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CompareCredit cards foreigners can actually get
The short answer
Card applications often fail right after you arrive because you have no credit history in Japan. Use a debit card first, then apply for one card after a few salary payments.
What the screening looks at
- Your income and employer in Japan, and how long you have worked there
- How long is left on your residence period
- Your Japanese credit history, which is almost empty when you arrive
- A Japanese phone number and bank account
Apply in this order
- Open a bank account and get its debit card first. See bank accounts.
- Receive two or three salary payments so you have a record of income.
- Apply for one card with no annual fee, from a company you already use.
- Pay on time for about six months to build your history.
Cards to compare
| Card | Annual fee | Notes | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rakuten Card | None | Apply online. Open to all residence statuses except temporary visitors (Expatica). Has an English app, Rakuten Card Lite (Finextra) | People who use Rakuten services |
| EPOS Card | None | Often chosen by new residents and students as a first card (Expatica). Can be issued in store at Marui | People who want a card fast |
| AEON Card | None for the standard card (IT Trend) | Benefits at AEON supermarkets. Application is in Japanese | Everyday shopping |
Card companies don't publish their screening rules, so no card is guaranteed. Your job, income and how long is left on your residence period matter most.
Don't do this
- Apply for many cards at once. Applications stay on record for a while and several at once can count against you.
- Use revolving payments. The monthly amount looks small, but the interest adds up.
- Pay late, even once. It stays on your Japanese credit record for a long time.
Next step
Furusato Nozei for foreigners, step by step
If you work in Japan and pay resident tax, you can use Furusato Nozei whatever your nationality. You donate to a town, everything above...
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