Navigating personal finance in Japan can feel overwhelming for new residents, especially when it comes to credit cards. To make the process simpler, we’ve gathered a reliable, up-to-date overview of the most accessible cards for non-Japanese residents.
| Card | Annual Fee | Key Benefits | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rakuten Card | ¥0 | 1% back on purchases, bonuses with Rakuten services, English app | Everyday shopping, Rakuten users |
| EPOS Card | ¥0 | Discounts at Marui, frequent campaigns, easy approval | Department store perks |
| Amazon Mastercard | ¥0 | 2% back for Prime on Amazon, 1.5% at convenience stores | Amazon and online shopping |
| AEON Card Select | ¥0 | WAON points, 5% off twice monthly, integration with e-money | AEON store shoppers |
| SMBC Card NL | ¥0 | Numberless design, up to 7% cashback at major chains | Security-conscious users |
| LIFE Deposit Card | From ¥5,500 | Secured deposit-based card for building credit | Credit building newcomers |
| Amex Gold | ¥39,600 | Travel perks, lounge access, insurance | Frequent travelers |
| Orico THE POINT | ¥0 | 1% back, 2% in first six months, Orico Mall bonuses | Versatile everyday use |
| JCB CARD W | ¥0 | Double JCB points, extra points at Amazon and 7-Eleven | Younger users under 40 |
| MUJI Card | Free with use | MUJI Miles, bonus shopping points | MUJI store fans |
| LUMINE Card | ¥0 first year, then ¥1,048 | 5–10% off at LUMINE, JRE POINT benefits | LUMINE and JR East users |
| AC Mastercard | ¥0 | Same-day issuance possible, 0.25% cashback | Quick access with easy approval |
Rakuten Card
Rakuten Card is one of the most popular credit cards among foreigners in Japan. It has no annual fee and offers one percent back on everyday purchases, with higher rewards available through Rakuten Group services. The card is widely accepted, integrates well with Rakuten Ichiba and Rakuten Travel, and often comes with sign-up bonuses. Another advantage is that Rakuten provides an English-language app to help with account management, making it especially foreigner-friendly. Issuance usually takes about one week to ten days after approval.
- Where to Apply: Rakuten Card Official Website
- Fees: Annual fee ¥0
EPOS Card
The EPOS Card, issued by Marui department stores, is another highly recommended option for foreigners. It has no annual fee, and applications can be made both online and in person at Marui locations. Many applicants prefer applying in-store, as staff can provide assistance and special promotions. The card offers a base earn rate of 0.5 percent and includes special discounts such as the “Maruko and Maruo 10% OFF” events held multiple times per year. It is known for its relatively easy approval process, making it a popular starter card for newcomers.
- Where to Apply: EPOS Card Official Website
- Fees: Annual fee ¥0
Amazon Mastercard (Japan)
The Amazon Mastercard is ideal for frequent Amazon.co.jp shoppers. It is issued by Mitsui Sumitomo and has no annual fee for the standard version. Amazon Prime members earn two percent on Amazon purchases, while non-Prime members earn 1.5 percent. Purchases at convenience stores like 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson also earn 1.5 percent, and other purchases earn one percent. The application is straightforward and can be completed online directly through Amazon’s website.
- Where to Apply: Amazon Mastercard on Amazon.co.jp
- Fees: Annual fee ¥0 (standard card)
AEON Card Select
AEON Card Select is a strong choice for those who shop frequently at AEON Group stores. It has no annual fee and earns WAON Points on spending. AEON store purchases earn double points, and cardholders also receive a five percent discount on the 20th and 30th of every month, known as Customer Appreciation Days. The card also integrates with the WAON e-money system, making it convenient for both everyday shopping and electronic payments.
- Where to Apply: AEON Card Select Official Website
- Fees: Annual fee ¥0
Sumitomo Mitsui Card (Numberless)
The Mitsui Sumitomo Numberless Card is designed with security and convenience in mind. It does not display card numbers, making it safer for everyday use. It also supports contactless payments and mobile wallets. Cardholders can earn up to seven percent cashback when using eligible smartphone payments at convenience stores such as 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson, and McDonald’s. The standard version of the card has no annual fee, and applications are available online.
- Where to Apply: SMBC Card NL Official Website
- Fees: Annual fee ¥0
LIFE Card (Deposit/Secured)
The LIFE Deposit Card is a secured credit card meant for those who cannot qualify for standard cards. It requires a refundable deposit, which becomes the credit limit. Starting limits include 30,000, 50,000, or 100,000 yen, with higher options available through Gold versions. This makes it especially useful for newcomers who want to build credit history in Japan. Annual fees start at 5,500 yen for the standard version, with higher fees for Gold versions.
- Where to Apply: LIFE Deposit Card Official Website
- Fees: Annual fee from ¥5,500 (standard version)
American Express Gold (Japan)
The American Express Gold Card is designed for people who travel frequently. It provides perks such as airport lounge access, comprehensive Membership Rewards benefits, and travel insurance. However, acceptance may be lower at smaller shops compared to Visa or Mastercard. While it has an annual fee, its perks make it appealing for those who value travel-related benefits.
- Where to Apply: American Express Japan
- Fees: Annual fee applies (see official site)
Orico Card THE POINT
Orico Card THE POINT is a popular no-fee card that offers high earning potential. It provides one percent back on all purchases and two percent during the first six months after signing up. Shoppers can also earn an extra 0.5 percent when using Orico Mall, the company’s online shopping portal. With no annual fee and broad acceptance, it is a versatile card for everyday use.
- Where to Apply: Orico Card THE POINT Official Website
- Fees: Annual fee ¥0
JCB CARD W (Age 39 and under)
JCB CARD W is targeted at applicants under the age of 40. The card has no annual fee and earns double the standard JCB point rate, giving cardholders about one percent back on general purchases. Additional point bonuses are available at major partner merchants such as Amazon and 7-Eleven. Applications are handled exclusively online, and the card is a solid option for those who prefer Japan’s domestic JCB brand.
- Where to Apply: JCB CARD W Official Website
- Fees: Annual fee ¥0
MUJI Card (by Credit Saison)
The MUJI Card is a store-affiliated card that appeals to shoppers at MUJI stores. It earns MUJI Miles and Permanent Points, with triple points for purchases at MUJI locations. Cardholders also receive seasonal MUJI shopping point bonuses. The card is effectively free if used at least once a year, but a small service fee applies otherwise.
- Where to Apply: MUJI Card Official Website
- Fees: Free with use; otherwise service fee of ¥1,650
LUMINE Card (View Card / JR East)
The LUMINE Card is tailored for those who regularly shop at LUMINE or NEWoMan department stores. Cardholders receive a permanent five percent discount on purchases and enjoy ten percent discounts during special promotional campaigns. The first year’s annual fee is waived, with a 1,048 yen fee charged from the second year onward. It is also tied into the JRE POINT system for JR East, providing additional benefits for train users.
- Where to Apply: LUMINE Card Official Website
- Fees: First year free; ¥1,048 from year two
AC Mastercard (Acom)
The AC Mastercard, issued by Acom, is one of the most accessible credit cards in Japan. It has no annual fee and can sometimes be issued the same day when applying at unmanned kiosks. The card offers 0.25 percent automatic cashback on purchases. However, the default repayment method is revolving credit, which means interest charges can accumulate quickly if not managed carefully. While its perks are modest, its accessibility makes it a useful option for newcomers who need quick approval.
- Where to Apply: AC Mastercard Official Website
- Fees: Annual fee ¥0
Key Requirements to Apply for a Japanese Credit Card
While each issuer sets its own rules, most successful applications share the following basics. Applicants must have a medium- to long-term residence status with a valid Residence Card, as tourist visas are not eligible. They must generally be at least 18 years old and have a Japanese phone number for contact. A domestic bank account is required for automatic payments. Government-issued identification and proof of employment or income may also be requested, although students can sometimes apply with certain conditions. Some issuers may ask for proof of address, such as a Resident Record.
How to Apply
- Choose the card that best fits your spending habits, such as Rakuten or Amazon for online shopping, AEON, LUMINE, or MUJI for store perks, SMBC NL or Orico for general use, or the LIFE Deposit card if you need a secured option.
- Prepare your documents in advance, including your residence card, Japanese phone number, domestic bank account information, and employment or student details.
- Submit your application either online or in person, for example at Marui for EPOS or AEON stores for AEON Card Select.
- Wait for the issuer to review your application. Some issuers may call to confirm your details during this stage.
- Once approved, expect your card to arrive within about one week to ten days.
- After receiving your card, activate it, register it in the mobile app if available, and consider adding it to a digital wallet for convenience.
For newcomers, Rakuten, EPOS, Orico THE POINT, SMBC Card NL, AEON, Amazon Mastercard, and if needed, the LIFE Deposit Card, are consistently approachable. Store-branded cards like LUMINE and MUJI provide strong chain-specific perks. Using issuer links to apply and visiting in-person counters such as Marui and AEON can be helpful for applicants who want more support in English.
