Prepaid Payment Card powered by Mastercard
Brought to you by the team behind Mobal, the leading telecoms provider for English-speaking expats in Japan
The only service designed by expats, for foreign residents in Japan
Anyone with a Japanese Residence Card is eligible, acceptance guaranteed
The majority of profits go to charity
Prepaid Payment Card powered by Mastercard
Brought to you by the team behind Mobal, the leading telecoms provider for English-speaking expats in Japan
The only service designed by expats, for foreign residents in Japan
Anyone with a Japanese Residence Card is eligible, acceptance guaranteed*
*subject to ID & fraud checks
The majority of profits go to charity
For many expats, getting a payment card is a hurdle.
In fact, only 9% found the process straightforward and efficient! As any expat will tell you, the first 6 months are the hardest.
"Realising that some banks don't accept you unless you're a resident."
"The steps and process of paper work you had to go through is very difficult"
"All the documents were in Japanese."
"Since you have to have lived in Japan more than 6 months for any bank account other than Japan Post Bank, this was difficult to traverse. Signing up was also rough with my rusty Japanese!"
We asked a group of expats what in particular was most challenging about setting up a bank account in Japan.
MobalPay is designed exclusively for expats, students, and foreign residents in Japan
MobalPay is a convenient alternative to a traditional bank card, offering easy and quick setup and usage for expats. It's an easy-to-use prepaid Mastercard, issued in Japan, designed specifically to meet the needs of foreign residents in Japan.
No minimum residency unlike traditional Japanese banks
We don't have the minimum residency requirements that traditional Japanese banks do, and we don't need to see your credit history. You're guaranteed to be accepted as long as you're a long-term resident in Japan with a valid Residence Card, and your ID passes our secure verification checks.
Make in-store and online purchases
MobalPay will give you a payment card that you can use in-store and online - a real lifeline while you get your head around Japanese banking!
Keep track of your spending through your online account
MobalPay makes it easy to stay on top of your finances while you find your feet in your new home.
Easy to top up
You can add to your MobalPay balance at any time using our simple top-up methods, including using cash at convenience stores all over Japan.
Mobal: The leading telecoms provider for English-speaking expats in Japan
For years, Mobal has been at the forefront of telecoms solutions for expats in Japan.
With decades of experience solving our customers' problems, we're the best at making life in Japan easier for long-term residents and travelers alike.
We know how big a difference it makes when you can use your phone in Japan just like you can when you're back home...
...but what about using your bank card?
We asked our SIM & WiFi customers what they thought of banking in Japan, and the answer was clear - it's very different to what they're used to.
We thought "there's got to be a better way..." As it turned out, there wasn't one, so we decided to invent it.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Mobal saves me again
I have been a customer with Mobal since coming back to Japan in 2019. The service has always been top notch, responsive and helpful. Suffice to say I have really been in some jams in Japan (could not make a cash payment due to Corona, lost my phone so needed a new sim card before moving ect...) In this case, my Japanese bank decided to discontinue their pre paid debit card service, so once again I am relying on Mobal to help me out. I have always recommended this company to those visiting or those long term residence as well. Thank you for your outstanding service.
F Schlege 01 Feb 2024
Our Vision
Ever since we first started out, we made a simple promise - that the majority of our profits would go to charity.
Our growing network of charity partners around the world are working hard to bring people in Malawi out of poverty and into a life of dignity and self-sufficiency, through providing oppurtunities for work and development, building schools and educational institutions, and making sure that basic needs like food and shelter are met.
Find out more 
The key things we achieved in 2023 thanks to Mobal customers
learners supported
school meals served (approx)
brand new school opened
funds donated *(GBP)
* Funds donated to Krizevac Project by the Mobell Group in 2023.
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★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Easy sign up process
After the easy sign up process, I've been using MobalPay to help with my budgeting and with setting up Japanese online shopping accounts. It's a great relief to have all the support and information about my account in English. I highly recommend it if you're looking for a way to manage your finances & do online shopping while in Japan.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Highly Recommended
Mobal Pay is relatively new in the Japanese market, but it has proven its trustworthiness, reliability, and credibility. Concerns addressed to the customer service team are answered in a timely manner. The language is courteous and the explanation, clear.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
It a very easy process to apply
It a very easy process to apply. I will definitely introduce my friends. The application process is so simple to fill out.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Thumbs up!
The application process, thus far, has been seamless. Form was short and ID upload process easy.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I can top it up in Yen from my US Wise Account
As a person who travels a lot, I chose Mobalpay as I can top it up in Yen from my US Wise Account, which gives me access to my overseas earnings while in Japan but also allows me have a Japanese payment card when travelling outside of Japan.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Able to order online!
Having MobalPay allowed me to immediately start ordering on Amazon!
