Payment Methods
Summary
Section titled “Summary”YWAM Sendai accepts payments and donations through several approved methods. The best option depends on whether you are sending money from outside Japan or within Japan, and on the type of payment being made.
In general:
- Wise is the recommended method for international payments
- domestic bank transfer is the normal method within Japan
- credit card payments via Stripe and PayPal are available as backup options when needed
- some costs may need to be paid in cash in Japan
Which payment method should I use?
Section titled “Which payment method should I use?”A simple guide:
- If you are outside Japan: use Wise whenever possible
- If you are in Japan: use domestic bank transfer
- If you want to pay by credit card: use Stripe
- If Wise or bank transfer is not possible: Stripe or PayPal may be used as backup methods
- If you are paying certain school-related costs in Japan: some items may need to be paid in cash
International payments
Section titled “International payments”Recommended method: Wise
Section titled “Recommended method: Wise”For those outside Japan, Wise is the recommended payment method.
Wise is usually the most cost-effective option because it converts your currency into Japanese yen locally before sending the funds. In most cases, this results in better exchange rates and lower fees than other alternatives.
Important note
Section titled “Important note”YWAM Sendai does not accept direct international wire transfers.
If you are sending money from outside Japan, you should use Wise rather than attempting a direct overseas bank transfer.
For the exact recipient details, see:
Domestic payments within Japan
Section titled “Domestic payments within Japan”If you are already in Japan, domestic bank transfer is usually the best option.
Domestic transfers may be sent to either of YWAM Sendai’s approved bank accounts, depending on your bank, transfer fees, and personal preference.
For the exact account details, see:
Credit card payments
Section titled “Credit card payments”If you would like to pay by credit card, Stripe may be used as a backup payment method.
Stripe is available for payments and donations, but it is generally not the preferred option when Wise or domestic bank transfer is available, because fees may be higher.
Credit card payment link:
PayPal
Section titled “PayPal”PayPal may also be used as a backup method for payments or donations.
Like Stripe, PayPal is available for convenience, but it is generally not the preferred option when Wise or domestic bank transfer is available, because fees and exchange rates are usually less favorable.
PayPal link:
Cash payments in Japan
Section titled “Cash payments in Japan”Some costs may need to be paid in cash in Japan rather than through online payment or bank transfer.
This is especially relevant for certain school-related expenses such as:
- accommodation
- food
- outreach costs
If you are joining a school, you should check the relevant school finance guidance carefully so that you know which costs must be paid in cash.
See also:
Which methods are best for which situations?
Section titled “Which methods are best for which situations?”If you are paying from outside Japan
Section titled “If you are paying from outside Japan”Best option:
- Wise
Backup options:
- credit card via Stripe
- PayPal
If you are paying from within Japan
Section titled “If you are paying from within Japan”Best option:
- domestic bank transfer
Backup options:
- credit card via Stripe
- PayPal
If you need to pay a cash-only cost in Japan
Section titled “If you need to pay a cash-only cost in Japan”Best option:
- cash in Japanese yen
After sending a payment
Section titled “After sending a payment”After making a payment or transfer, please notify YWAM Sendai so the finance team can identify and process it correctly.
See:
Questions about payment methods
Section titled “Questions about payment methods”If you are unsure which payment method to use, or if you have difficulty completing a payment, please contact: