Credit Cards in Japan for Foreigners: Best Cards and How to Apply

Why Getting a Japanese Credit Card Is Harder for Foreigners

There are several structural barriers that make credit card applications more challenging for foreign nationals in Japan:

1. No Japanese Credit History

Japan's credit bureau systems (CIC, JICC, KSC) only record Japan-based credit activity. A foreign national who just arrived — even with an excellent credit history abroad — has effectively a zero credit score in Japan.

2. Short Residence Period

Credit card issuers prefer customers who can make payments over a long period. Working holiday visa holders (1-year maximum) face stricter scrutiny; holders of work visas (技術・人文知識・国際業務), which can be renewed indefinitely, are in a better position.

3. Language and Application Barriers

Most Japanese credit card applications are in Japanese, and customer service is typically Japanese-only.

4. Unstable Address

Living in a monthly-rental flat or share house in your early days in Japan can lower your assessed stability — frequent moves hurt your credit score.

The Four Most Foreigner-Friendly Cards

Rakuten Card (楽天カード) — Top Recommendation ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The highest approval rate among foreigners — and one of Japan's most widely held credit cards.

Key advantages:

• Up to 3–16% cashback on Rakuten Ichiba purchases (depending on account tier)
• Excellent when linked to Rakuten Bank
• Integrated with Rakuten Pay and Rakuten Edy for one-card payment convenience

Application tips:

• Open a Rakuten Bank account and use it actively for 3+ months first
• Having purchase history on Rakuten Ichiba helps
• A Japanese mobile number (not MVNO) is beneficial

EPOS Card (エポスカード) — Fastest to Obtain ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Issued by MARUI (丸井) department stores — the standout feature is the ability to apply in-store and potentially receive a provisional card the same day.

Key advantages:

• Complimentary overseas travel insurance — great value for working holiday participants (saves the cost of separate insurance)
• Provisional card may be issued the same day at a MARUI store
• Relatively lenient criteria; some short-stay applicants have been approved

MARUI store locations: Tokyo (Shinjuku, Shibuya, Yurakucho, etc.), Osaka, Kyoto, and other major cities.

SAISON Card (セゾンカード) — Reliable Mid-Tier ⭐⭐⭐

Issued by the Seibu Saison Group, with several card variants. The SAISON Pearl American Express Card has reasonably good acceptance for foreign nationals.

Best for: Work visa holders with stable employment and 6+ months' Japan residency.

Aeon Card (イオンカード) — Best for AEON Shoppers ⭐⭐⭐

Issued by the AEON Group — ideal for those who regularly shop at AEON supermarkets, pharmacies, and malls.

Eligibility Requirements Summary

How to Build a Japanese Credit Score

Even after a rejection, a Japanese credit card is not permanently out of reach. These strategies effectively build your score:

1. Open and Actively Use a Japanese Bank Account

• Choose Japan Post Bank or a major commercial bank; use it actively for 3–6 months
• Avoid leaving the account at zero balance or frequently overdrafting

2. Get a Japanese Mobile Contract (Postpaid)

• A postpaid (monthly billing) contract with docomo, SoftBank, au, or Rakuten Mobile generates a credit record every time you pay on time
• Keep it going for 6–12 months to build a baseline credit history

3. Use an International Debit Card Regularly

• Using a Sony Bank Wallet or Rakuten Bank debit card doesn't directly build credit, but signals you are an active financial user

4. Check Your Residence Card Expiry

• Apply when your Residence Card has at least 1 year of validity remaining

Application Walkthrough (Rakuten Card Online Example)

1. Go to Rakuten Card's website and click "Apply" (申し込む)
2. Sign in with your Rakuten member ID (create one if you don't have it)
3. Fill in basic information: name (English/Japanese), date of birth, address, phone, occupation
4. Fill in residence status and Residence Card expiry date
5. Fill in annual income (working holiday participants can estimate annual earnings)
6. Choose your desired credit limit
7. Upload front and back photos of your Residence Card
8. Submit and wait for review (typically 3–10 business days)
9. After approval, card arrives by registered post (approximately 1 week)

Credit Card vs. International Debit Card: When to Use Each

Conclusion: If you have a credit card, use it for everyday purchases (for the points), and switch to your debit card or cash only when credit cards aren't accepted.

See Best Banks in Japan for Expats for guidance on choosing the right bank account as preparation for your credit card application.