Related guide
How to Get a Credit Card in Japan as a Foreigner
Learn what to prepare, how to choose a beginner-friendly card, and what to check before you apply.
No annual feeGood for beginnersStudent-friendly
EPOS Card
A popular fee-free starter card often considered by students and first-time applicants.
Basic info
- Annual fee
- Free
- Best for
- People who want a simple first card with a light, beginner-oriented profile.
- English support
- Unknown
- Residence guide
- 1+ months in Japan
- Income fit
- Low-income friendly
New to Japan?
See the full setup guide before you make the next move
If you are still sorting out essentials like SIM, banking, utilities, or insurance, use the checklist page to keep the overall order clear.
Pros
- No annual fee
- Beginner-friendly positioning in many comparison guides
- Useful option when you want a first card rather than a complex rewards strategy
Cons
- Official support content is still centered on Japanese users
- Benefits depend on current campaigns and partner stores
- Approval standards are not public
Best for
People who want a simple first card with a light, beginner-oriented profile.
first-time cardholders
students
people who want a low-friction starter card
Requirements
- Residence information and contact details in Japan
- A repayment account in Japan
- Accurate school or employer information if requested
- A realistic monthly spending plan
Apply tip: If you are a student, keep your school details and expected income information ready before starting the form.
Related guide
Credit Card Tips for Students in Japan
Student status, part-time income, and short residence history can still work if you choose the right starting point.
FAQ
EPOS Card FAQ
Short answers to the questions users usually ask before clicking through.
Why is EPOS Card often shown to beginners?
Its fee-free structure and straightforward positioning make it easy to understand, especially for first-time applicants.
Does EPOS Card have official English support?
We did not rely on a clearly published English application flow for this MVP, so plan for a mostly Japanese process unless the issuer states otherwise.
Similar cards
Compare nearby options
No annual feeStarter pickEveryday use
Rakuten Card
Rakuten Card
A mainstream no-annual-fee card that works well as an everyday starter option.
- Annual fee
- Free
- English support
- Unknown
- Residence guide
- 3+ months in Japan
Best for
New residents who want a simple daily-use card with familiar rewards.
- No annual fee
- Well-known rewards ecosystem in Japan
No annual feeHigher rewardsFor stronger profiles
- Annual fee
- Free
- English support
- Unknown
- Residence guide
- 6+ months in Japan
Best for
Applicants under the issuer's age limit who already have some stability in Japan.
- No annual fee
- Strong everyday rewards positioning
What comes next
Explore the next life setup topics
These categories are being prepared so credit card visitors can also move into the rest of their Japan setup flow.
SIM
SIM guide
Live now
SIM / Mobile
Understand how to get a phone number in Japan, what documents you need, and how SIM setup connects to banking, contracts, and daily life.
Read the SIM setup guide
BANK
Banking guide
Live now
Bank Account
Learn how to open a bank account in Japan as a foreigner — the six-month rule, required documents, and which banks are realistic options for newcomers.
Read the banking guide
UTIL
Utilities guide
Live now
Utilities
Learn how to set up electricity, gas, and water in Japan — including the gas inspection requirement, provider differences, and payment setup.
Read the utilities guide