How can foreigners get a credit card in Japan?
Foreigners who have lived in Japan for a short time may have a difficult image of how to apply for a credit card in Japan.
Knowing what items are considered important for the screening process will make it easier for foreigners to obtain a credit card in Japan. Also, it is good to know how to obtain a credit card as well as financial knowledge.
We recommend Japanese credit cards for foreigners. We explain how difficult it is for foreigners to get a credit card in Japan and the items that are emphasized in the screening process.
By the time you finish reading the article, you will understand how to obtain a credit card in Japan.
Japanese credit cards that are easy for foreigners to obtain
Japanese credit cards that are easier for foreigners to obtain are as follows
- Rakuten Credit Card
- EPOS Card
Let's take a look at the features and recommendations of each.
Features of Rakuten Card
Rakuten Card has no annual fee. It is recommended to acquire this credit card because it offers many benefits to its members.
Also, the high redemption rate of 1% is an attractive feature. And, depending on the time of year and the availability of campaigns, the reduction rate can be increased for even greater savings.
The Rakuten Credit Card is said to be relatively easy to apply for for foreign nationals and international students.
Rakuten credit cards can be applied for online. An English-speaking guide is available, so even those who are not comfortable with Japanese can apply. If you follow the steps of the English guide, you will be able to create a credit card.
For more information, visit ▶︎【 Official 】 Credit Card, Rakuten Card
EPOS Card Features
The EPOS Card can be created even by foreigners. It is also noteworthy that the membership fee and annual fee are waived permanently, making it a great value for money.
And the EPOS Card comes with automatic overseas travel accident insurance. We highly recommend this card to those who frequently travel abroad while living in Japan.
In addition, issuance can be made as soon as the day of application. (Please note that this does not always mean same-day issuance.)
On the other hand, the disadvantage is the lack of English-language guidance. EPOS card application will be suitable for those who can speak Japanese.
For more information, click here ▼
For more credit card recommendations, check out the following articles!
▶︎ Five Japanese credit cards for foreigners! And tips on how to pass the screening process.
Is it difficult for foreigners to obtain credit cards?
It is said that it is not easy for foreigners moving to Japan to obtain a credit card in Japan. This is because there are concerns about whether they have a stable income.
In particular, those who have been moving in for less than a year are especially likely to be perceived as having unstable incomes.
If the application is approved, some companies can issue the card on the same day. (Please note that this is not always possible.) If your application is approved, please ask your bank for details on how long it will take to issue the card.
If you are interested in obtaining a credit card, check out the following articles!
How to make it easier for foreigners to get credit cards in Japan
Factors Focused on in Credit Card Screening
What specific points should we pay attention to in order to make it easier to pass the screening process? If you are a foreigner, you can make it easier to pass the screening process by paying attention to the key points. Let's take a look at the items that are particularly important in the screening process.
The following two items are specifically reviewed at the time of creation
- Is your identity clear?
- Can you expect a stable income?
It is especially reliable to have more than one piece of identification. Some good identification to bring when creating a credit card include, for example, the following
- passport
- health insurance card
- driver's license
- certified copy of certificate of residence
It is also a good idea to bring proof that you can expect a stable income.
Pay stubs and withholding tax statements can prove that you have a stable income. A stable income makes it easier for the bank to understand that you have the ability to repay the money.
Proof of stable income is not always required, but some banks do require it. Even if submission is optional, try to bring as many pieces of proof as possible. This will increase the credibility of the bank.
How foreigners can obtain a credit card and required documents
To obtain a credit card, a foreigner must first open a bank account. Think carefully about which bank you would like to open an account and get a credit card.
Once you have created a bank account, you can apply for a credit card.
Identification is required to apply for a credit card. For more information, please refer to the website of the bank where you want to make a credit card. Also note that you will not be able to create a credit card without your bank account number.
summary
Here are some important points from our explanation of how to apply for a credit card in Japan.
- Foreign nationals will have an easier time applying for credit cards if they can prove stable income.
- When applying, applicants should have multiple forms of identification and proof of stable income.
When applying for a credit card in Japan, certain conditions make it easier to create one.
In addition, the process of creating a credit card is done after opening an account at the bank. Remember that you must open your account first.
Please acquire financial knowledge and enjoy a comfortable life in Japan.
