Our comparison service is NOT compensated by any credit card company. Our editorial team and our expert review board provide an unbiased analysis of the products we feature. We use stars rating method that is based on local Japanese feedback.
Whether you are a student or a salaryman with many years of experiences, you can find the most appropriate card that fits your expectation here.
Best Japanese credit card by our pickWe overlook ALL Japanese credit card issuer, and we come up with the best credit cards according to a numbers of important criteria.
We have listed according to people’s preferences in price.com, which is the most popular product comparison service. The top 100 are list below according to the ranks.
Yes, foreigners can register for Credit Card in Japan. In Japan, the use of credit cards is very common, and almost all commercial venues can use credit cards. If a foreigner registers a credit card in Japan, they generally need to provide the following materials:
Requirements:
Please note that the above information is for reference only. The specific application conditions and procedures may vary depending on the bank or region. We suggest that you consult relevant banks or institutions in advance.
Credit cards in Japan work in much the same basic way as they do in many other countries—you can use them to make purchases and then you have a grace period before you need to pay off your balance. However, there are some key differences that set Japanese credit cards apart from those in other countries.
In many countries, you can choose to pay off just a part of your credit card balance each month (though interest is charged on the remaining amount). However, in Japan, most credit cards automatically deduct the full outstanding amount from your linked bank account at the end of the billing cycle.
While credit cards are becoming more popular in Japan, the country is still primarily a cash society, especially outside of major cities. Even in some cases within Tokyo or other big cities, small retailers and restaurants may only accept cash.
Some credit cards in Japan have a built-in IC chip that can be charged with money and used for small purchases, much like a prepaid debit card. This is particularly handy for public transport and vending machines.
Point Systems: Many Japanese credit cards have point systems that allow you to earn points for discounts at specific retailers. The usual return is between 0.5% – 2%, which is relatively lower comparing to many other countries.
You can earn points not only from shopping but sometimes also from paying utility bills, and these points can often be used in a variety of ways, from shopping to converting them into airline miles.
No, Japan does not have a credit score system. Japanese society interprets its financial system as everyone is creditable based on your employers, so credit score is not necessary.
