If there’s one constant in the banking world, it’s change. While traditional banks can be slow to embrace real change, re-branding along with mergers and acquisitions are a constant fact of life.
A few years ago Jibun Bank became au Jibun bank, JapanNet Bank became PayPay bank. Now Neobank SBI Sumishin Bank has become part of NTT Docomo Group, and the official name has become “dNEOBANK Sumishin SBI Net Bank” as of October 1st. They are advertising in many places as simply “dNEOBANK”. The icon used in the smartphone app, as well as the logo used on the web site and other places has also changed.
So what is changing?
- They state that dBarai (Docomo payments), dPoint (Docomo points), as well as other services from Docomo will be integrated with bank accounts and other services provided by Sumishin SBI bank.
- The rebranding has already been reflected in the consumer version of the smartphone app, with the corporate version to follow in the near future.
- It can be expected that the bank name as used on furikomi transfers may change, at which point, you may need to update information stored in other banks – however it has been stated that the official company name won’t change (“SBI Sumishin Net Bank, Ltd.”, in English), so this may not be the case. They have stated that they are trying to avoid changes that would have system level changes, so the zengin registration name (used in furikomi data) may not change.
- The stock has been delisted since the company is now owned by NTT Docomo and no longer part of SBI holdings.
What isn’t changing for now?
- The basic banking services offered.
- Existing Cash Cards/Debit cards will continue to work.
- The branch name, branch code, account numbers, or bank code.
- Login password, PINs, Debit card numbers, etc.
- The link between SBI Securities, etc. (SBI Hybrid) will remain available.
- This branding change won’t affect accounts held with Sumishin SBI that are part of their banking-as-a-service platform (For example Takashimaya bank, etc) – only direct (Neobank) accounts.
- The URL (https://www.netbk.co.jp/) won’t change.
- It isn’t necessary to link your Sumishin SBI account to a dAccount (Docomo Account).
- Smartphone ATM withdrawals still work the same.
Other Interesting points:
They are running several campaigns now to celebrate the ownership change and rebranding:
- Any new account ioened between October 1st and December 31st will receive 15,000 JPY in docomo points, subject to certain conditions, of course.
- A 1000 JPY point present for taking out any home loan. If you also sign up for other docomo services, the points increase up to 300,000 points.
- If you open a business account, you can receive free furokomi transfers up to 100 times (Naturally, condition apply).
Other Recent Changes
The cashback percentage has changed for their debit cards around July, 2025:
- Debit Card (Mastercard) (0.8%)
- Debit Card Point+ (Mastercard) (1.25→2.0%) [Virtual card only for now, at least until the end of 2025]
- Platinum Debit Card (1.25→2.5%)
Personal Experience
I noticed the icon for the smartphone app change after I updated the app on my phone this month. The auto-login worked as expected, and everything other than the icons and logos look and function the same.
Likewise, the same URL, login, and password works to log into the web site. Everything works the same.
Summary and Conclusion
Regardless of the ownership change and rebranding, Sumishin SBI remains one of the best banks in Japan for consumers.
- Unlimited free ATM deposits and withdrawals at Seven Bank & Lawson Bank, if you use the smart phone app for your transaction.
- A large number of free ATM transactions with physical cards at Seven Bank, Lawson, e-Net, Yuchi Bank, and Ion bank ATMs.
- Sub-account feature which let you create accounts for things like vacation savings, emergency fund, etc.
- A large number of free transfers to other accounts, and then a very low fee afterwards.
- Easy link to SBI Securities
- Some of the best cash back rates for debit cards.
- Some of the lowest rates on loans.
None of this has changed, so this is still one of the best banks out there. The addition of d Points will be a boon for people already using other docomo services or involved in the docomo point ecosystem – for everyone else, it will be business as usual.
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