Best Credit Cards in Japan for Foreigners
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The condition for a foreigner to issue a credit card is that he/she must be a special permanent resident or a medium- to long-term resident. This is because an ID card is required to create a credit card in Japan.
Present either the “Residence Card” issued to medium- to long-term residents of 3 months or longer or the “Special Permanent Resident Certificate” issued to long-term residents. You don’t need permanent residence, so remember that you can make a credit card with either a residence card or a special permanent resident certificate!
Here are 8 credit cards recommended for foreigners:
1. Nexus Card
Nexus Card Basic information
Card type : General
Annual fee : 1,375 yen
Point reduction rate : 0.50%
International brand : Mastercard
Application conditions : 18 years old and over
Nexus card is the most recommended credit card for foreigners. Foreigners are more difficult to pass the screening than Japanese people, but with a Nexus card, you can issue a credit card with a high probability.
It is a disadvantage that you need to deposit from 50,000 yen at the beginning, but please be assured that you will get a full refund if you withdraw from the card.
2. AC Mastercard
AC Mastercard Basic information
Card type : General
Annual fee Free for many years
International brand MasterCard
Application conditions Stable continuous income over 20 years old
https://www.acom.co.jp/lineup/credit/
If you have a dedicated automatic contract machine, you can issue a card with no annual membership fee on the spot, and the examination time is 30 minutes at the shortest, so it is a recommended credit card for those who are in a hurry. They there own screening system, and you can easily check whether you can pass the screening by WEB diagnosis, so you do not have to spend many days worrying about whether you will pass the screening. 0.25% of the usage amount of points will be automatically cashed back, which saves you the trouble of checking the point exchange destination and expiration date. Even if you are not a full-time employee, if you can prove a stable income, you will pass the screening.
3. Rakuten card
Rakuten card Basic information
Card type : General
Annual fee Free for many years
Points to collect : Rakuten points
Point reduction rate : 1.0% ~ 3.0%
International brand VISA, MasterCard, JCB, Amex
Application conditions : 18 years old and over
https://www.rakuten-card.co.jp/
The biggest feature of the Rakuten Card is that you can easily collect points. For those who want to save points and shop at a great price, we recommend the Rakuten Card. For example, if you shop at Rakuten Ichiba using a Rakuten card, you will get double points.
In addition, there are many mechanisms for earning points, such as shopping using the “Rakuten Ichiba App” and increasing points just by doing “Rakuten Web Search”. Rakuten Card is recommended for people who often use online shopping and those who often shop at Rakuten.
4. Epos Card
Epos Card Basic information
Card type : General
Annual fee : Free for many years
Points to collect : Epos point
Point reduction rate : 0.5%
International brand VISA
Application conditions : 18 years old and over
https://www.eposcard.co.jp/index.html
The Epos Card has a low level of screening compared to banks, so it is recommended for those who will make credit cards in Japan for the first time. Since the annual membership fee is free for many years, there is no operating cost, and if you pass the examination, you can get a card on the same day and start shopping from that day.
Travel injury death and residual disability insurance of up to 5 million yen are included, which is a great advantage for foreigners who often go abroad to return to Japan.
5. Delta SkyMiles American Express Gold Card
Delta SkyMiles American Express
Gold Card Basic information
Card type : gold
Annual fee : 28,600 yen
Point reduction rate : 1.0%
International brand : American Express
Application conditions : Persons over 20 years old with a regular job
https://www.americanexpress.com/jp/credit-cards/delta-card/
It is a partnership card between “Delta Air Lines”, one of the largest airlines in the United States, and American Express. The biggest benefit of having this credit card is that you can take advantage of the benefits of Delta’s advanced membership “Gold Medallion” .
In addition, overseas travel accident insurance of up to 100 million yen is included. 28 airport lounges in Japan and 2 airport lounges overseas can be used free of charge for up to 1 companion . , A credit card recommended for foreigners who are accumulating miles. Examination is not easy because it is a gold card, but if you have been in Japan for a long time on a business trip or can prove your stable income, please try it.
What foreigners need when opening a credit card ?
When you make a credit card, you’re worried that you don’t have the necessary documents. Make sure you have all the documents in advance.
- Address in Japan
You must determine your place of residence within 14 days of obtaining your residence card or special permanent resident certificate at the port of entry or departure.
- Bank account in Japan
If you have a residence card, or a special permanent resident certificate and resident card, you can also create a bank account in Japan. If you cannot open a bank account, you will not be able to apply for a credit card. First, let’s open a bank account.
- Mobile phone or landline
You need to subscribe to a mobile or landline phone. As with your address, be aware that you must be in your name, not your family or friends.
Making a credit card in Japan as a foreigner is sometimes very difficult, but if you have the right knowledge and mindset, the screening process is not that hassle.
Stay tuned to our website for more information about financial tips !
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