Japan's Best Credit Cards

Credit cards make life easier for many people, but their popularity in some economically strong countries appears to be low. What to say in Japan? Do the Japanese like to use credit cards? How do I get a credit card in Japan? What are the best cards? In this article we will address this and other issues.

Credit card for foreigners in Japan

For foreigners, obtaining a credit card in Japan can be a slightly more complicated process than for Japanese residents. Typically, the following requirements are needed to apply for a credit card in Japan:

1. Valid residency status: You must have a valid residency status in Japan, such as a work visa or student visa.
2. Credit history: Some credit card companies may require a credit history in Japan to assess credit risk. This can be difficult for newcomers to the country as they have no credit history in Japan. In this case, some credit card companies may require additional guarantees or a guarantor.
3. Proof of income: Most credit card companies in Japan require proof of income to assess your ability to pay. Foreigners working in Japan must provide a document that proves their income, such as a payslip or income tax return. Students may need to provide an affidavit of financial support.
4. Proof of address: Some credit card companies in Japan may require proof of residency in the country. This could be a lease agreement, an electricity or gas bill, or an address confirmation letter issued by the city hall.
5. Identification documents: In addition to a passport, foreigners must provide an identification document valid in Japan, such as a driver's license or residence card.
6. Language knowledge: Some credit card companies may require applicants to speak Japanese in order to communicate with customer service or to understand the terms and conditions of the agreement.

For foreigners looking to apply for a credit card in Japan, some companies are known to be friendlier and offer more affordable requirements. Some offer exclusive cards for foreigners and students.

Companies such as Rakuten, JCB, Sumitomo Mitsui, Aoen and Orico are famous for making it easy for foreigners to obtain cards and even offer online enrollment.

What types of credit cards are available in Japan?

In Japan, there are several types of credit cards available, offered by different companies and financial institutions. Here are some of the main types:

1. bank credit cards – Issued by local or international banks, these credit cards are widely used in Japan and often offer benefits such as accumulating points and cashback.
2. Credit cards issued by retail companies – Many retail companies in Japan, such as department stores and supermarket chains, issue their own credit cards. These cards offer exclusive perks for shopping at the respective stores and can be easier to obtain compared to bank cards.
3. co-branded credit cards – These cards are issued in partnership with other companies, such as airlines or hotel chains. They offer specific benefits to the customers of these companies, such as discounts on airline tickets or accommodation.
4. Points and Prepaid Cards – Stores and companies can also offer points cards with a credit function or that are more easily accepted in their store networks. Even railway use cards allow you to make purchases and are many options in addition to traditional credit cards.

Regardless of the type of card chosen, it is important to carefully evaluate the benefits offered and the fees and interest applied before applying.

We also recommend reading: Point Card - Get to know Japan's Point cards

Sumitomo Mitsui credit cards

Sumitomo Mitsui Card Company, also known as SMCC, is one of the largest credit card issuers in Japan. The company is a subsidiary of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, one of the largest financial groups in the country.

Credit cards issued by SMCC are known for offering exclusive benefits beyond the traditional points, cashback, shopping discounts and concierge services.

SMCC cards are known for having a relatively high approval rate and a quick and easy application process.

The traditional card has no fee, while gold has a low annual fee of just 5,000 yen, while platinum has an annual membership fee of 33,000 yen and returns up to 10% in points.

The card company gives discounts of up to 5% at convenience stores, doubling points at specific stores, and even sends out sweets and gift certificates. The Gold Card even includes travel insurance, bonus points and much more.

The article is still halfway through, but we recommend also reading:

JCB Credit Cards

JCB credit cards are one of the main types of credit cards in Japan, issued by JCB Co., Ltd. The Japan Credit Bureau company was founded in 1961 and currently has a presence in over 190 countries.

JCB is a type of card brand like VISA and Mastercard. JCB credit cards are widely accepted around the world, especially in Asian and Pacific countries.

The company has several own and co-branded cards, in addition to being present with its flag on several cards such as AEON, Rakuten, Saison, Apollo Station.

Other cards in order of power are:

1. JCB Aquos Card
2. JCB Card
3. JCB Classic Card
4. JCB Gold Card
5. JCB JAL Card
6. JCB Kyash Card
7. JCB NEXUS Card
8. JCB Platinum Card
9. JCB Premier Card
10. JCB WAON Card

American Express Cards

American Express is a credit card issuer with its own brand, which is very present in Japan. The company offers Japanese customers a wide range of credit cards, from personal credit cards to corporate cards.

It is a traditional company with high-level cards, but with a high registration and annual fee. The company is also present via co-branded in Japan.

An example of an affordable AE card is the Saison Pearl American Express Card which has free membership and an annual membership fee of just 1,100 yen. One of its advantages is the return of up to 2% on QUICPay.

American Express Centurion

The American Express Centurion, also known as the Amex Black Card, is one of the most exclusive credit cards in the world issued by American Express. This card is made of titanium and is only available to select customers who meet certain income and spending requirements.

The Centurion Card offers exclusive benefits such as access to airport lounges, 24-hour concierge services, an exclusive rewards program and other premium benefits. Centurion Card holders also have access to exclusive events, such as concerts and sports, and benefits at luxury hotels and restaurants around the world.

It is important to note that the Centurion Card is not available for public solicitation and is only offered by invitation from American Express. Eligibility requirements to receive a Centurion Card invitation are kept secret, but generally require a very high income and significant spending history with other American Express cards.

Due to its exclusivity and premium benefits, the American Express Centurion is often considered a status symbol for cardholders. Some say it's an unlimited credit card, but they say its annual fee exceeds 380,000 yen.

List of Credit Card Companies in Japan

Finally, we will leave you a list of all the credit card companies in Japan:

1. Acom
2. AEON Credit Service Co.
3. American Express Japan
4. Atre Credit
5. Central Finance Co., Ltd.
6. China UnionPay
7. Credit Saison Co., Ltd.
8. Daimaru Matsuzakaya Department Stores
9. Daiwa Securities Group Inc.
10. DC Card Co., Ltd.
11. Diners Club Japan
12. Discover Japan
13. Edy
14. FC Card Co., Ltd.
15. Higashinippon Bank
16. Iida Group Holdings Co., Ltd.
17. Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd.
18. JCB (Japan Credit Bureau)
19. JCB International Co., Ltd.
20. Jibun Bank Corporation
21. J-Debit
22. Kyushu Bank Ltd.
23. Mastercard Japan
24. Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc.
25. Mitsubishi UFJ Nicos Co.
26. Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co., Ltd.
27. NTT Finance Corporation
28. Orico Corporation
29. Otsuka Corporation
30. PacificNet Inc.
31. PayPay Corporation
32. Rakuten Card Co.
33. Rizap Group Inc.
34. SMBC Consumer Finance Co., Ltd.
35. Seven Card Service Co., Ltd.
36. SoftBank Corp.
37. Sumitomo Mitsui Card Co.
38. SBI Sumishin Net Bank, Ltd.
39. Tokyo Mitsubishi UFJ Bank, Ltd.
40. Toyota Finance Corporation
41. UC Card Co., Ltd.
42. UnionPay International Co., Ltd.
43. Visa Japan
44. Yahoo! JAPAN Corporation