Have you ever panicked while traveling overseas or on a business trip, thinking, ``I can't log in to Rakuten Securities!'' or ``I can't get additional authentication from SBI Securities!''? As of March 2026, online securities companies are rapidly strengthening their security, and there are an increasing number of cases in which access from overseas is judged to be an "unusual environment" and is subject to additional authentication or access restrictions.

What is particularly troublesome is that the ``toll-free number'' and ``SMS'' used for authentication may not be available overseas. In order to ensure that you don't realize it's too late even when you're there, in this article we'll explain in an easy-to-understand way what to do if you can't log in while you're there.

Why can't I log in to online securities from overseas?

Roughly speaking, this is because the system determines that ``access from an unusual location or device = could be unauthorized access?'' This is calledrisk-based authentication.

Specifically, login is blocked for the following reasons.

  • Detection of overseas IP addresses: Access from IPs different from those in Japan is likely to be judged as "suspicious"
  • Toll-free authentication cannot be used: Rakuten Securities' risk-based authentication is a system that "authenticates by calling a toll-free number," but according to Rakuten Securities' official page, the toll-free number cannot be used from overseas
  • Telephone number verification does not pass: Since January 2026, SBI Securities has basically used phone number verification, but there are cases where SMS cannot be delivered or international calls cannot be made overseas
  • Internet regulations by country: Access to Japanese sites may be restricted in some countries such as China and Vietnam

In other words, the current situation is that security has been strengthened and even authorized users from overseas are now more likely to be blocked.

By securities company: Summary of restrictions on overseas access [as of March 2026]

We have summarized the overseas access support of four major online securities companies in a table. Before you leave, be sure to check the support provided by the securities company you use.

Securities companyLogin from overseasHow to perform additional authenticationPossibility of authentication overseas
Rakuten SecuritiesAvailable (risk-based authentication included)Toll-free authentication (SMS authentication currently suspended)Toll-free number cannot be used from overseas. You need to call the customer center
SBI SecuritiesSome restrictions applyTelephone number authentication/device authenticationTelephone number authentication may fail overseas. Prior device authentication recommended
Monex SecuritiesAvailable (multi-factor authentication required)Authentication app/SMS authentication/passkeyAuthentication apps can be used overseas. Passkeys will become mandatory from January 2026
Matsui SecuritiesAvailable (multi-factor authentication required)SMS authentication/phone number authenticationOfficial FAQ recommends using SMS authentication

SBI Securities' official FAQ clearly states, ``The service may not be available when accessing from overseas.'' Additionally, some services may be temporarily suspended in accordance with the Act on Prevention of Transfer of Criminal Proceeds. If you assume that you should be able to access it, you will get stuck on site.

5 things to prepare before departure

To minimize the risk of losing access to your brokerage account while abroad, Check the following 5 things before you leave.

1. Check the authentication method and switch to one that supports overseas

First, check how to authenticate your securities account. If it is set to "Toll-free number authentication only", you will be stuck overseas.

  • Rakuten Securities: As of March 2026, SMS authentication is suspended, so if risk-based authentication is activated overseas, it can only be canceled by calling the toll-free number. It is best to call the customer center (0120-41-1004) and ask for assistance before departure
  • SBI Securities: If you set up device authentication (a method of registering the terminal you usually use) in advance, you are likely to be able to log in smoothly even from overseas
  • Monex Securities: If you set up an authentication app (Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator) in advance, you can generate one-time passwords using the app even overseas

2. Log in in advance from the smartphone/PC you will use overseas

Risk-based authentication detects and blocks "unusual devices." If you log in to the device you are taking overseas once before you depart, the device may be registered as "trusted."

In particular, Rakuten Securities' iSPEED (smartphone app) and SBI Securities' app record device information, so using the app tends to cause fewer problems than logging in for the first time from a new browser locally.

3. Make a note of the overseas phone number of the customer center

If you are unable to log in, the last resort is to call the customer center. You can't use toll-free numbers from overseas, so make a note of paid international phone numbers.

  • Rakuten Securities: 03-6739-3333 (weekdays 8:30-17:00, call charges apply)
  • SBI Securities: 03-6229-0100 (weekdays 8:00-17:00, call charges apply)
  • Monex Securities: 03-4323-3250 (Weekdays 8:00-17:00)
  • Matsui Securities: 03-6387-3601 (Weekdays 8:30-17:00)

International calls from overseas cost tens to hundreds of yen per minute. You can reduce call costs by using Skype Credit or Rakuten Mobile's overseas roaming.

4. Place stop/limit orders before departure

I'm sure there are many people who actually want to cut their losses in the event of a sudden drop, rather than wanting to trade from overseas. In that case, it is best to place a stop loss order before departure.

For both Rakuten Securities and SBI Securities, you can set the validity period up to several weeks in advance. For short trips, this is all you need.

5. Check whether "non-resident notification" is required

If you are staying for a long period of one year or more (studying abroad, expatriate, etc.), you will be treated as a "non-resident" and new purchase orders may be restricted. Rakuten Securities non-resident procedure page and SBI Securities Procedures for Departing Overseas PagePlease check in advance whether notification is required.

If you continue to trade from overseas without reporting, there is a risk that your account will be frozen, so please be careful.

What to do when you can't actually log in overseas

For those who say, "I wasn't prepared...", here are three ways to deal with it while you're there.

Solution 1: Make an international call to the customer center

If you call the overseas phone number introduced above and verify your identity, you can have risk-based authentication removed. In the case of Rakuten Securities, you can deactivate your ID by verbally providing your ID information (date of birth, registered address, etc.).

However, please be aware of the time difference as it is limited to business hours (8:30-17:00 on weekdays, Japan time).

Solution 2: Connect to a Japanese IP address with VPN

If you use a VPN (virtual private network) to go through a server in Japan, it will appear to the securities company's system that you are accessing from within Japan.

However, there are some caveats. According to Rakuten Securities' official announcement, passkey authentication may not work properly while connected to a VPN. Additionally, some securities companies may restrict access via VPN in their terms and conditions, so use at your own risk.

Countermeasure 3: Ask a trusted family member to operate on your behalf

If you really want to cut your losses when prices plummet, you can have a family member in Japan log in and place an order on your behalf. However, this isa gray area in terms of securities company regulations. As a general rule, operating an account in someone else's name is prohibited, so please consider this only as a last resort.

Can SMS authentication be used overseas with Rakuten Mobile?

Rakuten Mobile's "Rakuten Strongest Plan" is known for its ability to use overseas roaming (up to 2GB per month) without additional charges. Receiving SMS is free even overseas, so if you are a securities company that accepts SMS authentication, you may be able to pass the authentication if you have Rakuten Mobile.

However, as of March 2026, Rakuten Securities' SMS authentication is no longer available, so the combination of Rakuten Securities + Rakuten Mobile will not allow you to break through SMS authentication. SMS authentication from Matsui Securities and Monex Securities is valid.

Please note that overseas roaming support differs among low-cost plans such as ahamo, povo, and LINEMO, so be sure to check whether your plan supports overseas SMS reception before departure.

FAQ

Have you ever been unable to log into your securities account even if stock prices plummeted while traveling abroad?

Yes, there is. In particular, Rakuten Securities' risk-based authentication toll-free number cannot be used from overseas, so once the authentication screen appears, you will not be able to log in. It is safe to place a stop order or set up device authentication before you leave.

Can I access a securities company from overseas using a VPN?

You may be able to access the site using a VPN that connects to a server in Japan, but there have been reports of passkey authentication not working properly while connected to the VPN. Additionally, some securities companies may restrict the use of VPNs, so you do so at your own risk.

How much does it cost to call a securities company's customer center from overseas?

Depending on your destination and mobile carrier, it generally costs about 100 to 400 yen per minute. If you use Skipe credit or Rakuten Mobile's overseas roaming, you can significantly reduce call costs. Deauthorization calls often take about 5 to 15 minutes.

Will you be unable to log into your securities account even after a short trip of one week?

It is possible. Whether or not it is determined to be an "unusual environment" is determined by multiple factors such as the device, IP address, browser, etc., so the length of the period does not matter. Preparation before departure is important.

References