement of technology, more and more mobile payment apps have started to offer remittance services. Apps like PayPal and Venmo have attracted a large number of users due to their convenience and instant - transfer features. These platforms usually allow users to transfer funds via email or mobile phone number, with a simple and quick operation, which is very suitable for situations where urgent remittance is needed.
However, although mobile payment apps are very convenient in operation, their remittance fees are usually high, especially for cross - border remittances. PayPal may charge fees including fixed handling fees and currency conversion fees. In addition, credit card payment fees may also be added when remitting. Therefore, although mobile payment apps provide convenient services, the cost issue should be considered when choosing.
In recent years, with the rise of digital currencies, more and more people have started to consider using digital currencies for cross - border remittances. Digital currencies are transferred through a decentralized network, avoiding the intermediary fees of traditional financial institutions, so the handling fees are relatively low. Moreover, the transaction speed of digital currencies is usually relatively fast, especially when there is no intervention from traditional banks.
However, digital currency remittances also have their limitations. First, not every payee can accept digital currencies, and their popularity is still limited to a certain extent. Second, the exchange rates of digital currencies fluctuate greatly, and users need to closely monitor market price changes. If the market situation is not good, the remittance amount may be affected. In addition, although the transaction fees of digital currencies are low, some platforms still charge certain handling fees.
Therefore, when choosing digital currency as a remittance method, users need to assess its risks and handling fees.
If you want to send money to Japan quickly, conveniently, and at a low cost, choosing a reliable online remittance platform is a good option. Platforms such as TransferWise (now Wise), Xoom, and WorldRemit are favored by users for their low fees and real - time exchange rates. These platforms usually offer more competitive exchange rates than banks, have a simple transfer process, and allow remittance through various payment methods such as bank accounts, credit cards, or debit cards.
Compared with banks and traditional remittance companies, the fees of these online platforms are usually lower, and the processing speed is faster. For example, TransferWise allows users to pay directly through bank transfers or debit cards and adopts a transparent fee structure. Xoom and WorldRemit provide convenient mobile applications that support real - time remittance, and funds can arrive quickly. Therefore, if you need an efficient and low - cost remittance method, choosing these online remittance platforms is more cost - effective.
Many remittance platforms often launch promotional activities and discount offers to attract users. For example, some platforms offer new users free handling fees for the first remittance or provide favorable exchange rates. At the same time, some platforms also offer loyalty programs or referral rewards for long - term users. Users can get bonus money or discounts by referring others to register and complete remittances.
Therefore, before remitting, it is recommended that users understand the promotional activities and preferential policies of the platform in detail. Making rational use of these offers can effectively reduce remittance costs, especially when making large - value remittances, discounts, and favorable exchange rates can bring significant savings to users.
Whether using bank transfers, remittance companies, mobile payment apps, or digital currencies, when choosing a way to send money to Japan, the most important factors to consider are fees, exchange rates, transfer speed, and service convenience. Each remittance method has its advantages and limitations, and users can make a choice based on their own needs and actual situations.
If you are looking for a more efficient and flexible remittance method, you can consider BiyaPay. BiyaPay not only provides unlimited remittance services but also adopts a local remittance method to ensure that funds can be transferred to the payee’s account safely and quickly. Whether you are making large - value remittances or frequent small - value remittances, BiyaPay can provide a convenient and efficient solution.
*This article is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from BiyaPay or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of the contents of this publication.



