Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on May 2011

Have you ever wondered:

• What is the best way to send money overseas?
• How expensive international money transfers are?
• Where the closest place to send money to a friend or loved one is?
• How much time it takes to send international money transfers?
• If Western Union money transfer service is still available in Japan?

If so, we have some good news for you. Seven Bank, which has more than 15,000 ATMs at Seven Eleven convenience stores throughout Japan, has partnered with Western Union to provide a convenient international money transfer service.

Send money 24 hours a day, seven days a week

You can send money anytime, anywhere through Seven Bank’s online banking service, mobile banking service, or via ATMs across Japan (starting this July). Seven Bank ATMs are located in Seven Eleven convenience stores, Ito-Yokado stores, shopping malls, train stations and airports–and are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Reasonable fees

Send up to ¥10,000 overseas for only ¥990. Send up to ¥50,000 for only ¥1,500—with no extra receiving fees.

Many locations

Western Union has many business partners located all over the world. With more than 400,000 locations in 200 countries, it couldn’t be easier for people to receive money.

Fast transactions

It takes just a few minutes to send and receive cash, making it ideal for urgent remittances.

How it works

To use Seven Bank overseas remittance, simply open a Seven Bank account and register for the service. Deposit money in the account using your Seven Bank cash card. Before sending money, register your recipient’s information (to a maximum of six people). Select the international money transfer service using Seven Bank’s internet/mobile banking service or one of many Seven Bank ATMs. Choose your selected recipient and enter the amount of money you wish to transfer and it will be automatically deducted from your account. Don’t forget to pass on the 10-digit money transfer control number to your recipient. Now your recipient only needs to bring the 10-digit number and valid identification to a Western Union location, where they will be able to receive their money right away.

Registration

Register yourself on the Seven Bank website or call the Seven Bank call center to request the registration forms. After registration, an application form will be sent to your home address. Fill out the form with your signature and return it with proof of identification. Seven Bank will send you a cash card and service manual in the mail. Opening an account is free of charge.

Seven Bank convenience

Enjoy the convenience of having a Seven Bank account. Deposit money through the ATM for free, 24 hours a day. Make free withdrawals from 7am-7pm, seven days a week. At other times, charges are ¥105. Domestic money transfers inside Japan are ¥52 between Seven Bank accounts, and ¥210 to accounts with other banks. You can even use Seven Bank to receive your monthly salary and directly send money home—a smart and convenient way to send and receive funds.