According to Japan Post Bank and Seven Bank to introduce residence expiration date notifications at ATMs (2025-08-20 Impress Watch), Seven Bank will provide Japan Post Bank with an “ATM Notification” service that will notify users of information on the ATM screen from January 2026. What services for foreigners at convenience store ATMs and terminals are expected to expand in the future?
1. Expansion of Multilingual Support
Seven Bank ATMs already support 12 languages, allowing over 90% of foreign users to operate them in their native language. In the future, support is expected to expand to include languages such as Urdu and Hindi. Remote operators or avatar-based assistance could also be introduced to provide real-time multilingual guidance at stores. Lawson, for example, is trialing avatars that can provide guidance in about 100 languages.
2. Residence and Administrative Support via ATMs and Terminals
● Residence Status Notifications and Renewal Assistance
The upcoming “ATM Notification” feature will display residence expiration dates and provide QR-coded receipts linking to renewal guidance. Future expansions could include:
- Pop-up or voice alerts for upcoming expiration dates
- Direct links to renewal centers or administrative consultation services
- Partial completion of renewal applications directly on the ATM screen
● Automated Account Opening and Identity Verification
From December 23, 2024, Seven Bank ATMs will allow foreign residents to complete account opening entirely via ATM, using IC card reading and facial recognition. Expected future developments include:
- Integration with other financial institutions for immediate deposits and transfers
- Expanded linkage with My Number cards or public insurance cards
- Multilingual identity verification support, including voice guidance
3. Expansion of Cashless Payment Channels
● International Card and E-Money Support
Seven Bank ATMs accept various international cards and are available 24/7. Expansion is expected for QR payment methods popular among foreigners, such as Alipay, WeChat Pay, and Kakao Pay. Foreign currency top-ups (USD, EUR, etc.) may also be supported.
● Offline Payment via Store Terminals
Store terminals already support offline payments for online services. Future foreigner-focused expansions could include:
- Multilingual guidance for tourists
- Support for overseas digital service payments (Netflix, Steam, etc.)
- Automated tax-free procedures with passport reading
4. Strengthening Links with Government Services
● Integration with Local Administrative Services
Convenience stores could serve as hubs for:
- Issuing resident or other official certificates
- Electronic reception for foreigner consultation services in multiple languages
- Acceptance and pickup of various application forms (residence, taxes, healthcare)
● Remote Multilingual Assistance
Avatar or remote operator support could allow foreign users to receive real-time help at ATMs or store terminals, serving as multilingual help desks.
5. Infrastructure in Rural Areas
In rural areas, ATMs are a key access point. Expected developments include:
- Multilingual terminals in rural regions for residence and administrative guidance
- Display of medical and disaster information for foreign residents
- Barrier-free and universal design for accessibility
Summary
Key areas where foreigner-oriented services at convenience store ATMs and terminals are expected to expand:
| Area | Expected Service Expansion |
|---|---|
| Multilingual Support | Expanded language options, multilingual operations and intercoms, avatar guidance |
| Residence & Administrative Services | Residence expiration notifications, renewal guidance, automated account opening, administrative form support |
| Payments | Support for international cards and e-money, multilingual offline payment, tax-free procedures |
| Government & Administrative Info | Certificate issuance, application acceptance, information terminals |
| Rural Support | Multilingual terminals, disaster and medical info, universal design |
In conclusion, ATMs and store terminals are expected to increasingly serve as infrastructure that supports foreign residents in daily life, from residence management and banking to payments and administrative services.