Japan - Apparently 7-11 ATM's are now charging fees for withdrawals (Alternatives?)

LChimpus on 06/02/2018 - 21:46
Last edited 07/02/2018 - 22:06

Hi all,

I've got a trip to Japan coming up in March this year and recently signed up for a Citibank Plus debit card to take advantage of its fee free ATM withdrawals, good exchange rate and no currency exchange fees. This will complement my existing Bankwest Zero credit card (No currency conversion fees and uses Mastercard exchange rates).

I was hoping to use the 7-11 and Japan Post ATMs as most people report that they are easy to find and don't charge fees but I came across a post in the /r/JapanTravel/ subreddit today where a user mentioned that 7-11 ATMs are no longer fee free.

ATM's and fees - Saw this post first
7-eleven atms is starting to charge fees? - Original source

u/chapberry - It used to be free on the japan side when i use an atm in any of the 7-eleven convenience stores. Only charge on the parent bank. Now it says they will charge a fee depending on how much i withdraw. Anyone experiencing the same thing?

u/ShawninOP - Changed over a month ago.

u/EvoEpitaph - 108 yen for < 20000 yen. 216 yen for => 20000 yen I believe.

Can anyone who's recently travelled to Japan confirm if this is the case? if so, are there any ATMs that are still fee free?

Now I realise that a fee of 108 Yen (~ $1.26 AUD) for withdrawing < 20,000 Yen (~ $233.19 AUD) or 216 Yen (~$2.52 AUD) for > 20,000 Yen is hardly going to break the bank, but I'd like to avoid any fees if possible - thats the whole point of the Citibank Plus debit card! (it could end up costing me a kings ransom worth of Onigiri!]

Worse case scenario is to take out larger sums of money per withdrawal in order to minimise fees.

Edit: It appears that there are two versions of the Citibank Plus debit card - a Visa one (older) and a Mastercard one (newer - I have this one). Users are reporting that the Visa cards are seeing the fees at ATMs whilst the Mastercard versions should still be fee free.

Travel

Comments

    • spriggy on 07/02/2018 - 20:24
      +3

      Soon ATMs will join unions and go on strike…

      • neonlight on 09/02/2018 - 06:13
        +1

        Cause they overtime and give us cash…. Hmm well that's expected because none of us wants to pay a fee, and they work after hours?

  • qwerty-4321 on 07/02/2018 - 21:15
    +1

    Just got back on Sunday. They do charge fees now, which is disappointing.. however the fees were refunded if I used my Orange Everyday debit card :).

    One other thing to note is that the Lawson Station ATMs no longer accept international cards, so don't bother with those anymore.

    • Chimpus on 07/02/2018 - 21:58

      Thanks for the feedback, it's greatly appreciated!

  • tekisei on 07/02/2018 - 22:16
    +3

    Might be worth to take some AUD with you…

    http://www.access-ticket.com/storedetail/ (site in Japanese)

    There is a chain of money exchangers called MEX, usually attached to Access Ticket shops across Japan. I found their rates extremely good for Japan last October. There is no English information online for this chain, so I was very happy to bump into one by coincidence in Kyoto.

    AUD-JPY rates at the time (AUD$1):
    ¥86 at KVB Kunlun (in Sydney)
    ¥79 at most money exchangers in Japan
    ¥81 at online recommended money exchangers in Japan
    ¥84 at MEX Money Exchange/Access Ticket in Kyoto

    • Chimpus on 07/02/2018 - 22:21

      Sounds like a great option, thanks for the heads up :)

  • laurence on 07/02/2018 - 23:38
    +3

    OP affords trip to japan, can't afford $1 fee

    • Chimpus on 07/02/2018 - 23:53
      +3

      Hahah, got cheap flights courtesy of Ozbargain and saved a ton of money booking accommodation via Airbnb.

      Being on holiday doesn't mean I get to slack off from finding deals or ways to save my hard earned moolah :)

      • laurence on 08/02/2018 - 11:10
        +2

        i was just kidding around, all g

  • GregOwen4 on 07/02/2018 - 23:48
    +2

    OP, We were in Japan Dec 26 to Jan 14th
    Withdrew from 7 Eleven in Tokyo, Osaka and Hakata - no Fees
    But it was Citi MasterCard.

    Good Luck!

    • Chimpus on 07/02/2018 - 23:49
      +1

      Thanks for the feedback!

      It is greatly appreciated :)

  • I like cats on 08/02/2018 - 00:29
    +1

    I’m currently in Tokyo, have used my Citibank Mastercard at 2 different 711 ATMs and they both did not charge me a fee. I did get the initial prompt about how a fee may be charged but went through with it anyway - no additional charge came through.

    • Chimpus on 08/02/2018 - 00:31

      Champion! Thank you so much for the confirmation :D

      Hope you're having fun over there!

      • I like cats on 08/02/2018 - 00:37
        +1

        No worries, enjoy your trip! :)

    • FirstWizard on 09/02/2018 - 11:07
      +1

      I thought the same as no additional charge came through in my Citi Statement, though 7-11 said they'd charge a fee. But then figured that the fee is hidden in the exchange conversion after comparing it with the result from MasterCard exchange rate tool.

  • cashless on 08/02/2018 - 11:32
    +1

    I have always checked the very useful the Whirlpool Wiki on Citibank Plus as my guide to free cash withdrawals when travelling overseas.
    It is regularly updated, but there is no mention on there about the Mastercard/Visa difference in fees.
    I suggest that a WP user with authoritative info updates the wiki accordingly

  • fusion17 on 08/02/2018 - 11:33

    28 Degrees used to be great for this, but I believe they've changed a while back as people found a loophole to load cash and withdraw without fees or something.

    On another note, what are the best data SIM options these days?

  • misselty on 08/02/2018 - 11:37
    +1

    Sounds like I need to hassle Citi to give me the Mastercard…! I'm headed to Japan next month.
    (Should have gotten an ING…)

  • playtimex on 08/02/2018 - 12:06
    +2

    Came back about a month ago, no fees on my Mastercard branded citi bank debit card - just confirmed with looking at the transactions in my account.

    • Chimpus on 08/02/2018 - 14:48

      Thanks for the feedback!

  • Tradey on 08/02/2018 - 12:18
    +2

    Japan travel SIMS are data only, no voice or SMS facility. JP Mobile and YokoSIM use NTT DoCoMo network and all have expiry dates. Buy on eBay 3-91 days. Longest and biggest SIM is so-net (Sony) 12gb/180 days available on Amazon.co.jp This site via Whirlpool Japan thread has good information:

    http://prepaid-data-sim-card.wikia.com/wiki/Japan

  • gimme on 08/02/2018 - 13:32
    -2

    I'm always curious why people need ATMs. I travel a fair bit and take a couple of hundred in cash with me for (rare) places that don't accept CC and the rest goes on a (no intl fee) credit card.

    • kacak on 08/02/2018 - 13:36
      +5

      Because Japan

    • Momotsuki on 08/02/2018 - 13:43
      +10

      Clearly you haven't been to Japan..

      • gimme on 08/02/2018 - 17:26

        4 times Don Xiote accepts CC so I was sorted :)

      • peterpeterpumpkin on 09/02/2018 - 08:14
        +3

        Or almost all of Asia. And South America. And Africa. Most non-EU European countries.

    • cynicor on 28/03/2018 - 10:27

      Also, we like to get a better rate than ripoff money changers.
      ATMs giving the XE rate vs money changed with 8c spread…

      • gimme on 28/03/2018 - 11:55

        yes that's a good point

  • FloatingPoint on 08/02/2018 - 13:54
    +2

    Was in Japan over Christmas and withdrawn cash twice from my citibank card

    7-Bank ATM in Narita Airport T3 (next to Lawson) - No fees
    JP Bank ATM in Itami station (Osaka) - the screen said something like ¥216 fee, but I checked my account later and found no fees charged

    • Chimpus on 08/02/2018 - 14:50

      Thanks for the feedback, it is greatly appreciated :)

  • TRD on 08/02/2018 - 14:40
    +2

    I'm in Japan right now and got no handling charge from 7 Bank

    • Chimpus on 08/02/2018 - 14:51
      +1

      Thanks for the feedback :)

      Hope you're having a great time over there!

    • cwongtech on 08/02/2018 - 15:58
      +4

      Can confirm.
      Out of curiousity sake there was a SMBC Prestia atm right next to 7 bank ATM inside kansai airport.
      I withdrew 1000 yen on both within a minute of each.
      Citibank transaction details show 11.39 was charged by 7 bank, 11.35 by SMBC Prestia.
      Exchange rate on xe.com showed 1000 yen was equivalent to 11.33 AUD at the time of withdrawal.

      • Chimpus on 08/02/2018 - 16:45

        Thanks for the comparison!

        The exchange looks great :D

  • mccaj09 on 08/02/2018 - 16:32
    +4

    Just got back from a month travelling over there and using 7/11 ATM everywhere with my Citibank Debit Card (Mastercard) was not charged any ATM fees at all

    • Chimpus on 08/02/2018 - 16:45

      Thanks for the feedback, much appreciated!

  • Gauntlet on 08/02/2018 - 17:27
    +1

    So can I can use my ING card in Japan just like I would here?

  • Maxxjet on 08/02/2018 - 20:30

    I am so impressed in such era in Japan people are so concerned about ATM & cash, so 2000s … lol. I travelled to NZ recently and as expected have citibank plus and 28 degree - not a singe chance in need to withdraw cash - even at Lake Tekapo going to the University Canterbury's hilltop observatory ( quite remote area) , paying for the private road toll , Tap&go is available … speechless for a " technically-advanced " Japan…

    • lainey13 on 10/02/2018 - 00:36

      You do know the biggest market for faxes is Japan yeah? So I'm not surprised!

    • cynicor on 28/03/2018 - 10:28

      Try going to Japan, travel outside of Tokyo and Osaka and let us know how your credit cards go…

  • nikey2k27 on 08/02/2018 - 21:11
    +1

    Citibank Plus debit card used buy tap and go alot of the time some ask for ID so just show them driver license from Queensland never carry my passport other than at airports

  • gogobargain on 08/02/2018 - 22:01
    +1

    I also just came back from Japan, Hokkaido and Tokyo. I used only the 7-11 ATMs to withdraw cash and I have a Citibank gold debit master card. i recall seeing the warning messages for the fees after entering the pin. But when I checked my statements, all transactions - 0 fees. However I had an incident where my card was totally rejected by all 7/11 machines. I called the customers service and they too can't find the issue. The citibank customer service officer then said she will waive all fees that I incurred from withdrawing using my citi credit card. I ended up no using the credit card because lucky my wife's card worked. When I tried the next day card was back to normal. It is still a mystery why. Anyway, Like many others here I too have a 28 deg and bankwest card to compliment my overseas travel.

  • nobro25 on 09/02/2018 - 04:53
    +1

    I thought bitcoins we're large over in Japan? Aren't there Bitcoin vendors all over the place?

    • peterpeterpumpkin on 09/02/2018 - 08:23
      +3

      A transaction last month:

      "And that coffee comes to $2 worth of Bitcoin. If you want to leave the store with the coffee in the next hour we recommend spending about $27. Or $82 or more if you want to drink it now."

      "Cash. I'll pay cash."

  • bozbargain on 09/02/2018 - 12:54
    -1

    I'm somewhat surprised with OzB's obsession with these no-FX-fee (credit) cards (I do understand that OP is talking about a debit card in this case). Surely, it all adds up but I'd rather 'spend' my credit rating and re-banking efforts (opening a new account for the sole purpose on spending on foreign currency?) on getting free or cheap credit cards with lots of bonus points. Is it simply a sport to avoid any ATM fees overseas or have you guys actually worked out the opportunity cost of using such cards? For me, I try to get 3 or 4 credit cards a year and with the bonus points gained I'm happy to pay a small FX markup on my credit card payments (especially on an AmEx card). Especially going to Japan, you can pay with your cc in so many places now (big cities), wouldn't one ATM transaction be enough for a typical trip? Or am I missing something?

    • cwongtech on 10/02/2018 - 10:20
      +1

      Is it simply a sport to avoid any ATM fees overseas or have you guys actually worked out the opportunity cost of using such cards? For me, I try to get 3 or 4 credit cards a year and with the bonus points gained I'm happy to pay a small FX markup on my credit card payments (especially on an AmEx card)

      If you shop online quite a bit, paypal conversion rate takes like 4-5% off spot rate.
      That's very significant if you're buying a medium-high value purchase in the $800+ range (laptop), that's $30 a transaction just for using a different card.

      Credit card points aren't worth enough to offset the foreign exchange fee.
      For example, if you earn 1 point per dollar, and the item you bought was 1000 AUD equivalent, then you earn 1000 points, but you paid 2-3% in the form of bad conversion rates by the card, so $20-$30. How much is 1000 points worth to you? Let's say we use the market rate of 1000 points = $10, without going into specifics of which credit card program you're with. Then you just lost $10-$20.

      Japan is probably one of the weird countries that still are heavily dependent on cash.
      If you go to Forex money changers to swap AUD to JPY in advance, they have a buy and sell rate, that's usually 2% off the spot rate, could be worse.
      Depending on your accommodation and length of stay, this adds up very quickly as well as daily spend.

      Also, local money changing machines in Japan have a REALLY bad exchange rate, we're talking 75 Yen to 1 AUD (spot rate is around 85Yen:1AUD), they're all over the place. That alone is like a 12% premium.

      wouldn't one ATM transaction be enough for a typical trip? Or am I missing something?

      No because smaller places are cash only, only big department stores take card. ATM have limits, some have 50000 Yen or 100000 Yen or 1000 USD equivalent limits.

      PSA: You can ring citibank to raise daily withdrawal limit from $1000 AUD to $3000 AUD. Unfortunately Citibank's phone banking system just tells you to go to the website for info. Press the "I lost my card" menu until you speak to an operator and tell them what you want.

      • bozbargain on 10/02/2018 - 10:29

        Credit card points aren't worth enough to offset the foreign exchange fee.
        For example, if you earn 1 point per dollar, and the item you bought was 1000 AUD equivalent, then you earn 1000 points, but you paid 2-3% in the form of bad conversion rates by the card, so $20-$30. How much is 1000 points worth to you? Let's say we use the market rate of 1000 points = $10, without going into specifics of which credit card program you're with. Then you just lost $10-$20.

        Depends on your cards and needs. I get 2 points per $ with AmEx and that’s definitely worth the equivalent of 3% to me. With bonus points, I meant the sign up points. I get on average 240k bonus points per year (3 new cards) but have a minimum spend to put on those cards as well, happy to spend them on overseas purchases even if that means a premium for FX. Also, I think most people here know that they shouldn’t let PayPal handle the conversion, you let your card issuer do that. I totally understand the need to take with you a debit card to eg Japan, but one ATM transaction wouldn’t warrant a new bank account or credit card for me, to save a few bucks in fees.

        • cwongtech on 10/02/2018 - 10:37
          +1

          I get on average 240k bonus points per year (3 new cards) but have a minimum spend to put on those cards as well, happy to spend them on overseas purchases even if that means a premium for FX

          Or you could just buy stuff you'll definitely use up in the next year.
          If you can't think of anything - buy discounted woolies egift, effectively spreading your "minimum spend in 2-3 months" to a year at least.
          The most versatile gift card you can have, pay for food, groceries, daily supplies, transport credit (opal for sydney), alcohol at DanMurphys, fill up your car at caltex, can buy other store gift cards, (including a woolworths wish card if you REALLY can't spend X amount in 12 months, thus effectively spreading your minimum credit card spend for 24 months if you time it right).

          I totally understand the need to take with you a debit card to eg Japan, but one ATM transaction wouldn’t warrant a new bank account or credit card for me, to save a few bucks in fees.

          I don't know about you but I don't plan on buying McDonalds in Japan. The spend of $6000 AUD over three weeks alone is enough to warrant clicking a few buttons for a card, 3% of that is around $180.
          If you aren't travelling solo, it adds up very quickly as well. It's not one ATM transaction, it's my entire travel spending, anything in a foreign currency.
          A dollar saved is a dollar earned post-tax.

  • somewherewest on 09/02/2018 - 22:03
    +1

    I'm here now and there are no fees at 7-11 with the Macquarie card. I literally just pulled money out. No fee.

  • Sailormoon000 on 27/03/2018 - 14:50

    I'm going to Japan in April and after reading so many comments I am just so confused.
    I have Citibank Platinum Visa and Citibank Plus Debit (with Mastercard logo)
    will that be sufficient enough?? O I need another card, for just incase?????

    • kacak on 27/03/2018 - 15:37

      Citibank Plus will cover you for cash ATM withdrawals

      Do you have another credit card that has no foreign transaction fees such as 28 degrees or BankWest Zero?

      • Sailormoon000 on 27/03/2018 - 16:58

        Nope.
        Will apply for that then. and bankWest Zero is a Mastercard right?
        Thank you.

        • kacak on 27/03/2018 - 18:09

          Yes Mastercard. Note you’ll only need one of those 2 fee-free credit cards (ie. either 28° or BankWest Zero) so you can pay using Mastercard wherever possible, and cash from ATM where CC is not accepted.

  • soangry on 09/04/2018 - 21:17
    +1

    I just came back from China, Japan and Singapore all I needed was Citibank Plus MasterCard/debit card. Best rate compared to the local money changer. No fees
    In japan, some atms in family marts dont accept Citibank, some are fee free.

  • arctan on 09/07/2018 - 16:50

    Anyone know if I have old Citibank debit visa card and can I request a replacement new debit MC card?

  • newguy on 14/07/2018 - 23:09

    OP, 7bank is charging a fee like you said in your post. The fee just won't show up in the statement. It's hidden in the exchange rate. I am using the citi-plus MasterCard. If you compare the exchange rate after your withdrawal and the official MasterCard exchange rate you will notice the difference. I have been living in Tokyo for 6 weeks and I have withdrew several times from 7bank ATM. I confirm that 7bank ATM is charging a fee for my MasterCard citi plus debit card.

    • Killua on 21/10/2018 - 12:07

      Thank you for your info. Can anyone confirm this pls?

  • jamball on 10/08/2018 - 10:56
    +1

    I'm using the citibank mastercard issued card and withdraw money from the post office atms. I've noticed that they say a fee will be incurred with withdrawal, however after doing the maths, there was no fee. It worked out to be about 81 yen to 1 aud.

    • Hogg on 11/08/2018 - 05:30

      Thanks for the tip. I'm trying to gather all the info I can for a trip trip next year hopefully.

  • arctan on 11/08/2018 - 13:30

    Does anyone know these 2 questions for Japan as I will be travelling in Nov to Tokyo and Osaka (maybe Kyoto as well).
    1. Do they have ride share companies such as Uber or DiDi? If not, transportation is solely relying on subway and bus?
    2. Do they widely accept credit cards such as 28 degree MC or Coles MC or ANZ Travel VISA cards? Do I need to prepare a lot of cash just in case they dont accept any of my credit cards?

    • letthiswork1 on 13/08/2018 - 00:00

      Awesome ur gonna love it

      1. their train system is amazing. you dont need taxi's. Their TAxi's are actually quite expensive
      2. Most nice restaurants will, but japan is a cash society still. Cash should be how you pay for most things. Always have cash!!!
    • FloatingPoint on 22/10/2018 - 11:30

      ^ that. And get yourself a Pasmo or Suica card (transport card). Apart from public transport, you can also use them in almost all vending machines, and many shops especially convenient stores.

      • Iwantthatbargain on 25/11/2018 - 20:54

        Do you mean shops and vending machines within station premises, or does it work outside shops as well?

  • jingchenw on 25/11/2018 - 20:11

    I went to Tokyo and Osaka June 2018 and again in September, the ATM in 7-11 are still fee free as per the receipt issued by the ATM, I used my Macquarie Bank Debit Card.

  • jingchenw on 27/04/2019 - 15:01
    +1

    This page from official 7 Bank website should clear things up. According to the website, 7-11 atm only charge fees on withdrawal during 7PM and 7AM, which means if you withdraw cash at night during this 12 hours window you will be charged extra atm fee, otherwise it’s free.

    https://www.sevenbank.co.jp/english/personal/netbank/know/fe…

    • Hogg on 28/04/2019 - 14:44

      Nice find

      • blutek on 01/01/2020 - 13:26

        Looking at that page, I think that may apply to seven bank account holders only?

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join