Verification Status: This article is based on publicly available information (no actual usage or trading by the editorial team).
"I want to start investing, but I have no idea where to begin." That's how Kenta Tanaka (a pseudonym), a 35-year-old office worker, once felt. While vaguely anxious about future education costs and retirement funds, he found bank counters seemed too expensive and online securities brokers offered an overwhelming amount of information. That's when a friend told him, "There's a direct sales service from Mitsubishi UFJ that lets you start investing with just 5,000 yen via your smartphone," leading him to discover mattoco+.
Conclusion: mattoco+ is best suited for beginners who want a simple way to start investing in mutual funds, or for those looking to use NISA for long-term, small-amount savings. Its strengths lie in the trustworthiness of the Mitsubishi UFJ Group and the ease of starting with zero purchase fees and a minimum of 5,000 yen. On the other hand, it's not ideal for those who want to trade a wide variety of products or require advanced analysis—in such cases, a comprehensive online securities broker is more appropriate.
How a 30-Something Office Worker Struggling to Start Investing Found mattoco+
Kenta Tanaka is a 35-year-old office worker employed at a company in Tokyo. He has a wife and one child, and while his daily life is fulfilling, he can't shake his anxiety about money for the future. His child's education costs are only going to increase, and he can't honestly say he's prepared for his and his wife's retirement funds. His salary isn't going up, and bank fixed deposits offer almost no interest. He felt he had to start something, but knowing absolutely nothing about investing made the hurdle feel too high.
He had been recommended investment trusts at the bank counter before, but the fee explanations were so complicated that he never really understood what he would be charged for what. Even when he opened an online securities site, he was overwhelmed by thousands of funds listed and screens full of jargon, so he'd just close the browser. This cycle repeated itself over and over.
The turning point came during a casual conversation with a college friend. "I recently started a regular investment plan with something called mattoco+. It's from Mitsubishi UFJ, so it's reliable, and you can start with just 5,000 yen on your smartphone." For the first time, Tanaka felt a positive spark: "If it's only 5,000 yen, maybe I can give it a try." As soon as he got home, he opened the mattoco+ official website and began gathering information.
What is mattoco+? The Basics of the Mitsubishi UFJ Group's Smartphone Investment Trust
mattoco+ is a personal investment trust trading service jointly operated by Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management and SmartPlus. It is designed so that everything—from account opening to purchasing products and checking daily portfolio performance—can be completed entirely on a smartphone. For people like Tanaka who "want to start investing but are put off by complicated procedures and jargon," this is arguably the perfect entry point.

From a beginner's perspective, the key features of mattoco+ can be summarized as follows:
Main Features of mattoco+
- All on Smartphone: Account opening and trading are done through the app. No need to open a computer.
- Start Accumulating from as Little as 5,000 Yen: You can start small and build up gradually, which puts less strain on your household budget and lowers the psychological barrier for investing beginners.
- Zero Purchase Fee: No fees are charged when buying investment trusts. You can start investing with lower costs.
- Fully NISA Compatible: Fully supports NISA (Nippon Individual Savings Account), a tax-free investment system. You can use both the Tsumitate Investment and Growth Investment quotas.
- Curated Fund Lineup: Offers a selection centered on low-cost index funds managed by Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management, including the eMAXIS Slim series. You don't need to choose from thousands of funds, so beginners won't feel overwhelmed.
- Graphical Asset Tracking: A graph display shows the breakdown and performance of your holdings at a glance. Your NISA usage is also visualized.
- Withdrawal Function: You can set up a regular, fixed-amount withdrawal (liquidation) of your assets, allowing flexible planning for future payouts.
- 24/7 Trading Available: System downtime has been eliminated, so you can place orders anytime.
The fee structure is also clear. Account opening and account management are free. Purchase fees are 0 yen. Ongoing trust fees and other costs are capped at approximately 1.6445% per annum (approx. 1.5000% excluding tax). The trust property retention fee is capped at 0.10%. You can check these costs, along with the latest fund lineup and details, on the official website.
After seeing this information, Tanaka felt, "I can understand this, and it seems like I can start without any trouble." In particular, the zero purchase fee and the ability to start accumulating from just 5,000 yen were what pushed him to take the leap.
Comparison Table: How Does mattoco+ Differ from SBI Securities, Rakuten Securities, and Hifumi Investment Trust?
Tanaka thought mattoco+ seemed promising, but he still wondered how it stacked up against other options. He had heard of SBI Securities and Rakuten Securities from acquaintances, as well as the direct-sales Hifumi Investment Trust. Here, we compare mattoco+ with these representative services to clarify its positioning.
| Comparison Item | mattoco+ | SBI Securities | Rakuten Securities | Hifumi Investment Trust |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Investment | From 5,000 yen | From 100 yen (depending on fund) | From 100 yen (depending on fund) | From 10,000 yen |
| Purchase Fee | 0 yen | Free (depending on fund) | Free (depending on fund) | 0 yen |
| Range of Funds | Curated selection (mainly Mitsubishi UFJ AM funds) | Very wide (thousands of funds) | Very wide (thousands of funds) | Proprietary Hifumi series only |
| NISA Compatibility | Fully compatible | Compatible | Compatible | Compatible |
| Smartphone App Ease of Use | Intuitive and simple | Multi-functional, feature-rich | Multi-functional, feature-rich | Simple |
| Trustworthiness | Mitsubishi UFJ Group | Major online securities firm | Major online securities firm | Independent asset management firm |
From this comparison, mattoco+'s strengths and weaknesses become clear.
mattoco+ Strengths
- Simplicity: The curated fund selection prevents beginners from feeling overwhelmed. The intuitive app makes it an ideal entry point for investing.
- Low Barrier to Entry: You can start with as little as 5,000 yen. While not as low as the 100 yen offered by SBI or Rakuten, it's still lower than Hifumi's 10,000 yen minimum.
- Trust Factor: Being a direct sales service of the Mitsubishi UFJ Group provides significant peace of mind for those unfamiliar with finance.
mattoco+ Weaknesses
- Limited Product Range: It won't satisfy investors who want to choose from thousands of funds like at SBI or Rakuten. You also cannot trade stocks, ETFs, or other non-mutual fund products.
- Lack of Analysis Tools: It lacks advanced charting and research tools that experienced investors might need.
In short, mattoco+ is best suited for people who want to "start long-term, small-amount investing simply." On the other hand, those who "want to compare and trade a wide variety of products" or "value added features like point rewards" would be better off with comprehensive online securities firms like SBI or Rakuten. Hifumi Investment Trust is geared toward investors who resonate with its independent investment philosophy and are willing to start with a more substantial amount.
After seeing this comparison, Tanaka became more confident that mattoco+ was the right fit for him. What he needed wasn't a maze of complex choices, but a trustworthy entry point to build his savings steadily. The zero purchase fee, the ability to start from just 5,000 yen, and the risk-free trial via a free account opening were the final push he needed.
Analysis of mattoco+ Reviews: Good and Bad Reputation from User Feedback
What do actual users of mattoco+ have to say? Analyzing reviews from multiple review sites and articles reveals that overall feedback is largely positive, with "ease of use" and "transparent fee structure" receiving particularly high marks. On the other hand, some complaints have been noted regarding the "limited selection of funds" and "support response times."
Looking at the star rating distribution on review sites, high ratings make up the vast majority, while extremely low ratings are in the minority.
Positive Reviews
"The interface is intuitive and the app display is easy to read. Account opening was also smooth." (Source: An investment trust comparison site)
"The fee structure is clear, and it's great that you can start with small amounts." (Source: An investment trust comparison site)
"It's part of the Mitsubishi UFJ Group, so it's trustworthy." (Source: Multiple financial information media outlets)
"Being able to see your NISA status at a glance is convenient." (Source: A financial media outlet)
"The addition of an asset withdrawal function has made flexible management possible." (Source: Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management press release)
"24-hour trading availability is a good improvement." (Source: An investment information blog)
These comments show that mattoco+ has thoroughly pursued "ease of use for investment beginners." The value of "simple and easy to understand" that Mr. Tanaka was looking for is clearly supported by actual users.
Negative Reviews
"The number of available funds is small, and the selection is limited." (Source: An investment trust comparison site)
"Support response times vary, and it took a while to get a reply to my inquiry." (Source: An investment trust comparison site)
"For advanced investors, the analysis tools are lacking." (Source: An investment trust comparison site)
"When transferring my account, there was no explanation about the password rule change, which was troublesome." (Source: An app review site)
Negative opinions are mainly concentrated on the "limited product selection" and "support response speed." Given that mattoco+'s concept is "simple management with a curated selection of funds," this is somewhat unavoidable. As for support, the management may be aware of calls for improvement, and we can hope for future updates.
After reading these reviews, Mr. Tanaka concluded: "The limited number of funds actually works in my favor. The inconsistency in support is a concern, but since the basic operations seem intuitive, I think I'll be fine."
Addressing Common Concerns and Questions About mattoco+
When considering opening a mattoco+ account, many people, like Mr. Tanaka, have certain concerns and questions. Here, we address the most frequently asked questions and clarify the facts.

Is the sales pitch too pushy? mattoco+ is a direct sales service, and there is no aggressive telemarketing or solicitation. Account opening and fund purchases are entirely self-directed by the user. You don't need to worry about the "persistent sales tactics" often associated with financial institutions.
Is it difficult to withdraw funds? Mutual funds can be sold and converted to cash at any time. With mattoco+, selling and withdrawing funds is certainly possible. Additionally, it offers a "scheduled fixed-amount redemption" feature, which automatically redeems a set amount each month, making it useful as a pension-like income stream in retirement.
Is the cancellation process complicated? Cancellation procedures can be completed through the official website or app. The necessary information is available in the FAQ and guides. Many user reviews praise the app's intuitive interface, so you are unlikely to get lost during cancellations or other procedures.
Can I use NISA? mattoco+ is fully compatible with NISA. You can use both the Tsumitate Investment and Growth Investment allowances, enabling tax-free asset management. The app also visualizes your NISA usage with graphs, so you can see at a glance how much of your tax-free allowance you have used.
Is the customer support reliable? While some reviews note that "support response times can vary," there are channels available for inquiries. According to public information, you can contact support through the app or website, and most basic questions can be resolved on your own using the guides and FAQ. Although there is room for improvement in response speed, support is not entirely absent.
Considering these points, mattaco+ shows a certain level of consideration for the concerns that beginners often have. After reviewing this information, Mr. Tanaka felt confident that he could manage it himself and decided to open an account.
From Account Opening to Starting Your Accumulation Plan with mattoco+
Tanaka has finally decided to open an account with mattoco+. Let's walk through the actual process step by step. Based on publicly available information, the procedure goes as follows:
Step 1: Apply for Account Opening Apply for an account via the official website or app. You will need an identity verification document (such as a driver's license or My Number card) and a document confirming your My Number. Simply take photos of these documents with your smartphone and submit them — no mailing required.
Step 2: Initial Setup Once your account is opened, a postcard with your securities account opening notice will arrive. Enter the account opening code printed on the card into the app to complete the initial setup. If you used eKYC (online identity verification), this initial setup is not necessary. If you want a smoother start, using eKYC is recommended.
Step 3: Choose a Fund Select a fund from the carefully curated lineup that matches your goals and risk tolerance. The selection is centered around low-cost index funds like the eMAXIS Slim series, making it easy for beginners to understand. Tanaka chose a fund that tracks global economic growth.
Step 4: Decide How to Buy Choose between "accumulation purchase" (automatic monthly investing) or "spot purchase" (one-time purchase). If your goal is long-term asset building, the accumulation purchase is convenient. Tanaka set up a monthly accumulation purchase of 5,000 yen.
Step 5: Place the Purchase Order Depending on your chosen purchase method, register your withdrawal account or deposit funds, then execute the purchase. With the accumulation plan, the specified amount is automatically deducted on the designated day each month and used to buy the fund, so there's no hassle.
Step 6: Monitor Your Portfolio After purchasing, you can check your asset breakdown, performance charts, and NISA usage anytime via the app or My Page. The charts are intuitive, giving you a clear picture of how your assets are moving. Tanaka now finds it a small pleasure to watch his monthly contributions being made automatically and his assets gradually growing through the app.
From account opening to starting your accumulation plan, the process goes smoothly, including document preparation. Opening a free account takes just a few minutes and is a risk-free first step. By starting with a small amount, you can significantly lower the psychological barrier to investing.
Conclusion: Who Is mattoco+ Best For?
Based on Kenta Tanaka's case, here is a final summary of who mattoco+ is best suited for.
mattoco+ is suitable for:
- Beginners who want to start investing small amounts consistently
- People who value the convenience of completing everything on their smartphone
- Those looking for simple, long-term asset building through regular investment plans
- Investors who want to take advantage of NISA for tax-free investing
- People who find reassurance in the trustworthiness of the Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group
mattoco+ is NOT suitable for:
- Those who want to compare and select from a wide range of funds on their own
- Investors who want to trade a broad variety of products beyond mutual funds, such as stocks or ETFs
- People who require advanced chart analysis or information gathering tools
- Those who prioritize added value like point rewards on transactions
mattoco+ is a service designed with an excellent structure as an "entry point" for investing. The carefully selected funds, intuitive app, zero purchase fees, and the ability to start investing from as little as 5,000 yen are all tailored for people who "want to start investing but don't know where to begin."
For Mr. Tanaka, starting small with mattoco+ transformed his vague anxiety about the future into a concrete plan. He has only just begun and hasn't seen significant results yet. However, moving from a state of "doing nothing" to "investing 5,000 yen every month" is a major step forward for him.
All investments carry the risk of principal loss, and returns are not guaranteed. However, by starting with small amounts from a long-term perspective, it is possible to take the first step toward building assets while managing risk. mattoco+ is a simple and reliable tool for this purpose. Why not start by opening a free account on the official website and experiencing it with a small amount? This could be a smart first step toward a more secure future.
This article is based on publicly available information as of July 2026. Investment trusts are not principal-guaranteed and carry the risk of loss depending on performance. Please be sure to check the latest terms and conditions and risks on each service's official website before trading.
Methodology and Disclosure
Verification Method: This article is based on information confirmed as of July 30, 2026, from publicly available sources. The editorial team has not personally subscribed to or used the services mentioned. This is an explanatory article based on publicly available information (official websites, third-party reviews, and user feedback). As service details, fees, and promotions are subject to change, please verify the latest information on the official website before applying.
Publisher Information: The editorial policy and evaluation criteria for this article are described in the Editorial Policy, and the verification procedures are outlined in the Evaluation Methodology. If you find any errors, please report them to our contact desk.
Affiliate Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, and our site may receive compensation at no additional cost to readers. Compensation does not affect the content of our evaluations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are mattoco+ fees really zero?
Purchase fees are ¥0, but ongoing trust fees (up to ~1.6445% p.a.) and possible trust property retention fees (up to 0.10%) apply. Account opening and maintenance are free.
What types of funds can I buy on mattoco+?
mattoco+ offers a curated selection of low-cost index funds managed by Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management, including the eMAXIS Slim series. The lineup is intentionally limited to help beginners avoid confusion. Stocks and ETFs are not available.
What do I need to open a mattoco+ account?
You only need a smartphone and a government-issued ID (e.g., driver's license). Your My Number (Japanese social security number) is also required. The entire process is done via the app with no mailed documents.
Does mattoco+ support NISA?
Yes, fully. Both the Tsumitate Investment and Growth Investment NISA allowances are supported. The app displays your NISA portfolio performance in graphs, helping you maximize tax-free benefits.
What are the user reviews and reputation of mattoco+?
Beginners praise it for being simple, easy to understand, and allowing small starting amounts. Advanced users note the limited fund selection and lack of analytical tools. The Mitsubishi UFJ Group's reputation provides a strong sense of security.
How do I close my account or withdraw money from mattoco+?
Use the 'Withdrawal' feature in the app to set up regular or full withdrawals. The process is completed entirely on your smartphone, and orders can be placed 24/7.
Which is better for beginners: mattoco+ or SBI Securities?
mattoco+ is better for beginners due to its curated fund selection, intuitive app, and the trustworthiness of the Mitsubishi UFJ Group. SBI Securities offers more features but is better suited for experienced investors.
How user-friendly is the mattoco+ app in practice?
The app is intuitive and simple. It shows your asset growth in graphs, visualizes NISA usage, and lets you complete everything from account opening to trading on your phone. Beginners find it easy to navigate.
Sources
This article is based on publicly available information as of 2026-07-30.
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