F I N A N C E
How to Pay Bills in Japan — Convenience Store, Auto-Debit & Credit Card
Pay utility bills at 7-Eleven in 30 seconds, set up auto-debit for ¥55/month discount, or earn credit card points. Step-by-step for electricity, gas, water, phone, and NHK. 2026 guide.
Quick Answer
- Tourists don’t pay utility bills. Your hotel or Airbnb handles electricity, gas, and water.
- If you’re staying in a short-term rental and find a payment slip (払込票) in your mailbox, check with your host before paying.
- For general payment methods in Japan, see our payment methods guide.
- Fastest method: Take your barcode payment slip (払込票) to any 7-Eleven, Lawson, or FamilyMart. Hand it to the cashier, pay cash. Done in 30 seconds.
- Best “set and forget”: Set up direct debit (口座振替) — auto-deducts from your bank account monthly. Some providers give a ¥55–¥110/month discount.
- Best for points: Pay by credit card — earn 0.5–1% back. Set up via each provider’s website. TEPCO, Tokyo Gas, and NTT Docomo all support it.
- Newer option: Scan the barcode on your payment slip with PayPay or LINE Pay — pay from your phone without leaving home.
- Never miss a payment. Late fees are ¥300–¥1,000+, and repeated delinquency can affect apartment applications and credit checks.
✅ What you’ll be able to do after reading this:
- Pay any bill at a convenience store (30 seconds)
- Set up automatic bank debit for all utilities
- Choose the payment method that saves you the most money
- Know what happens if you pay late — and how to fix it
⏱️ Time needed: 30 sec (konbini) / 10–15 min (setting up auto-debit or credit card online)
💰 Cost: Free to pay / ¥55–¥110 discount for auto-debit / 0.5–1% cashback via credit card
⚠️ Watch out for:
- Konbini payment slips expire — check the deadline printed on the slip
- Water bill payment options vary by ward (not all wards accept credit cards)
- NHK fees are mandatory even if you don’t watch TV
How Bills Arrive in Japan
When you move in and set up utilities, bills arrive one of two ways:
Paper payment slips (払込票 / haraikomihyō) — Delivered to your mailbox. Each slip has a barcode, the amount due, and a payment deadline. This is the default for most new accounts.
Digital notices — After you set up auto-debit or credit card payment, you’ll get notifications via email or the provider’s app instead of paper slips.
Common bills you’ll receive:
| Bill | Provider Examples | Frequency | Typical Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity | TEPCO, Kansai Electric, ENEOS Denki | Monthly | ¥3,000–¥15,000 |
| Gas | Tokyo Gas, Osaka Gas, Nicigas | Monthly | ¥2,000–¥8,000 |
| Water/Sewage | Tokyo Waterworks (区によって異なる) | Every 2 months | ¥2,000–¥6,000 |
| Mobile phone | NTT Docomo, au (KDDI), SoftBank, Rakuten Mobile | Monthly | ¥1,000–¥10,000 |
| Internet | NTT Flets, NURO, au Hikari, SoftBank Hikari | Monthly | ¥4,000–¥6,000 |
| NHK (TV license) | NHK | Monthly/Annual | ¥1,100/month (terrestrial) |
Method 1: Pay at a Convenience Store (コンビニ払い)
This is the simplest method. No bank account needed. Works for almost every bill.
Step-by-Step
- Take your payment slip (払込票) to any 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart, or Ministop
- Hand the slip to the cashier
- Cashier: 「お支払いですね」 (O-shiharai desu ne / “You’re making a payment?”)
- You: 「はい」 (Hai / “Yes”)
- Pay with cash — hand over the amount shown on the slip
- Cashier stamps the slip with a receipt mark (領収印) — this is your proof of payment
- Keep the stamped portion. If there’s a dispute later, this is your evidence.
Time: 30 seconds at the register.
What You Can and Can’t Pay With at Konbini
| Payment Method | 7-Eleven | Lawson | FamilyMart |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| PayPay (scan barcode) | ✅ Some slips | ✅ Some slips | ✅ Some slips |
| LINE Pay | ❌ | ✅ Some slips | ✅ Some slips |
| Credit card | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Suica/IC card | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Important: You cannot pay bills with a credit card or Suica at the convenience store register. Bill payments are cash-primary. Some newer slips have QR codes that support PayPay or LINE Pay — scan the code in your app to pay without cash.
Pitfall: Expired Slips
Every payment slip has a deadline (支払期限) printed on it. After this date:
- The konbini may refuse to accept the slip
- You’ll need to pay at the provider’s office or bank instead
- Late fees start accruing
Rule: Pay within 1 week of receiving the slip. Set a phone reminder.
Method 2: Direct Debit (口座振替)
Set it once, never think about it again. The payment auto-deducts from your bank account every month.
How to Set It Up
Option A: At the bank
- Get a 口座振替依頼書 (kōza furikae iraishō / direct debit application form) from your utility provider or bank
- Fill in: your bank name, branch, account number, account holder name
- Stamp with your registered seal (届出印 / todokede-in) — the one you used to open the bank account
- Submit to the bank or provider
Option B: Online
- Log in to the provider’s website (TEPCO, Tokyo Gas, etc.)
- Navigate to payment settings (お支払い方法の変更)
- Select 口座振替 and enter your bank details
- Confirm via your bank’s online authentication
Who should use this: Anyone who wants zero effort each month. Especially good if you tend to forget deadlines.
The Discount
Many providers offer a small discount for direct debit:
| Provider | Discount |
|---|---|
| TEPCO (electricity) | ¥55/month |
| Tokyo Gas | ¥55/month |
| Tokyo Waterworks | ¥55/bill (every 2 months) |
¥55/month × 12 = ¥660/year for electricity alone. Not life-changing, but free money for doing nothing.
Pitfall: Insufficient Balance
If your bank account doesn’t have enough funds on the debit date, the payment fails. You’ll receive a paper payment slip for that month, and you’ll need to pay it at the konbini. Two consecutive failures may revert you to paper billing permanently.
Rule: Keep at least ¥30,000 buffer in your utility payment account.
Method 3: Credit Card Payment
Earn points on money you’re spending anyway. Most major utility providers accept credit cards.
How to Set It Up
- Go to the provider’s website or call customer service
- Register your credit card (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, AMEX)
- Done — payments auto-charge monthly
Supported providers (as of 2026):
| Provider | Credit Card OK? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| TEPCO | ✅ | Online registration at tepco.co.jp |
| Tokyo Gas | ✅ | Online or by mail |
| Tokyo Waterworks | ⚠️ Varies by ward | Some wards don’t support it; check your ward |
| NTT Docomo | ✅ | My docomo app |
| SoftBank | ✅ | My SoftBank app |
| NHK | ✅ | Online at nhk.or.jp |
| Rakuten Mobile | ✅ | Auto-charges |
Credit Card vs. Direct Debit: Which Saves More?
| Scenario | Direct Debit Savings | Credit Card Savings |
|---|---|---|
| TEPCO ¥8,000/month | ¥55 discount = ¥660/year | 1% cashback = ¥960/year |
| Tokyo Gas ¥5,000/month | ¥55 discount = ¥660/year | 1% cashback = ¥600/year |
| Combined | ¥1,320/year | ¥1,560/year |
Verdict: If your credit card gives 1% or more cashback, credit card wins. If your card gives 0.5%, direct debit wins for electricity. Either way, both are better than paying at the konbini.
Method 4: QR Code Payment (PayPay / LINE Pay)
A newer option that’s gaining ground. Some payment slips now include a barcode you can scan with PayPay or LINE Pay.
How It Works
- Open PayPay (or LINE Pay) on your phone
- Tap 「請求書払い」 (Seikyūsho barai / “Bill payment”)
- Scan the barcode on your payment slip
- Confirm the amount
- Pay — done from your couch
Advantages: No need to go to the konbini. Pay from anywhere, 24/7. PayPay occasionally runs cashback campaigns on bill payments.
Limitations: Not all payment slips support this. Look for a “PayPay対応” or QR code mark on the slip. You need a Japanese phone number and bank account to use PayPay (tourists can’t use this).
Method 5: Pay-easy (ペイジー)
Pay-easy is an electronic payment system supported by banks. You can pay bills through:
- Online banking (インターネットバンキング)
- ATMs at major banks (Mizuho, MUFG, SMBC, Japan Post Bank)
Look for the Pay-easy logo and a payment number on your bill. Enter the number at your bank’s ATM or online portal and pay directly from your account.
Who should use this: People who already do online banking in Japan and want to pay without visiting a konbini.
The NHK Fee: Yes, It’s Mandatory
NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation) collects a monthly fee from all households with a TV or device capable of receiving TV broadcasts. This includes smartphones (since they can receive NHK signals in theory).
Rates (2026):
- Terrestrial only: ¥1,100/month
- Terrestrial + BS satellite: ¥1,950/month
- Annual lump sum: ~10% discount
How to pay: Direct debit, credit card, or konbini (they’ll send you slips). Set up at nhk.or.jp or when the NHK collector visits your apartment.
Can you refuse? Legally, you’re obligated to pay if you have a TV. In practice, many foreign residents are confused by this. The NHK collector (受信料訪問員) may visit your door — they’re persistent but cannot force entry. If you have a TV, pay the fee to avoid escalation.
What Happens When You Pay Late
| Late By | Consequence |
|---|---|
| 1–2 weeks | Late fee added (¥300–¥1,000 depending on provider) |
| 1 month | Warning notice (督促状) sent |
| 2–3 months | Service may be suspended (electricity, gas can be cut) |
| 3+ months | Account sent to collections; may affect credit score and future apartment applications |
Electricity cutoff: TEPCO gives about 50 days from the billing date before cutting power. You’ll receive multiple warnings first.
Gas cutoff: Tokyo Gas gives about 50 days as well. Restoration requires paying the overdue amount + a restart fee (~¥5,000).
Water cutoff: Rarely happens quickly (public utility), but persistent non-payment leads to restriction.
The real risk: Repeated late payments show up when you apply for a new apartment. Landlords and guarantor companies check payment history. Being known as a late payer can cost you your next apartment.
If Something Goes Wrong
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience store refuses to accept my payment slip | Slip expired (past 支払期限) | Pay at the provider's office, bank window, or set up auto-debit to avoid this next time. |
| Auto-debit payment failed this month | Insufficient bank balance on debit date | You'll get a paper slip — pay at konbini ASAP. Top up your account to prevent next failure. |
| Bill amount seems too high | Seasonal spike (summer AC / winter heating) or estimated meter reading | Compare with previous bills online. If meter was estimated (推定), actual reading next month may adjust. |
| Can't read the bill (all Japanese) | — | Focus on: amount (金額/ご請求金額), deadline (支払期限), and barcode. Use Google Lens to translate. |
| Electricity/gas was cut off | Unpaid for 2+ months | Call the provider immediately, pay overdue balance, request restoration. Budget for restart fee. |
Comparison: Which Payment Method Is Best?
| Method | Setup Effort | Monthly Effort | Savings | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Konbini (cash) | None | Walk to store each month | None | New arrivals without bank setup |
| Direct debit | 15 min | Zero | ¥55–¥110/month discount | ”Set and forget” people |
| Credit card | 10 min | Zero | 0.5–1% cashback | Point collectors |
| PayPay/LINE Pay | 5 min | Scan barcode | Occasional campaigns | Tech-savvy residents |
| Pay-easy | 10 min | Enter payment code | None | Online banking users |
Our recommendation:
- Just arrived? Pay at konbini while you set up your bank account.
- Settled in? Switch to credit card (if 1%+ cashback) or direct debit (if not). Automate everything.
- Optimizer? Use credit card for electricity and gas, direct debit for water (if credit card isn’t supported in your ward).
FAQ
Q: Can I pay bills at a convenience store with a credit card?
A: No. Bill payments (払込票) at convenience stores are cash-only at the register. Some slips support PayPay or LINE Pay via barcode scanning, but not credit cards directly.
Q: I just moved in and haven’t received any bills yet. Is that normal?
A: Yes. It takes 1–2 billing cycles for the first bill to arrive. Electricity bills come monthly; water bills come every 2 months. If nothing arrives after 2 months, call your provider.
Q: Can I pay someone else’s bill at the convenience store?
A: Yes. The konbini cashier doesn’t check your identity — anyone can pay any payment slip. Useful if your partner or roommate handles bills.
Q: What’s the easiest way to set up all bills at once?
A: Unfortunately, there’s no single portal. You need to set up each provider separately. When you move in, tackle them in this order: electricity → gas → water → internet → phone → NHK. Takes about an hour total to set up auto-payment for everything.
Q: I don’t have a Japanese bank account yet. How do I pay?
A: Convenience store cash payment is your only option until you open a bank account. See our bank account guide to get set up.
Related Guides
- How Payments Work in Japan — cash, credit cards, PayPay overview
- How to Open a Bank Account — needed for direct debit
- How to Set Up Utilities — getting electricity, gas, water turned on
- How to File Taxes — some utility costs are tax-deductible for business
Summary
- Start with konbini, then automate. Pay at 7-Eleven or Lawson while you’re getting settled. Then switch to auto-debit or credit card.
- Credit card beats direct debit if your card gives 1%+ cashback. Direct debit wins for simplicity and guaranteed ¥55 discounts.
- Never pay late. Late fees are small, but repeated delinquency can tank your next apartment application. Set calendar reminders or automate.
Next step: Pick up that payment slip sitting on your desk. Walk to the nearest 7-Eleven. Pay it. Then set up auto-debit so you never have to do this again.
References and Official Sources
-
Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO / 東京電力)
“Payment Methods” (お支払い方法)
https://www.tepco.co.jp/ep/payment/
Accessed February 2026. Official TEPCO payment options including direct debit (口座振替), credit card, convenience store payment slips, and online payment services. Confirms ¥55 monthly discount for direct debit enrollment. -
Tokyo Gas (東京ガス)
“Payment Options”
https://home.tokyo-gas.co.jp/payment/
Accessed February 2026. Payment methods for gas bills including bank account auto-debit, credit card, convenience store slips, and smartphone payment apps (PayPay, LINE Pay). Confirms discount structures for direct debit. -
Tokyo Waterworks Bureau (東京都水道局)
“How to Pay Your Water Bill”
https://www.waterworks.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/tetsuduki/ryokin/
Accessed February 2026. Water bill payment options for Tokyo’s 23 wards. Payment methods and credit card acceptance vary by ward as water service is municipally managed. -
NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation)
“NHK Receiving Fee System”
https://www.nhk-cs.jp/
Contact: 0120-151515
Accessed February 2026. Official NHK information on broadcast receiving fees (受信料), payment requirements, exemptions, and payment methods. Confirms mandatory fee structure for households with TV-capable devices. -
PayPay Corporation
”PayPay Bill Payment Service” (請求書払い)
https://paypay.ne.jp/
Accessed February 2026. Official PayPay documentation on barcode bill payment functionality, allowing users to scan payment slip barcodes and pay directly from their PayPay balance or linked payment methods. -
LINE Pay Corporation
”LINE Pay - Bill Payment”
https://pay.line.me/
Accessed February 2026. LINE Pay barcode payment service for utility bills and other payment slips with compatible barcodes. Integrated within the LINE messaging app.
Note on Convenience Store Payment Restrictions: Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart) accept only cash for payment slip transactions (払込票) at the register. This is standard across all major convenience store chains in Japan. Credit cards cannot be used for barcode bill payments at the register, though smartphone apps like PayPay and LINE Pay offer alternative digital payment methods for compatible bills.
Note on Direct Debit Discounts: The ¥55 monthly discount (¥660 annually) for direct debit enrollment is standard for TEPCO as of 2026. Tokyo Gas offers similar discounts. Water bureau discounts vary by ward. Credit card payments typically do not receive discounts but allow earning standard credit card rewards (0.5-1% cashback depending on card).
Note on Late Payment Fees: Late payment penalties vary by provider but typically range from ¥300-¥1,000. Electricity and gas companies usually allow a grace period of 20-30 days before disconnection. Repeated late payments can negatively affect future apartment applications, visa renewals (for foreign residents), and creditworthiness in Japan’s credit information systems.
Note on NHK Fee Requirement: The Broadcast Act (放送法) Article 64 requires any household with equipment capable of receiving NHK broadcasts (televisions, TV-equipped computers, TV tuner-equipped mobile devices) to contract with NHK and pay receiving fees. The monthly fee is ¥1,100 for terrestrial broadcasting only, or ¥1,950 for terrestrial + satellite (as of 2026). Enforcement and collection practices vary. Legal exemptions exist for students, welfare recipients, and specific disability cases.
Note on Payment Slip Expiration: Payment slips (払込票) typically have a payment deadline printed on them (支払期限), usually 30-60 days from the issue date. After expiration, the slip cannot be used at convenience stores. Contact the provider for a replacement slip or alternative payment arrangements.
Note on Water Bill Ward Variations: Water service in Tokyo’s 23 wards is managed by the Tokyo Waterworks Bureau but billing occurs at the ward level. Some wards accept credit card payments, while others are limited to direct debit or cash/convenience store payments. Check your specific ward’s waterworks office for accepted payment methods.