Popular among foreigners! Explanation of types of Rakuten Credit Cards, how to make one, and tips for screening.

update date 2024/06/11

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The Rakuten Credit Card is a very popular credit card among Japanese and non-Japanese alike. Issued by the Internet giant Rakuten, the credit card is easy to apply for online and has a reputation for a relatively smooth application process.

In this article, we will explain why Rakuten Credit Cards are so popular and introduce three attractive features of Rakuten Credit Cards. We also provide a comparison of the eight different Rakuten credit cards and tips on how to pass the screening process.

For foreign residents in Japan, it is very important to make good use of credit cards to improve their quality of life. Please read this article to find the best Rakuten credit card for you.

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【 Three Reasons for the Popularity of the 】 Rakuten Credit Card

The Rakuten Credit Card is attractive because you can apply online, receive your card quickly, and earn free Rakuten points.

1. you can apply online

Rakuten Credit Card can be applied for online, so it is easy for foreigners who are not fluent in Japanese to apply. Another convenient feature of the online application is that you do not need a stamp.

2. fast delivery of cards

It takes about one week to receive your Rakuten Credit Card after you have applied for it. It usually takes about two weeks to receive the credit card, so the time required to receive the credit card is quite short.

3. free award Rakuten points will be given

When you apply for Rakuten Credit Card, you will receive 5000 free Rakuten points. It is recommended to check the official website regularly, as campaigns sometimes increase the number of points to 8,000 points, for example.

【8 types of 】 recommended Rakuten credit cards

There are many types of Rakuten credit cards, so you may be wondering which one you should choose. Here we will explain the main Rakuten Credit Cards.

1. Rakuten Card

Rakuten Card is the most orthodox card and is easy to use for everyone. It is recommended for all foreigners.

For more information and application, please visit ▶︎ Rakuten Card

2. Rakuten PINK Card

Rakuten PINK Card is a credit card for women and is recommended for female foreigners. If you enter the customized service for 330 yen per month, you can use coupons and insurance services for women.

For more information and application, please visit ▶︎ Rakuten PINK Card

3. Rakuten Gold Card

Rakuten Gold Card is a credit card ranked higher than Rakuten Card. It is recommended for foreigners who frequently fly or drive, as it offers free use of airport lounges twice a year and no annual fee for the ETC card.

For more information and application, please visit ▶︎ Rakuten Gold Card

4. Rakuten Premium Card

Rakuten Premium Card is a credit card ranked higher than Gold Card. It is recommended for foreigners who travel frequently, as it offers free airport lounge access and travel accident insurance.

For more information and application, please visit ▶︎ Rakuten Premium Card

5. Rakuten Bank Card

Rakuten Bank Card is a Rakuten Card that can also be used as a Rakuten Bank cash card. It is recommended for foreigners who have an account with Rakuten Bank.

For more information and application, please visit ▶︎ Rakuten Bank Card

6. Rakuten ANA Mileage Club Card

Rakuten ANA Mileage Club Card is a credit card for frequent ANA flyers, allowing you to earn ANA miles and eliminating the need to check-in at the airport counter.

For more information and application, please visit ▶︎ Rakuten ANA Mileage Club Card

7. Rakuten Card Academy

Rakuten Card Academy is a student-only credit card recommended for international students. It is convenient because it automatically switches to the regular Rakuten Card when you graduate from school.

For more information and application, please visit ▶︎ Rakuten Card Academy

8. alpen group Rakuten Card

Alpen Group Rakuten Card is a credit card affiliated with Alpen Group, a famous sporting goods company. It is recommended for foreigners who love sports, as it offers benefits such as Alpen points.

For more information and application, please visit ▶︎ Alpen Group Rakuten Card

Comparison chart of cards by type

card name	Target Users	Features & Benefits
Rakuten Card	All foreigners	Orthodox and easy to use. General benefits available.
Rakuten PINK Card	Female Foreigner	Special offers for women. Customized services (coupons, insurance services, etc.) available for ¥330/month.
Rakuten Gold Card	Foreigners who often fly or drive	Complimentary airport lounge twice a year, no annual fee for ETC card.
Rakuten Premium Card	Foreigners who travel frequently	A wealth of travel-related benefits, including free airport lounge access and travel insurance.
Rakuten Bank Card	Foreigners with Rakuten Bank accounts	Can be used as Rakuten Bank's cash card.
Rakuten ANA Mileage Club Card	Foreigners who use ANA frequently	Earn ANA miles and eliminate the need to check-in at the airport counter.
Rakuten Card Academy	exchange student	For students only. Automatically switched to regular Rakuten Card after graduation.
Alpen Group Rakuten Card	Foreigners who like sports	Partnership with Alpen Group. Benefits related to sporting goods such as Alpen points are available.

How to make and apply for Rakuten Credit Card

To apply for Rakuten Credit Card, access the application page on Rakuten's website, enter the required information, and complete the identification verification process.

Foreign residents will always be asked to identify themselves, so be sure to have your residence card or other identification ready. You must also identify yourself to the delivery person when you receive your card.

How to apply for Rakuten Credit Card

Access Rakuten's application page
Select a card type
Enter your address and other personal information
Enter your income and workplace information.
Choose to add Rakuten Edy
Enter your bank account
Identification.
Awaiting Review
Receive a card

4 tips to pass the Rakuten Credit Card screening

There are a few tips to keep in mind to pass the Rakuten Credit Card screening.

1. longer period of stay is more advantageous

You can apply for a visa if your period of stay is at least 3 months, but those who stay longer are more likely to be screened. It is important to apply when you have some leeway in your period of stay.

2. it is more advantageous not to have a cash advance

It is easier to pass without a cash advance because it requires a review of income and other factors.

3.JCB is said to have a strict screening process.

You can choose from VISA, Mastercard, American Express, and JCB (depending on the type of card), but JCB is a Japanese brand and is said to have a tougher screening process. If you have no particular preference, it is safe to avoid JCB.

4. do not apply for more than one card at the same time

If you apply for several cards besides Rakuten at the same time, you may be considered suspicious and fail the screening process. Card companies share information, so you cannot apply for cards from other companies without Rakuten's knowledge.

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summary

The Rakuten Credit Card is easy to apply for online, easy to get approved, and offers many great benefits. By making good use of your Rakuten Card, you can make your life in Japan more convenient and affluent. You can also find the best card that suits your lifestyle from the eight types introduced here.

If you don't have Rakuten Card yet, why don't you take this opportunity to apply for it? Why don't you start a comfortable credit life with Rakuten Card?

Finally, we have prepared an article with information on how foreigners can make good use of credit cards in Japan.

These articles provide detailed information on recommended credit cards other than Rakuten Card, the procedures for foreigners to obtain a card, and tips to make it easier to pass the screening process. We also provide information on convenient debit cards for foreigners who have difficulty in getting a credit card, so please check them out.

Credit and debit cards are strong allies for foreigners during their stay in Japan. Please refer to these articles to make your life in Japan comfortable and fulfilling.