Prepaid credit cards are a convenient and secure option for people who want to control their spending without going into debt. In Japan, prepaid credit cards are a popular option for tourists and foreigners who want to shop without having to open a bank account in the country. In this article, we'll explore what prepaid credit cards are in Japan, how they work, and what options are available.
Prepaid credit cards in Japan can be used to make purchases anywhere that credit cards are accepted, including stores, restaurants, hotels and online shopping sites. They can also be used to withdraw cash at ATMs across the country.
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How do Prepaid credit cards work in Japan?
Prepaid credit cards in Japan are credit cards that allow users to make purchases without having to pay cash or use a traditional credit card.
They are similar to debit cards, but instead of withdrawing funds from a bank account, the user deposits an amount of money into the card and uses that money to make purchases.
Prepaid credit cards in Japan work in a simple way. First, the user buys the prepaid card in a store or online. Then, he deposits an amount of money on the card, which may vary depending on the card and the store where it was purchased.
After that, the user can use the card like a traditional credit card to make purchases in physical stores or online. You can also issue a virtual card or add your smartphone wallet.
The Best Prepaid Cards in Japan
It is worth mentioning that the traditional VISA, Mastercard and JCB can be issued prepaid by official websites, representatives or partners. As they are card brands, we will not go into detail on these brands, but they are the most recommended.
Switzerland Card and Pasmo
Let's start by talking about two cards that, despite not being prepaid credit cards, are similar and very popular in the country. Its advantages are even greater.
Suica Card and Pasmo Card are cards used to pay for public transport throughout Japan or specific locations. Cards are rechargeable and can be used on trains, buses, subways and taxis.
The initial cost of the Suica card is ¥2,000, of which ¥500 is for the card deposit and the remaining ¥1,500 are credits that can be used immediately. There is a ¥220 return fee for deposit refunds.
Both Pasmo and Suica are accepted at many establishments and convenience stores across Japan. Despite not being an official credit card, it has as many advantages and popularity as one.
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Rakuten Prepaid Card
Rakuten Prepaid Card is a prepaid credit card issued by Rakuten, one of Japan's largest e-commerce companies and an internationally famous online store.
The card is rechargeable and can be used to make purchases at Rakuten online stores and at other stores that accept Rakuten cards. The issuance fee is ¥300, and a monthly fee of ¥100 is charged after the first month of use.
Seven Bank Prepaid Card Nanaco
Seven Bank prepaid credit card is issued by the Japanese bank of the famous Seven Eleven convenience store franchise of Japan and the Globe.
The card can be purchased at Seven Eleven stores and can be used anywhere that credit cards are accepted. The initial cost of the card is ¥1,000, and there is a monthly maintenance fee of ¥100.
Seven Bank are ATM machines found in Seven Eleven stores that allow you to withdraw money from any bank account in any country, either by debit or credit.
In addition to the Seven Card, the company also issues another card called Nanaco that can be used at Seven and partner stores. The card can be recharged at Seven Eleven stores or online.
ISETAN Card
Isetan's prepaid credit card is a convenient option for in-store customers who want to control their spending. The card can be used at all Isetan stores across the country, as well as at affiliated and partner stores.
The initial cost of the card is ¥1,000, and a monthly maintenance fee of ¥100 is charged after the first month of use. Users can recharge their cards at any Isetan store or online.
Isetan is known for offering a high-quality and luxurious shopping experience. The store is frequented by customers looking for high quality brands and exclusive products.
Gift Cards and Amazon
Large online retail stores such as Amazon offer prepaid cards and also the famous Gift Cards that work in the same way, but can be purchased as a gift and their function is generally for online use.
There are many stores that have their own gift card and can be used both physically and online. Gift Card is widely used in games, web services and also as a balance to spend in specific stores.
There is not much difference between using a Gift Card and paying in cash. The advantages are in getting some promotion with a discount or paying in installments with the gift card.
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Sites to make prepaid cards
Wondering where to create these Prepaid cards online? Finally, we will leave a list of prepaid card sites in Japan, with a direct link to detailed information on each card.
- Rakuten Card (Rakuten): https://www.rakuten-card.co.jp/
- Seven Bank Prepaid Card (Seven Bank): https://www.sevenbank.co.jp/creditcard/prepaid/index2.html
- WAON Card (AEON): https://www.aeon.co.jp/waon/index.html
- Edy Card (BitWallet):
- nanaco Card (Seven & i Holdings):
- WebMoney (WebMoney Japan): https://www.webmoney.jp/
- Docomo Prepaid Card (NTT Docomo):
- Osaifu-Keitai (Mobile Suica): https://www.mobilesuica.com/
- Kappa Prepaid Card (Kappa Create):
- UCC Prepaid Card (Ueshima Coffee Co.):
- AEON Credit Service (AEON):
- ePOS Card (ePOS Card Japan):
- Saison Card Prepaid (Credit Saison): https://www.saisoncard.co.jp/card/prepaid/index.html
- TSUTAYA Prepaid Card (TSUTAYA):
- Circle K Sunkus Prepaid Card (Circle K Sunkus):
- Mufgcard Prepaid Card (Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group): https://www.mufgcard.com/service/prepaid/
- Yahoo! JAPAN Prepaid Card (Yahoo! JAPAN): https://card.yahoo.co.jp/cpn/
- Lawson Ticket (Lawson): https://l-tike.com/
- Amazon Japan Gift Card (Amazon Japan):
- Tsunagu Japan Gift Card (Tsunagu Japan):
