A Simple Guide to Getting the Best Credit Cards for Foreigners in Japan. Moving to Japan is super exciting. Japan has many cool places to see and delicious food to try, all wrapped up in a fun and exciting culture. But for many foreigners, getting a credit card here can be a bit of a surprise, often harder than expected, and can catch you off guard.
If you’re living in Japan or thinking about moving here, you might be asking:
Can foreigners get a credit card in Japan?
The answer is yes. But it’s not always easy.
In this blog post, I’ll guide you step by step on everything you need to know about applying for the best credit card as a foreigner in Japan. I’ll share some crucial tips on what you might expect and ways to significantly boost your chances of getting approved quickly. I’ll keep things pretty straightforward and uncomplicated for you so you won’t have much trouble following along nicely.
Why Getting a Credit Card in Japan Can Be Difficult
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Obtaining credit cards in Japan proves troublesome for many foreigners due largely to stringent verification processes and credit history requirements. Acquiring a credit card remains relatively effortless in numerous nations. You show some ID, maybe a bank statement, and that’s it. But in Japan, it’s different.
Here’s why:
- Strict Rules – Japanese banks and credit card companies are very careful. They check your job, income, visa status, and how long you’ve been in Japan.
- No Credit History – If you just arrived, you probably don’t have any credit history in Japan. That makes it harder to get approved.
- Language Barrier – Most applications are in Japanese. If you don’t read Japanese, filling out forms can be tough.
- Short Stay – If your visa is short-term (like under 1 year), some companies may not approve your application.
Required Things to Apply
Make sure you have the following stuff ready before applying.
- A residence card (在留カード)
- A Japanese phone number
- A Japanese bank account
- Proof of income (like pay slips or tax forms)
- A stable job or source of income
- A Japanese address
If you’re a student or new to Japan, don’t worry, there are still options. Keep reading!
Best Credit Cards for Foreigners in Japan
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Let’s look at some cards that are foreigner-friendly. These companies are known to accept applications from non-Japanese residents more often than others. You can directly apply by clicking on the title.
1. Rakuten Card
- Very popular and easy to apply online
- Website and customer support in English
- Reasonable approval rate even for people with a short time in Japan
- No annual fees
- You earn Rakuten Points when you shop
Tip: Choose the” Rakuten Card for Foreigners” version. It’s designed for non-Japanese users.
2. Paidy Card
- Very popular and very easy to apply through the Paidy App
- Offers quick approval (sometimes same day!)
- Pay in 3, 6, or 12 installments with no commission fee
- Reasonable approval rate even for people with a short time in Japan
- Buy Apple products for up to 36 installments with 0% installment fee
3. EPOS Card
- Often recommended for beginners and students.
- No annual fee
- Suitable for building credit history
- Customer service is sometimes available in English.
- Can be used at Marui department stores for discounts
Tip: Apply in-store at Marui (OIOI) if you can. Staff can help you with the form.
4. Saison Card
- No annual fee
- Accepts short-term residents in some cases
- Can be applied for at Seibu or Loft stores
- Offers quick approval (sometimes same day!)
5. Sony Card
- It’s more of a debit card with credit card features
- Linked to your Sony Bank account
- Suitable for people who can’t get a full credit card yet
- English support available
Can’t get a Credit Card Yet? Try These Options First
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If you get rejected or just want to build some credit first, that’s okay! Here are a few alternatives:
1. Prepaid Cards
Cards like Revolut or Wise work well in Japan. You load money onto them and use them like a credit card.
2. Debit Cards from Japanese Banks
Mizuho, Japan Post Bank, and Rakuten Bank offer debit cards you can use in stores and online.
3. Build Your Credit First
- Stay in Japan for a few months
- Get a stable job
- Use a Japanese SIM and bank account
- Pay your bills on time
Then try applying again later. Many people get approved after 6–12 months of living in Japan.
Bonus Tips to Get Approved
Want to improve your chances? Try these simple tips:
- Apply in Japanese. Use Google Translate or ask a friend if needed.
- Don’t apply for too many cards at once. Apply for one card, wait, then try another if needed.
- Apply for beginner-friendly cards like Paidy, Rakuten, or EPOS.
- Be honest. Fill out the form carefully. Any mistakes can cause automatic rejection.
- Use katakana for your name if the form asks for it.
What Happens After You Apply?
After you submit your application:
- You may get a call or email (in Japanese) to confirm your info.
- You might be asked for more documents.
- If approved, your card arrives in the mail in 1–2 weeks.
- If rejected, you can try again later with a different company.
What to Do If You’re Rejected.
Don’t take it personally. Many foreigners in Japan get rejected the first time. Here’s what to do next:
- Wait a month before applying again.
- Try a different card.
- Check that your documents are correct.
- Ask your Japanese-speaking friend or coworker to help you.
- Try building a history with a prepaid or debit card.
Final Thoughts
Getting a credit card in Japan as a foreigner can be hard, but it’s not impossible. With the right info, a little patience, and the right card, you’ll get there.
Best credit cards for foreigners in Japan are out there. You just need to know where to look and how to apply. Start with beginner-friendly cards like Rakuten or EPOS, make sure your documents are ready, and don’t give up if you’re not approved right away.
Good luck! Enjoy your time in Japan!
Have you had success getting a credit card in Japan? Share your experience in the comments below. It might help someone else!
