Choosing the right broker is one of the most important decisions when opening a NISA account in Japan as a foreign resident. Here is our comparison of the top options available in 2026.
Quick Comparison
| Broker | English Support | Trading Fees | US Citizens | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rakuten Securities | Partial | Free (funds) | ❌ No | Beginners, Rakuten users |
| SBI Securities | Partial | Free (funds) | ❌ No | Wide product range |
| Interactive Brokers Japan | Full English | Low | ✅ Yes | US citizens, active traders |
| Monex Securities | Limited | Free (funds) | ❌ No | US stock investors |
Rakuten Securities — Best for Most Foreign Residents
Rakuten Securities is consistently recommended as the top choice for foreign residents in Japan due to its simple online account opening process and integration with the Rakuten ecosystem.- Pros: Easy online setup, Rakuten Bank integration, partial English materials, earn Rakuten points
- Cons: Interface primarily in Japanese, does not accept US citizens
- NISA funds available: Over 2,500 funds including eMAXIS Slim series
👉 Open a Rakuten Securities Account
SBI Securities — Best for Active Investors
SBI Securities is Japan’s largest online broker by number of accounts and offers one of the widest product selections for NISA investors.- Pros: Largest product range, SBI Bank integration, low fees on US stocks
- Cons: Interface can feel complex for beginners, does not accept US citizens
- NISA funds available: Over 2,400 funds
👉 Open an SBI Securities Account
Interactive Brokers Japan — Best for US Citizens and English Speakers
Interactive Brokers Japan is the go-to option for US citizens and those who need full English support throughout their investing journey.- Pros: Full English interface and support, accepts US citizens, global market access
- Cons: More complex platform, activity fees may apply for smaller accounts
Our Recommendation
For most non-US foreign residents in Japan, Rakuten Securities is the easiest starting point. If you are a US citizen or prefer a fully English experience, go with Interactive Brokers Japan.Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you open an account through our links, at no extra cost to you.