The Best Credit Cards in Japan

Credit cards make life easier for many people, but their popularity in some economically strong countries seems to be low. What about 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 topics.

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 necessary 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 the risk of granting credit. This can be difficult for newcomers to the country, as they do not have a 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 repayment ability. Foreigners working in Japan must provide a document that proves their income, such as a payslip or tax return. Students may need to provide a financial support statement.
4. Proof of residence: Some credit card companies in Japan may require proof of residence in the country. This can be a rental contract, a utility bill, or a confirmation letter of address issued by the city hall.
5. Identification documents: In addition to a passport, foreigners must provide a valid identification document in Japan, such as a driver’s license or residence card.
6. Language proficiency: Some credit card companies may require applicants to speak Japanese to communicate with customer service or to understand the terms and conditions of the contract.

For foreigners who wish to apply for a credit card in Japan, some companies are known for being more friendly and offering more accessible requirements. Some offer cards specifically for foreigners and students.

Companies such as Rakuten, JCB, Sumitomo Mitsui, Aeon, and Orico are famous for making it easier for foreigners to obtain cards and even offer online applications.

What types of credit cards are available in Japan?

In Japan, there are various 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 usually offer advantages such as point accumulation 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 advantages for purchases at their respective stores and may 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 advantages for customers of these companies, such as discounts on airline tickets or accommodations.
4. Point and Pre-Paid Cards – Stores and companies may also offer point cards with credit functions or that are more easily accepted in their store networks. Even railway usage cards allow purchases and are options for many in addition to traditional credit cards.

Regardless of the type of card chosen, it is important to carefully evaluate the advantages offered and the fees and interest rates applied before making an application.

We also recommend reading: Point Card – Learn about the Point Cards of Japan

Sumitomo Mitsui Credit Cards

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

The credit cards issued by SMCC are known for offering exclusive benefits, in addition to traditional points, cashback, discounts on purchases, 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 the gold card has a low annual fee of only 5,000 yen, while the platinum card has an annual membership fee of 33,000 yen and returns up to 10% in points.

The card company offers discounts of up to 5% at convenience stores, doubles points at specific stores, and even sends sweets and gift vouchers. The gold card even includes travel insurance, point bonuses, and much more.

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 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 worldwide, especially in Asia and the Pacific countries.

The company has various proprietary and co-branded cards, in addition to having its brand on various 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 issuing company with its own brand, widely present in Japan. The company offers a wide range of credit cards to Japanese customers, from personal credit cards to corporate cards.

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

An example of an accessible AE card is the Saison Pearl American Express Card, which has no annual fee and an annual membership fee of only 1,100 yen. One of its advantages is a 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 selected clients who meet certain income and spending requirements.

The Centurion Card offers exclusive benefits, such as access to VIP lounges at airports, 24-hour concierge services, an exclusive rewards program, and other premium benefits. Centurion Card holders also have access to exclusive events, such as shows and sports, and benefits at luxury hotels and restaurants worldwide.

It is important to note that the Centurion Card is not available for public application and is only offered by invitation from American Express. The eligibility requirements to receive an invitation for the Centurion Card are kept secret, but generally require a very high income and a 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 is a credit card with no limits, but it is said that its annual fee exceeds 380,000 yen.

List of Credit Card Companies in Japan

To conclude, we will leave a list of all 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