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Head-to-head · Neobank Apps

KakaoBank vs Rakuten Bank

  • Updated Nov 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score KakaoBank #6 in Neobank Apps 8.6/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 3 features Visit KakaoBank
Rakuten Bank #7 in Neobank Apps 8.5/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 3 features Visit Rakuten Bank

KakaoBank leads on 0 checks, Rakuten Bank on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreKakaoBank · 8.6/10
  • Free planboth

KakaoBank scores higher on our rubric for neobank apps: 8.6 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #6 and #7.

On account scope, Rakuten Bank gives you Both where KakaoBank offers Personal.

KakaoBank is the better fit for kakaoTalk users seeking transfers and savings options. Rakuten Bank is the better fit for japan-based users seeking yen and foreign-currency banking.

  • KakaoBank fits best

    KakaoTalk users seeking transfers and savings options

  • Rakuten Bank fits best

    Japan-based users seeking yen and foreign-currency banking

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature KakaoBank 8.6/10 Visit ↗ Rakuten Bank 8.5/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.6 8.5
Ranking #6 in Neobank Apps #7 in Neobank Apps
Best for KakaoTalk users seeking transfers and savings options Japan-based users seeking yen and foreign-currency banking
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Mobile Cloud, Mobile
Platforms iOS, Android Web, iOS, Android
Support Phone Live chat
Integrations 2 integrations 2 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business
Features KakaoBank 2/3 · Rakuten Bank 2/3
Early pay access Not checked yet Not checked yet
Cash deposit support ✓ ✓
International transfers ✓ ✓
Specs
Account scope Personal Both
Savings yield 1.80% annual pretax for Safe Box (rate shown on checking-account page) 0.50% annual before tax for ordinary deposits (as of 2026-11-02); higher rates may require eligibility or linked services
Supported currencies Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Send money to KakaoTalk friends without entering an account number
  • Choose scheduled or multiple transfers and manage group accounts
  • Remit through bank transfers to 22 countries or Western Union to about 200
  • Personal yen accounts support domestic and scheduled transfers.
  • Offers foreign-currency deposits and international remittances for eligible holders.
  • Integrates with Rakuten Securities and Rakuten Card.
Cons
  • Available through mobile apps only
  • Support is limited to phone and is not available 24/7
  • Fees and eligibility vary by transaction and product
  • Transaction fees may apply even though standard account maintenance is free.
  • International remittances are limited to eligible personal-account holders.
  • Account eligibility and service availability may depend on residency and other conditions.
Our verdict

KakaoBank is a Korea-based digital bank for personal banking through iOS and Android apps. It combines checking with savings products, time deposits, installment savings, debit cards, loans, and international remittances. It is…

Read the review →

Rakuten Bank is a Japanese online bank for individuals who want everyday yen banking alongside access to foreign-currency deposits and international remittances. Its web, iOS, and Android options cover account activity, including balance…

Read the review →
  1. KakaoBankNeobank Apps 8.6Free plan
  2. Rakuten BankNeobank Apps 8.5Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • KakaoBank — where it wins

    • Send money to KakaoTalk friends without entering an account number
    • Choose scheduled or multiple transfers and manage group accounts
    • Remit through bank transfers to 22 countries or Western Union to about 200

    Where it doesn't

    • Available through mobile apps only
    • Support is limited to phone and is not available 24/7
    • Fees and eligibility vary by transaction and product

  • Rakuten Bank — where it wins

    • Personal yen accounts support domestic and scheduled transfers.
    • Offers foreign-currency deposits and international remittances for eligible holders.
    • Integrates with Rakuten Securities and Rakuten Card.

    Where it doesn't

    • Transaction fees may apply even though standard account maintenance is free.
    • International remittances are limited to eligible personal-account holders.
    • Account eligibility and service availability may depend on residency and other conditions.

KakaoBank vs Rakuten Bank: questions

Which is better for neobank apps, KakaoBank or Rakuten Bank?

KakaoBank scores higher on our rubric for neobank apps: 8.6 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #6 and #7.

How do KakaoBank and Rakuten Bank compare?

All 3 checks we put side by side come out level: neither leads on any.

Do KakaoBank and Rakuten Bank have a free plan?

KakaoBank: Yes. Rakuten Bank: Yes.

More comparisons

All neobank apps comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026

Last updated · How we research and update