Brokers With JPY Accounts
Brokers with JPY accounts make managing your trading portfolio in Japanese Yen hassle-free. Due to Japan’s massive international economy, the Yen is the third most traded currency worldwide after the U.S. Dollar and Euro, making up 19% of the daily forex market turnover. This page will explain how JPY accounts work, including their benefits. We also list the best brokers with JPY accounts below.
Brokers With JPY Accounts
These are the 6 best brokers that offer accounts with JPY as the base currency:
Here is a short overview of each broker's pros and cons
- Interactive Brokers - Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is a premier brokerage, providing access to 150 markets in 33 countries, along with a suite of comprehensive investment services. With over 40 years of experience, this Nasdaq-listed firm adheres to stringent regulations by the SEC, FCA, CIRO, and SFC, amongst others, and is one of the most trusted brokers for trading around the globe.
- FOREX.com - Founded in 1999, FOREX.com is now part of StoneX, a financial services organization serving over one million customers worldwide. Regulated in the US, UK, EU, Australia and beyond, the broker offers thousands of markets, not just forex, and provides excellent pricing on cutting-edge platforms.
- OANDA US - OANDA is a popular brand offering exceptional execution, low deposit requirements and advanced charting and trading platform features. The top-rated brand has over 25 years of experience and is regulated by trusted agencies, including the NFA/CFTC. Around the clock support is available for short-term traders, alongside flexible contract sizes and automated trade executions.
- Dukascopy - Established in 2004, Dukascopy Bank SA is a Swiss online bank and brokerage providing short-term trading opportunities on 1,200+ instruments, including binaries. A choice of accounts (JForex, MT4/5, Binary Options) and sophisticated platforms (JForex, MT4/MT5) deliver powerful tools and market data for active traders.
- xChief - xChief is a foreign exchange and CFD broker, established in 2014. The company is based offshore and registered with the VFSC and FMA. Users can choose between a wide selection of accounts and base currencies, making ForexChief accessible to global traders. The brand also stands out for its no deposit bonus and fee rebates for high-volume traders.
- AZAforex - Established in 2016, AZAforex is an offshore broker offering short-term trading on 235+ global financial markets, including through binary options with payouts of up to 90%. Three accounts (Start, Pro and VIP) offer unique features, but all provide access to the broker’s Mobius Trader 7 platform, which has benefited from performance upgrades over the years.
Brokers With JPY Accounts Comparison
| Broker | Minimum Deposit | Instruments | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interactive Brokers | $0 | Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies | Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, TradingView, eSignal, TradingCentral, ProRealTime, Quantower |
| FOREX.com | $100 | Forex, Stocks, Futures, Futures Options | MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral |
| OANDA US | $0 | Forex, Crypto with Paxos (Cryptocurrencies are offered through Paxos. Paxos is a separate legal entity from OANDA) | OANDA Trade, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist |
| Dukascopy | $100 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto, Bonds, Binary Options | JForex, MT4, MT5 |
| xChief | $10 | CFDs, Forex, Metals, Commodities, Stocks, Indices | MT4, MT5 |
| AZAforex | $1 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto, Binary Options | Mobius Trader 7 |
Interactive Brokers
"Interactive Brokers is one of the best brokers for advanced day traders, providing powerful charting platforms, real-time data, and customizable layouts, notably through the new IBKR Desktop application. Its superb pricing and advanced order options also make it highly attractive for day traders, while its diverse range of equities is still among the best in the industry."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
Interactive Brokers Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies |
| Regulator | FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA, AFM |
| Platforms | Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, TradingView, eSignal, TradingCentral, ProRealTime, Quantower |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 |
| Minimum Trade | $100 |
| Leverage | 1:50 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF |
Pros
- With low commissions, tight spreads and a transparent fee structure, IBKR delivers a cost-effective environment for short-term traders.
- The new IBKR Desktop platform takes the best of TWS while adding bespoke tools like Option Lattice and Screeners with MultiSort to create a genuinely impressive trading experience for day traders at every level.
- The TWS platform has clearly been built for intermediate and advanced traders and comes with over 100 order types and a reliable real-time market data feed that rarely goes offline.
Cons
- You can only have one active session per account, so you can’t have your desktop program and mobile app running simultaneously, making for a sometimes frustrating trading experience.
- IBKR provides a wide range of research tools, but their distribution across trading platforms and the web-based 'Account Management' page lacks consistency, leading to a confusing user experience.
- Support can be slow and frustrating based on tests, so you might find it challenging to reach customer service representatives promptly or encounter delays in resolving issues.
FOREX.com
"FOREX.com remains a best-in-class brokerage for active forex traders of all experience levels, with over 80 currency pairs, tight spreads from 0.0 pips and low commissions. The powerful charting platforms collectively offer over 100 technical indicators, as well as extensive research tools."
FOREX.com Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | Active Trader Program With A 15% Reduction In Costs |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | Forex, Stocks, Futures, Futures Options |
| Regulator | NFA, CFTC |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:50 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN |
Pros
- FOREX.com offers industry-leading forex pricing starting from 0.0 pips, alongside competitive cashback rebates of up to 15% for serious day traders.
- Alongside a choice of leading platforms, FOREX.com offers a superb suite of supplementary tools including Trading Central research, SMART Signals pattern scanner, trading signals, and strategy builders.
- There’s a wealth of educational resources including tutorials, webinars, and a stacked YouTube channel to help you get educated in the financial markets.
Cons
- Demo accounts are frustratingly time-limited to 90 days, which doesn’t give you enough time to test day trading strategies effectively.
- FOREX.com's MT4 platform offers approximately 600 instruments, significantly fewer than the over 5,500 available on its non-MetaTrader platforms.
- Funding options are limited compared to leading alternatives like IC Markets and don’t include many popular e-wallets, notably UnionPay and POLi.
OANDA US
"OANDA remains an excellent broker for US day traders seeking a user-friendly platform with premium analysis tools and a straightforward joining process. OANDA is also heavily regulated with a very high trust score."
OANDA US Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | Forex, Crypto with Paxos (Cryptocurrencies are offered through Paxos. Paxos is a separate legal entity from OANDA) |
| Regulator | NFA, CFTC |
| Platforms | OANDA Trade, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:50 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- There's a strong selection of 68 currency pairs for dedicated short-term forex traders
- The broker offers a transparent pricing structure with no hidden charges
- Day traders can enjoy fast and reliable order execution
Cons
- It's a shame that customer support is not available on weekends
- There's only a small range of payment methods available, with no e-wallets supported
- The range of day trading markets is limited to forex and cryptos only
Dukascopy
"If you’re an experienced trader, Dukascopy provides the tools you need: JForex for algorithmic strategies, competitive spreads from 0.1 pips, leverage up to 1:200, and the peace of mind of using a Swiss-regulated bank and broker."
Dukascopy Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | 10% Equity Bonus |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto, Bonds, Binary Options |
| Regulator | FINMA, JFSA, FCMC |
| Platforms | JForex, MT4, MT5 |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:200 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, ZAR, TRY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD, PLN, CZK, AED, SAR, HUF, MXN |
Pros
- The proprietary JForex platform is highly advanced, offering tools for algorithmic trading, extensive charting, and access to deep liquidity for short-term traders.
- Dukascopy is regulated by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) as both a broker and a bank, ensuring top-tier financial security and adherence to strict standards.
- Dukascopy offers tight spreads starting from 0.1 pips, leverage up to 1:200 (depending on the jurisdiction), and volume-based commissions that reward high-frequency traders.
Cons
- While JForex is feature-rich, it has a steep learning curve, making it less suitable for beginner traders who might prefer simpler platforms.
- While Dukascopy provides some educational resources and 24/7 support, the complexity of its platforms and tools required extensive testing and may overwhelm newer traders.
- Dukascopy's withdrawal fees are higher than most competitors we’ve tested, particularly for bank wire transfers, which may deter traders who require frequent access to their funds.
xChief
"xChief continues to prove popular with investors looking to trade highly leveraged CFDs on the popular MetaTrader platforms. The broker's rebate scheme and investment accounts will particularly appeal to seasoned traders. However, the lack of top-tier regulatory oversight is a major drawback."
xChief Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | $100 No Deposit Bonus |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Metals, Commodities, Stocks, Indices |
| Regulator | ASIC |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5 |
| Minimum Deposit | $10 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:1000 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, CHF |
Pros
- Traders can access a copy trading solution via the MetaQuotes Signals service
- The low minimum deposit of $10 will appeal to beginners, as well as the beginners’ guides in the Library
- The broker offers a turnover rebate scheme geared towards active investors, as well as trading credits and several other occasional bonuses
Cons
- xChief is an offshore broker with weak regulatory oversight from the VFSC, so traders will receive limited safeguards
- The broker trails competitors when it comes to research tools and educational resources
- The total range of 150+ assets is much lower than most competitors who typically offer hundreds
AZAforex
"AZAforex is best suited to active traders looking to make all-or-nothing bets on global markets through binary options and those looking for high leverage up to 1:1000 in return for weak regulatory safeguards."
AZAforex Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | 25% Crypto Deposit Bonus, 120% Loyalty Bonus, 30% Spread Rebate |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto, Binary Options |
| Regulator | GLOFSA |
| Platforms | Mobius Trader 7 |
| Minimum Deposit | $1 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.0001 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:1000 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, MYR, IDR, CHF, RUB, THB, VND, UAH, CNY |
Pros
- AZAforex provides high leverage of up to 1:1000, allowing for potentially greater returns with smaller capital. While this comes with increased risk, it's an attractive feature if you are an experienced trader looking for aggressive growth strategies.
- Few brokers offer binary options as part of their portfolio. Still, AZAforex includes them, allowing you to speculate on short-term price movements with fixed risk and reward up to 90%.
- AZAforex supports a huge and growing variety of payment methods, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, e-wallets, and cryptocurrencies, providing flexibility for funding and withdrawals. This variety accommodates traders from different regions and preferences.
Cons
- AZAforex still operates without regulation from a recognized financial authority, which raises concerns about transparency, fund safety, and accountability. You may have no recourse in disputes, making it riskier than regulated brokers.
- While functional during testing, the Mobius Trader 7 platform is proprietary and not widely used by other brokers. This creates risks of potential price manipulation or discrepancies in market data, as there's no external verification like with MetaTrader or cTrader.
- AZAforex offers basic trading guides and a blog but lacks robust educational tools such as video tutorials, webinars, or interactive learning resources. This makes it less appealing for beginners who need comprehensive learning support. A lot of the content is outdated, too.
What Is A JPY Account?
A JPY account is an online trading account that uses the Japanese Yen as its base currency. This type of account holds many benefits for Japanese traders or traders from the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. The Yen is widely used as a reserve currency after USD, EUR and GBP, making it a stable currency and an attractive base currency for many traders.
Brokers with a JPY account allow users to trade on popular forex pairs such as the JPY/USD and JPY/EUR as well as cryptos and other assets without currency conversion fees.
Pros Of Brokers With JPY Accounts
Holding a JPY account provides several advantages:
- Easy access – Japanese traders will want to find an account that offers straightforward access to international markets and finding a broker with a JPY account make that trading process simpler.
- No conversion fees – Traders in Japan or holding JPY who are looking to access international markets may be frustrated by the currency conversion fees some platforms charge. Fortunately, most brokers that offer JPY accounts allow users to trade in Yen with zero conversion fees.
- Regulation – It is important for traders based in Japan to find a broker which is fully regulated by the Financial Services Agency (金融庁, Kin’yū-chō, FSA), which is responsible for overseeing banking, securities and exchanges, plus insurance sectors in Japan. All brokers with JPY accounts in Japan must be regulated by the FSA. Foreign cryptocurrency exchanges are also allowed to operate if they can prove an equivalent registration standard in their host country. This provides security and peace of mind to those trading in Japan or with the Yen.
- Deposits and withdrawals – An important part of finding the right broker in any country is the ease with which a user can make deposits or withdrawals. Brokers offering JPY accounts make it quick and easy to make deposits and withdrawals in Yen.
How To Check A Broker Offers A JPY Account
Not all brokerages allow users to open a trading account denominated in Japanese Yen. Check the accounts section on their website to see if they offer a JPY account. If this is not clear, get in touch with their customer service department. Most reputable brokers offer a 24/7 live chat or phone line which can point you in the right direction.
How To Compare Brokers With JPY Accounts
If you are interested in opening a JPY account but are unsure which broker to go for, we have compiled a list of things to look out for:
- Market access – Before opening an account, it’s helpful to know which markets you want to trade on. JPY is an extremely popular trading currency; however, different platforms will have different FX pairs that they believe will be most popular with their customers. Have a look at what markets you are interested in and check out the broker’s website to see if your desired product is available.
- Fees – Charges vary significantly between online brokers with JPY accounts. Depending on how often you trade and which assets you invest in, different price structures may suit your needs. Fees usually take the form of spreads and/or commissions. Different brokers may also have overnight holding fees and inactivity charges.
- Regulation – Trading can be risky, so finding a broker that is fully regulated and insured is important to help protect your capital. The Financial Services Agency (金融庁, Kin’yū-chō, FSA) is the body responsible for overseeing trading in Japan and the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. Be sure to find a broker with JPY accounts that are regulated by the FSA to help provide a secure trading experience.
- Rewards and bonuses – Many brokers with JPY accounts offer rewards for customers such as interest on deposits, loyalty schemes and referral programmes. Be wary of any scheme that seems too good to be true, as there could be hidden requirements.
- Mobile app – Trading can quickly become a full-time venture, especially if you’re interested in the crypto market, which is open 24/7. As a result, a high-quality, user-friendly mobile app can prove important. This will allow you to carry out trades with ease no matter where you are or what the time is.
- Demo account – Most platforms provide a demo account, loaded with virtual funds, which allow you to test out the features of an app before you invest any Yen. This is also a great way to refine your skills and reduce risk when it comes to real trades.
Taxes
If you are trading in Japan using brokers with JPY accounts, you may need to pay capital gains tax. A non-resident or non-permanent resident must only pay capital gains tax on income received in Japan, while a resident must pay capital gains tax on all income received, either in Japan or abroad. If you earn ¥200,000 or more from trading, these profits are considered miscellaneous income and are taxable. The basic rate of capital gains tax in Japan is 20%.
Consult a local tax advisor for clarity before you start trading.
Final Word On Brokers With JPY Accounts
With a high GDP, a solid industrial base, and some of the best-known companies in the world, Japan is an attractive location for investors. Furthermore, Japan currently has the most progressive regulatory system in the world for cryptocurrencies and is one of the only countries that recognises Bitcoin and other digital currencies as legal property under the Payment Services Act (PSA).
There are many Japanese and international brokers that accept JPY as the base currency. Make sure to carry out research and choose a broker which is best suited to your needs.
FAQ
Which Brokers Have A JPY Account?
Many brokers have a strong international presence, with several offices around the globe. Some reputable brokers who work in Japan include IG, Plus 500, Interactive Brokers, Saxo and Pepperstone.
Is Crypto Legal In Japan?
Yes, Japan has one of the world’s most progressive regulatory systems for cryptocurrency. Bitcoin and other digital currencies are recognised as legal property under the Payment Services Act (PSA).
How Do I Choose A Broker With A JPY Account?
When deciding between JPY brokers there are several factors to consider. These include market access, fees, regulation, rewards, platforms and mobile apps. Check out our list for our top picks.
Is Trading In Japan A Good Idea?
Japan has the world’s third-largest GDP, trailing the USA and China. It also has one of the biggest Bitcoin markets in the world. This coupled with a highly educated population, a strong industrial base, plus some of the biggest brands in the world means that Japan is an attractive location for traders from across the globe.
Do I Pay Taxes Trading In Japan?
If you earn ¥200,000 or more from trading, these profits are considered miscellaneous income and are therefore taxable. The basic rate of capital gains tax in Japan is 20%. In December 2017, the National Tax Agency ruled that gains on cryptocurrencies should also be considered miscellaneous income and taxed accordingly.