If you’re an international student or a foreigner working in Japan, a credit card can make life much easier.
But getting a credit card isn’t always simple. The application process can be strict, and many people might worry about whether they can get approved in Japan.
This guide covers:
Why a credit card in Japan is useful and important
What foreigners need to apply
The different types of credit cards in Japan
Which credit cards are easier to get
Please jump to the relevant area for you from the table of contents.
Table of Contents
Profile of Writer
Masamichi Takayanagi
Financial Planner & columnist;
An independent financial planner with extensive experience as a financial columnist, specializing in a wide range of topics including asset management, life insurance, inheritance, loan products, and credit cards. Over 1,000 articles and projects have been contributed to the field.
1st grade Certified Skilled Professional of Financial Planning, Certified Financial Planner®.
If you’re interested in other articles about finance in Japan, such as NISA and taxes, you might find this article helpful.
Chapter 1: Why a credit card in Japan is useful and important
International students in Japan and foreign workers staying long-term can apply for a credit card.
A credit card makes shopping easier, whether in stores or online, since you only need one card to pay.
Many foreigners might find handling Japanese yen a bit challenging. A credit card eliminates the need for cash, so you don’t have to worry about carrying change or taking extra time at the register.
You can also use a credit card to pay for mobile phone bills, utilities, and other expenses.
Another great benefit is that Japanese credit cards let you earn points based on how much you spend. You can use these points to reduce your credit card bill or exchange them for products and services.
Chapter 2: What foreigners need to apply
When foreigners apply for a credit card in Japan, the screening process is usually stricter than for Japanese applicants.
This happens because, besides the required documents, the length of your stay in Japan can affect the approval decision.
This section covers the two key requirements for getting a credit card: necessary documents and residency conditions.
Necessary Documents
To get a credit card in Japan, foreigners need to prepare four key documents. Getting everything ready beforehand makes the process much easier.
ID (Residence Card, etc.)
Japanese address & Resident Record (Juminhyo)
Bank account in your name
Phone number
Most credit card companies require foreigners to be either Special Permanent Residents or Mid-to-Long-Term Residents.
If you have a Special Permanent Resident Certificate or a Residence Card for a stay longer than three months, you likely meet the ID requirements.
A Resident Record (Juminhyo) helps build credibility, since it’s harder to fake.
You also need a bank account and a phone number to receive updates from the credit card company, so set these up before applying.
Residency Conditions
You need to stay in Japan for at least three months to get a credit card.
One of the required documents, the Residence Card, is only issued to foreigners staying for more than three months. If your stay is shorter, you can’t apply for a credit card in Japan.
Chapter 3: The different types of credit cards in Japan
Japan offers many credit cards with different point reward rates, cashback options, and special perks.
This section covers the features and benefits of four main types of credit cards.
Standard Credit Cards
A standard credit card comes with VISA, Mastercard, or JCB and usually costs nothing in annual fees. Many people also call it a general card / Ippan Card in Japanese.
It provides basic payment functions and point rewards based on spending, all without extra costs in most cases.
Higher-ranked credit cards require stricter screening, but standard cards offer an easier approval process compared to gold or premium cards (covered later under “Perk Cards”).
For foreigners, a standard credit card makes the most sense since it offers a lower entry barrier.
Reward Cards
A reward card focuses on money-saving perks, such as higher point rewards on purchases.
Like standard cards, many reward cards also come with no annual fee. Since they offer better point rewards, you can earn more points for the same amount spent.
If you want a credit card with high point returns for everyday shopping, a reward card works best.
However, compared to standard credit cards, some reward cards offer fewer insurance benefits or set age restrictions for new applicants.
Student Cards
A student card is a credit card designed only for students, such as university students.
Most student cards come with no annual fee and offer the same basic credit card functions as standard cards.
Since students usually have less income than working adults, these cards often have easier income requirements compared to standard cards.
Some student cards also include exclusive point bonuses that regular cards don’t offer.
Perk Cards
A perk card offers special benefits like travel insurance or free airport lounge access, rather than focusing on high point rewards like standard or reward cards.
In Japan, gold cards rank higher than standard cards, and platinum cards sit at the top.
Higher-ranked cards come with more perks, but they also require higher annual fees and stricter approval processes.
Chapter 4: Which credit cards are easier to get
Some credit cards are easier to get for foreigners, while others are harder to obtain.
In this section, we’ll explain the annual fees, point rewards, and features of four credit cards that are generally easier for foreigners to get.
| Card | Annual Fee | Point Reward Rate | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
|
JCB Card W |
Free |
1.0% and up |
Double the reward rate of other JCB cards, Earn up to 20x points with eligible purchases |
|
Sumitomo Mitsui Card (NL) |
Free |
0.5% and up |
No card number or security code, offering high security, Earn up to 7x points at specific stores |
|
Rakuten Card |
Free |
1.0% and up |
High basic reward rate of 1.0%, Easy to earn more points when shopping at Rakuten |
|
Life Card |
Free |
0.5% and up |
1.5x reward rate in the first year, 3x reward rate in your birthday month |
JCB Card W
JCB Card W is available for applicants up to 39 years old. It comes with no annual fee and offers twice the points compared to other JCB cards.
The standard reward rate is 1.0%, which is on par with other high-reward cards from different companies. Additionally, if you meet certain conditions at specific stores, you can earn up to 20x points.
The card also features a numberless design, with no card number displayed on the front, enhancing security. You can get the card issued in as little as 5 minutes, if you meet the required conditions.
However, the downside is that people over 40 cannot apply for this card.
Mitsui Sumitomo Card (NL)
A numberless credit card with no card number or security code displayed on the card surface, making it highly secure. This makes it ideal for anyone who wants to prevent unauthorized use in case the card is lost.
The point reward rate is competitive, offering up to 7x points when used at certain convenience stores or restaurants, ensuring it rivals other cards in terms of rewards.
However, the basic reward rate is 0.5%, which is somewhat average compared to other cards.
Rakuten Card
Rakuten Card offers lifetime free membership and the advantage of easily earning Rakuten Points, which are widely accepted in Japan.
The basic reward rate is 1.0%, the same as JCB Card W, and it increases when shopping on Rakuten Ichiba (Rakuten’s online marketplace). Using the Rakuten Card can double your points, and during special campaigns, you could earn 10x points or more.
The main downside is that it takes about 1 to 2 weeks for the card to be issued.
Source: Rakuten Card Co., Ltd.
Life Card
Life Card is a free annual fee credit card. The points reward rate is 0.5%, which is average, but it offers a points program that increases the rate under simple conditions. For example, the reward rate is 1.5 times higher during the first year, and it triples during your birthday month.
Additionally, if you spend over 1 million yen annually, you can enjoy double the points rate the following year.
However, the downside is that if your annual spending is low, or if it’s not your first year or birthday month, the reward rate will not increase significantly.
Source: LIFE CARD Co., Ltd.
