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.
Student onlyNo annual feeLow-income friendly
Student Life Card
A student-focused option designed for people who want the clearest first step.
Basic info
- Annual fee
- Free
- Best for
- Students who want a dedicated card profile instead of a general-purpose entry card.
- English support
- Unknown
- Residence guide
- No set line in our guide
- 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
- Built specifically for students
- No annual fee
- Easy to explain to users who are nervous about screening
Cons
- Not for non-students
- Official details can change by school status and age
- Support flow is still mainly Japanese
Best for
Students who want a dedicated card profile instead of a general-purpose entry card.
students
people without full-time income
first credit card applications in Japan
Requirements
- Valid student status in Japan
- Residence and identity details that match your documents
- A bank account in Japan
- Current school information
Apply tip: Use the same school name formatting everywhere and prepare proof of current enrollment if needed.
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
Student Life Card FAQ
Short answers to the questions users usually ask before clicking through.
Is this the safest first pick for students?
It is one of our strongest editorial matches for students, especially if income is limited, but approval still depends on the issuer.
Can part-time income still help?
Yes. Even if a card is student-focused, clear income information can still make the application easier to understand.
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 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
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