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Best Credit Cards in Japan for Foreigners

Best Credit Cards in Japan 2025

Choosing a credit card in Japan can be confusing for foreign residents. Approval standards are conservative, requirements vary by issuer, and English support is limited. This guide explains how screening works, what documents you need, which cards are realistic for expats, and how to improve your odds of approval—so you can pay bills, book travel, and manage day-to-day expenses with confidence.

1) Eligibility & What Issuers Check

  • Residency & ID: Residence card (在留カード) and passport; some issuers ask for My Number (個人番号).
  • Stability: Months at current address, employment status, employer, and income level.
  • Payment capacity: Existing liabilities and requested limit.
  • Credit references: Payment history held by Japanese bureaus (e.g., CIC). Multiple recent applications can reduce approval odds.

Tip: A Japanese mobile number and a domestic bank account for auto-pay are practically mandatory.

2) Documents You’ll Typically Need

  • Residence card and passport
  • Japanese address (may be verified via juminhyo or recent utility bill)
  • Japanese mobile number for SMS/app verification
  • Employer details (name, start date, income) or school enrollment for students
  • Domestic bank account for automatic payments

3) Cards That Work for Foreign Residents (2025)

EPOS Card (丸井グループ)

No annual fee options, broad merchant acceptance, and comparatively flexible approval for new residents with stable income. Perks include periodic Marui department store discounts and a straightforward points program.

Rakuten Card

Simple application, free annual fee (core), 1% base points, and strong online acceptance. The Rakuten app and ecosystem (mobile, travel, marketplace) add convenience.

Mitsui Sumitomo (Visa) — NL / Gold NL

Modern, contactless-first cards with app controls; competitive travel/merchant promos and solid reliability from a major issuer.

JCB CARD W

Double point accrual at base, plus extra points at partner stores. Good domestic acceptance and clean online flow.

American Express (AMEX) — Bonvoy / ANA Variants

Premium travel ecosystem, strong customer service, and valuable co-brands. The Marriott Bonvoy AMEX is excellent for hotel points/status; ANA AMEX targets frequent flyers.

Wise Card (Multi-Currency Debit Alternative)

Instant virtual/physical card tied to a multi-currency account with transparent FX. Doesn’t typically build Japanese credit, but it’s ideal while establishing residency and salary history.

4) How to Improve Your Approval Odds

  • Apply after 1–2 salary cycles at your current job and address.
  • Space out applications—avoid applying to multiple issuers at once.
  • Match your name, address, and employer details exactly as on official documents.
  • Show regular local bank activity (utilities, phone, transit, subscriptions).
  • Start with easier cards (EPOS, Rakuten) before upgrading to premium issuers.

5) FAQ — Credit Cards in Japan

Can I get approved on a work visa without long history?

Yes, especially after a few months at your current address and job with a domestic bank account for auto-pay.

Do Wise or Revolut build Japanese credit?

No. They’re best used for payments and travel while you establish a local record.

Which card is best for frequent travel?

For hotel and flight value, the Marriott Bonvoy AMEX and ANA AMEX offer strong point ecosystems and elite benefits.

Is English-language support common?

EPOS and AMEX have smoother English support; others vary by channel.

6) Side-by-Side Comparison (2025)

Card / Issuer Annual Fee Rewards / Perks English Support Ease for Foreigners Best For
EPOS CardFreeMarui discounts, pointsGoodEasy–ModerateFirst domestic card
Rakuten CardFree~1% points; strong online usePartialEasy–ModerateDaily spend & ecommerce
Mitsui Sumitomo (NL / Gold NL)VariesContactless; frequent promosPartialModerateMainstream issuer value
JCB CARD WFreeDouble points; partnersLimitedModerateJapan-first spending
AMEX (Bonvoy / ANA)Annual feeHotel/airline points; elite pathsStrongModerate–HardFrequent travelers; premium
Wise Card (debit)Free (with account)Transparent FX; global useStrongVery EasyNew arrivals; cross-border use

Related Reading

Setting up banking first? Read our step-by-step guide: How to Open a Bank Account in Japan (2025 Guide for Expats and Professionals).

Housing next? See How to Rent an Apartment in Tokyo Without a Guarantor (2025 Guide).

Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only and is not financial advice. Issuer policies change; always confirm current terms on the application page.

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