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 feeStarter pickEveryday use
Rakuten Card
A mainstream no-annual-fee card that works well as an everyday starter option.
Basic info
- Annual fee
- Free
- Best for
- New residents who want a simple daily-use card with familiar rewards.
- English support
- Unknown
- Residence guide
- 3+ 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
- Well-known rewards ecosystem in Japan
- Simple starter choice for everyday shopping
Cons
- Official application flow is mainly in Japanese
- Approval is never guaranteed
- Bonus campaigns change often, so check the issuer page before applying
Best for
New residents who want a simple daily-use card with familiar rewards.
first-year residents
students with part-time income
daily spending
Requirements
- A valid address in Japan
- A bank account in Japan for repayments
- Identity and residence information that matches your application
- A phone number or contact method reachable in Japan
Apply tip: Match your name, address, and residence information exactly across every field.
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
Rakuten Card FAQ
Short answers to the questions users usually ask before clicking through.
Is Rakuten Card a guaranteed option for foreigners?
No. It is an editorial starter pick only. Approval depends on the issuer's review, your profile, and the accuracy of your application.
Can students consider this card?
Yes, many beginners look at it first, but students should still check the latest issuer requirements before applying.
Similar cards
Compare nearby options
No annual feeGood for beginnersStudent-friendly
Marui / EPOS Card
EPOS Card
A popular fee-free starter card often considered by students and first-time applicants.
- Annual fee
- Free
- English support
- Unknown
- Residence guide
- 1+ months in Japan
Best for
People who want a simple first card with a light, beginner-oriented profile.
- No annual fee
- Beginner-friendly positioning in many comparison guides
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