A-Z Guide to Getting a Credit Card in Japan for Foreigners

Credit Cards in Japan Not only is it a convenient means of payment, it is also the “key” to help you build a reputable credit history, receive shopping incentives, accumulate points, and solve urgent financial needs. However, owning a credit card in Japan is not easy, especially for foreigners. The following article will provide detailed instructions on how to effectively apply for a credit card in Japan, optimizing the chance of successful approval.

Detailed instructions on how to make a credit card in Japan

There are two main ways to apply for a credit card in Japan: online and in person at a store, bank, or card issuing company. Below are details of each method to give you a clearer picture of how to apply for a credit card in Japan.

Register online

This is the most popular and convenient way for those who are familiar with using the internet. You just need to access the website of the card issuing company (such as Rakuten, Aeon, JCB…), fill in your personal information such as name, address, occupation, income, contact phone number and bank account number in Japan.

Information needed to prepare when registering online:

• Thẻ cư trú (residence card)
• Bank account in Japan
• Contactable personal phone number
• Income verification documents (if required)

Once you have completed the information, the system will send you a confirmation email and may ask you to submit additional documents. The review usually takes 1 to 2 weeks, if approved, the card will be sent to your home address.

Register directly

If you are not confident with Japanese or want direct advice, you can go to stores such as Aeon Mall, Bic Camera, Yodobashi or your local bank for support in making a card.

Here, the staff will help you fill out the application in Japanese and advise you on the type of card that best suits your needs and financial profile. Some centers even have Vietnamese-speaking staff or Vietnamese-language instruction boards.

Note: When registering in person, you need to bring the same documents as when registering online and may be asked to have a quick interview about the purpose of using the card and financial capacity.

Conditions for getting a credit card

Regardless of which form of application you choose, you will need to meet the basic requirements to be approved. This is an important part of how to apply for a credit card in Japan, helping you prepare in advance and increase your success rate.

Common conditions include:

• Have a valid residence card, with at least 1 year remaining stay
• Have a stable job and monthly income (usually at least 100,000 yen)
• Have a bank account in Japan
• Can provide permanent residential address and contact telephone number
• No previous bad debt or credit history

In addition, living in Japan for 6 months or more is also a plus when reviewing applications. In some cases, students can be granted a supplementary card by a sponsor (parent or relative who is legally residing in Japan and has a stable income).

Costs and limits when using credit cards in Japan

Once you know how to get a credit card in Japan, the next thing you should be concerned about is the associated costs and limits to use the card wisely.

Annual fees

Cards have different fees depending on the features and services included. Free cards do not charge any annual fees but usually have certain minimum conditions of use. Many cards have no annual fees (free for life) such as Rakuten, EPOS…

Basic cards cost between 1,000 and 3,000 yen per year with standard features. Premium cards cost between 5,000 and 50,000 yen per year but come with many additional benefits and services. Premium cards can cost 100,000 yen or more per year but offer the highest level of service.

Installment interest and cash withdrawal

When withdrawing cash, you will be charged 2 to 3% of the transaction value plus a fixed fee of 200 to 500 yen per transaction. For overseas transactions, the fee usually ranges from 1.5 to 2.5% of the transaction value. If you pay in full (一括払い) within the month, you will not incur any interest. If you pay your bill late, the applicable interest rate is 14.4 to 18% per year, which can create a significant financial burden.

Credit limit

New users' credit limits usually start out modest. For your first card, the limit usually ranges from 100,000 to 500,000 yen depending on your income and credit history. However, this limit can be increased over time as you build up your credit score.

Factors that affect your limit include your annual income, how long you've been employed at your current company, your past credit history and ability to pay, your current debt situation, and the type of card you decide to apply for.

Top 3 Best Credit Cards in Japan

After learning how to get a credit card in Japan, choosing the right card is the next important step. Below are the three most highly rated cards today based on features, benefits, and popularity.

Nexus Credit Card 

The Nexus Card is one of the quality and reliable options for foreigners in Japan. To apply for a Nexus Card, you need to have a minimum annual income of 1.5 million yen, be between 18 and 65 years old, and have a valid residence card for at least one year. The starting limit ranges from 100,000 to 800,000 yen depending on your personal financial situation. The annual fee is only 1,375 yen and is usually waived for the first year, which helps users save a lot of money.

The Nexus card's reward point system works at a rate of 0.5% on every purchase, allowing you to accumulate points to redeem for future gifts or discounts. The card is widely accepted at most stores, supermarkets and services throughout Japan.

Rakuten Credit Card 

Rakuten Card is suitable for all customers from students to working people thanks to its flexibility and many practical incentives. The most outstanding advantage of Rakuten Card is the permanent exemption of annual fees, which helps users save a significant amount of money each year. The point accumulation rate of this card is very attractive with 1% for all regular transactions and up to 3% when shopping on the Rakuten system.

The extensive Rakuten ecosystem offers a wide range of special offers including online shopping, hotel bookings, mobile services and more. The Rakuten Card application requirements are relatively easy compared to many other cards, with a starting limit of 100,000 to 1,000,000 yen.

AC Mastercard Credit Card

AC Mastercard represents the high-end segment when researching how to get a credit card in Japan. The AC Mastercard Standard has an annual fee of 3,300 yen, suitable for basic users. The AC Mastercard Gold, with an annual fee of 11,000 yen, offers many additional benefits. The AC Mastercard Platinum costs 55,000 yen per year but comes with premium concierge service and many exclusive privileges.

User benefits include points accumulation at a rate of 0.5 to 1.5% depending on the card type, free cash withdrawals at partner ATMs, comprehensive emergency support in case of card loss abroad, and professional concierge service for premium cards.

To apply for an AC Mastercard, you need to have a stable income of 2 million yen or more per year, a good credit history, and the ability to prove strong finances through official documents.

Hopefully, this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of how to apply for a credit card in Japan, helping you feel more confident in the process of registering and using the card effectively. Don’t forget to always spend wisely, pay on time, and keep your card information secure to ensure financial security!

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