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NAVIGATING CREDIT CARDS IN JAPAN: THE BEST CREDIT CARDS IN JAPAN 2023

Navigating Credit Cards in Japan: The Best Credit Cards in Japan 2023

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Starting a job or studying in Japan opens up exciting opportunities. Whether you're on a tech internship, enjoying a work holiday, or pursuing a full-time career, managing your money is a significant part of your life abroad. One crucial financial move is getting a credit card. However, picking the right one can be challenging due to the abundance of information, and most of it is available only in Japanese. In this article, we introduce the top 5 most popular credit cards among the Japanese in 2023, focusing on their benefits, application process, and language support.



Understanding Credit Card Eligibility in Japan


This article doesn't offer a detailed breakdown of the eligibility criteria for acquiring a credit card in Japan. However, in broad terms, you typically require a long-term visa, a permanent address, full-time employment, and an active bank account in Japan.



The Top Picks - Best Credit Cards in 2023


  • Rakuten Card: Rakuten Card is a credit card issued by Rakuten Group.


  • Fees: The Rakuten Card stands out with its user-friendly policies, offering no annual fee, making it an attractive option to manage your expenses efficiently.


  • Benefits: With a Rakuten card, you can earn 1 Rakuten point for every 100 yen spent. Even better, you can redeem these points at almost endless locations, including Rakuten Marketplace, restaurants, convenience stores, and more. If you make purchases in the Rakuten Marketplace app and use their cashless solutions like Edy and Rakuten Pay, it can be very cost-effective.


  • Application Process and Language Support: On their site, they state openly that they welcome both foreigners and exchange students, but the entire application process and the service itself are available only in Japanese.




  • PayPay Card: PayPay Card is credit card evolved from the former Yahoo! JAPAN Card ("Yahoo! JAPAN Card") issued by PayPay. 


  • No Annual Fee: Similar to the Rakuten Card, the PayPay Card offers the convenience of no annual fees, aligning with the contemporary need for cost-effective financial solutions.


  • Benefits: When you pay with the PayPay card, you will accrue PayPay points. This card is a good choice when using the PayPay app for your cashless payments. Notably, the points redemption rate increases to 3% on purchases at Yahoo! Shopping, providing additional incentives if you prefer Yahoo shopping to Rakuten Marketplace or Amazon.


  • Application Process and Language Support: The process is online, but if you are not a permanent resident, you may need to upload your My Number card in addition to your Residence Card. Unfortunately, the entire process is only available in Japanese.




  • AEON CARD: AEON Card is a credit card issued by AEON Bank.


  • No Annual Fee: Like its counterparts, this card imposes no annual fee.


  • Benefits: The AEON CARD combines a credit card and WAON electronic money, allowing you to earn and use points at Aeon and Maxvalu supermarkets and shopping centers. If you shop mostly in these chains, then it is worth considering applying for this card.


  • Application Process and Language Support: Applications can be made online but are also accepted at AEON shops. If you feel insecure filling out the application in Japanese, you can visit the shop and do it offline.  Because, offcorse everything is only available in Japanese. Extra documentation, such as proof of income, address verification, and credit information, may be required.




  • JCB: JCB card is a credit card issued directly by JCB, Japan Credit Bureau.


  • Fees: The first year is free. From there on, there is an annual fee of 1,375 yen.


  • Benefits: Users can enjoy point benefits, including triple points for popular platforms like Amazon and 7-Eleven. More than the point system, their branding is based on trust and quality. For example, if you lose your card, it is said that you can get a new one as early as the next day. However, a notable drawback of the JCB Card is that being issued by a Japanese provider, it may not enjoy the same widespread acceptance as a Visa or Mastercard when you are abroad.


  • Application Process and Language Support: While JCB is open to foreigners, the process is only available in Japanese.




Overcoming Language Barriers


Navigating the credit card application process in a foreign language can present challenges. Unfortunately none of the best cards provide any English support. It's advisable to enlist the assistance of someone fluent in Japanese for a seamless application experience.  


Conclusion: Choosing the Right Credit Card in Japan


Selecting the right credit card in Japan can significantly elevate your financial experience during your stay. As you explore the options available in 2023, consider factors such as points, annual fees, and foreigner-friendliness. Each card offers unique advantages, catering to different lifestyles and preferences. Here's to a seamless and rewarding financial journey in Japan!


This blog post was accurate at the time of publication.


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