SMBC (loans) vs Tokyo Star Bank (loans): which is better? Comparison 2026
By our public methodology SMBC (loans) scores 90 out of 100 and Tokyo Star Bank (loans) scores 88. Below: the factors and facts where they differ, each fact with its source.
Score breakdown
| SMBC (loans) | Tokyo Star Bank (loans) | |
|---|---|---|
| Licence | 100 | 90 |
| Transparency | 80 | 100 |
| Cost | 100 | 75 |
| Service | 65 | 73 |
Pros and cons
SMBC (loans)
- Long licence history
- Published rate below the country reference
- Licence confirmed by the official list or a stated licence number
- Fees or full loan terms are readable without login
- A charge can apply to early repayment
Tokyo Star Bank (loans)
- Long licence history
- Licence confirmed by the official list or a stated licence number
- Fees or full loan terms are readable without login
- Publishes how to complain
Facts side by side
| Fact | SMBC (loans) | Tokyo Star Bank (loans) |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed since | 1996 smfg.co.jp | 2001 tokyostarbank.co.jp |
| Licensed by the regulator | Yes fsa.go.jp | Yes fsa.go.jp |
| Published rate, % of country reference | 47% smbc.co.jp | 100% tokyostarbank.co.jp |
| Free early repayment | No smbc.co.jp | Yes tokyostarbank.co.jp |
| No arrangement fee | Yes smbc.co.jp | Yes tokyostarbank.co.jp |
| Fees or terms published | Yes smbc.co.jp | Yes tokyostarbank.co.jp |
| Complaints procedure | Yes smbc.co.jp | Yes tokyostarbank.co.jp |
| Online application for new customers | Yes smbc.co.jp | Yes tokyostarbank.co.jp |
| Support hours a week | 45 h smbc.co.jp | 40 h tokyostarbank.co.jp |
| Maximum amount, % of country reference | 38% smbc.co.jp | 125% tokyostarbank.co.jp |
| Longest term | 120 mo smbc.co.jp | 120 mo tokyostarbank.co.jp |