How Foreigners Can Get a Credit Card in Japan | Screening Criteria & Required Documents
※カードの発行には審査があり、在留資格・在留期間により発行できない場合があります。条件は公式サイトでご確認ください。* Issuance is subject to screening and may not be available depending on your residence status/period. Check the official site for conditions.※发卡需审查，可能因在留资格·在留期间无法发行。条件请见官方网站。* Việc phát hành cần xét duyệt và có thể không được tùy tư cách/thời gian lưu trú. Xem điều kiện trên trang chính thức.
- A credit card is convenient for life in Japan, but many foreign residents feel uneasy about the screening process.
- The article explains the application steps, how screening generally works, and the documents needed.
- It also introduces alternative options in case your application is not approved.
Credit cards are convenient in Japan, but many foreigners feel uncertain about the application process. This article explains how to apply, what screening looks at, required documents, and alternatives when an application is not approved. For a side-by-side card comparison, see the sister-site link at the top of this page.
① Key Factors When Foreigners Apply for a Card
- A longer remaining validity on your residence card may work in your favour during screening
- A Japanese bank account (Japan Post Bank or an online bank) is typically required
- Stable, continuous income (pay slips make verification easier)
- A Japanese address and phone number are required
📝 New to applying online? See our step-by-step guide: How to Apply for a Credit Card in Japan Online.
② Types of Credit Cards and How to Think About Choosing One
Japanese credit cards fall into four broad categories, each with different screening criteria and strengths. Thinking about which type fits your lifestyle is a good starting point.
| Card type | Issuer examples | Screening tendency | Same-day issue | Annual fee tendency | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retail-affiliated | AEON, EPOS (via Marui) | Tends to be relatively accessible | Available for some (e.g. EPOS at Marui stores) | Often no annual fee | People who shop regularly at the affiliated stores |
| Bank-affiliated | Sumitomo Mitsui, etc. | Often weighs credit and banking history more | Rarely | Varies (from no fee to paid) | People with a banking track record in Japan |
| Consumer-finance | Dedicated credit companies | Varies by company | Some offer quick issuance | Often no annual fee | People who prefer applying online |
| Internet-service | Rakuten, PayPay | Varies by card | Rarely (the physical card is mailed) | Often no annual fee | Frequent users of the linked service |
* The above are general tendencies and vary by card and by applicant. Please check each card's official site for the latest conditions.
Retail-affiliated cards
Issued by supermarkets or shopping centres (e.g. AEON Card, EPOS Card via Marui). Points tend to accumulate faster at affiliated stores, making them well-suited to people who shop regularly at those chains.
Bank-affiliated cards
Issued by banks or their subsidiaries (e.g. Sumitomo Mitsui Card). These cards often weigh credit history and banking track record more heavily in their assessments.
Consumer-finance cards
Issued by dedicated credit companies (some EPOS cards fall here). Many accept online applications, and some — such as in-store EPOS Card applications at Marui — can be issued the same day.
Internet-service cards
Cards linked to major online platforms (e.g. Rakuten Card, PayPay Card). Many carry no annual fee, and frequent users of the associated services can accumulate points efficiently.
Points to consider when choosing
- Annual fee: Starting with a no-annual-fee card keeps ongoing costs to a minimum
- Point return rate: A card with a higher return rate at shops or services you already use will be more effective
- Residence status: Residence type, remaining period, and income stability can affect eligibility criteria. Check the official site of each card for details
③ If Your Application Is Declined
- Wait six months to a year before re-applying
- Use a debit card (no screening required) to build a transaction history in Japan
- Try again once your remaining residence period is longer
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreigners get a credit card in Japan?
In many cases, yes. Screening considers your residence status and remaining period of stay, your income, and your credit information, and you also need a Japanese bank account, address and phone number. A longer remaining period on your residence card may work in your favour, but approval is not guaranteed.
What do I need to apply for a credit card as a foreigner?
Typically a Japanese bank account (such as Japan Post Bank or an online bank) for payments, a Japanese address and phone number, and income that can be verified — pay slips make verification easier.
Which type of credit card should I choose?
Japanese cards fall into four broad types: retail-affiliated cards (for example AEON or EPOS via Marui), bank-affiliated cards (for example Sumitomo Mitsui), consumer-finance cards, and internet-service cards (for example Rakuten or PayPay). Starting with a no-annual-fee card and choosing a type that matches the shops or services you already use is a good approach, and you should check each card's official site for the latest conditions.
What can I do if my credit card application is declined?
You can wait six months to a year before re-applying, use a debit card (which needs no screening) to build up a transaction history in Japan, and try again once your remaining residence period is longer. Applying to several cards at the same time may count against you, so apply to one card at a time.
💳 クレカ比較をもっと深く💳 More on credit cards (deep dive)💳 信用卡比较更深入💳 So sánh thẻ tín dụng chi tiết hơn
クレジットカードの選び方を外国人特化で深掘り。あわせてiDeCo・NISA・PayPayなどお金まわりの専門記事は、姉妹サイト「在日マネーナビ」でご覧いただけます。For an in-depth credit-card guide for foreign residents, plus iDeCo, NISA and PayPay specialty articles, see our sister site Zainichi Money Navi.在外国人专题视角下深入对比信用卡，以及iDeCo·NISA·PayPay等金融专题，请见姊妹站「在日マネーナビ」。Hướng dẫn thẻ tín dụng chuyên cho người nước ngoài chi tiết hơn, cùng iDeCo, NISA, PayPay — xem tại trang đồng hành Zainichi Money Navi.
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