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Aug 16, 2020

Japanese Credit Card Recommendations?

I am planning on applying for a Japanese credit card. I am looking to choose one with no annual fee. What do you guys recommend?

ReishiiTravels

ReishiiTravels

Teacher, Traveler, Dancer -
Currently living in Gifu -
I love Japan, dance, cats, food, and fashion!

14 Answers



  • JapanRamen

    on Aug 16

    I use the Amazon card just because I shop on it often so getting points back works for me. It does have an annual fee but if you used the card even once in the year then it is weaved.

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  • genkidesu

    on Aug 17

    @JapanRamen I'm curious about the Amazon card now - maybe you could do a how-to about applying for it and some of the benefits! I'd be interested in reading it!

    1
  • Eli

    on Aug 17

    A lot of cards have no annual fee upon the condition that you use them once a year. Which one is best for you kind of depends on your shopping habits as most cards come with certain benefits for shopping at certain stores. If there is a certain shopping centre or an online store where you buy frequently I would check whether they have a credit card. I do a lot of shopping on amazon so I use an Amazon credit card.

    0
  • Kobakko

    on Aug 17

    If you travel a lot (maybe not these days) then getting a gold card with an annual fee may pay off. You get way more points on gold cards and they come with many benefits, like being able to use lounges at airports or being insured when traveling abroad. Travel insurance is EXTREMELY expensive in Japan. It saves me at least 40.000 yen in travel insurances in normal years. You also get free dial medical assistance, a bicycle insurance...

    0
  • JapanRamen

    on Aug 17

    @genkidesu Haha good idea, I am working on another money-saving thing someone else suggested to me, so your recommendation will be the next How-To :)

    0
  • TonetoEdo

    on Aug 18

    When I started a new job, my employer paid direct deposit to MUFJ Mitsubishi, so I had to open an account at the nearest branch. The bank signed me up for a credit card. It has no fees. Credit limits are low here at Y100,000, but some credit card companies allow you to adjust it. Before I travel, I phone the bank and raise the credit limit for the duration of my trip.

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  • KevinC

    on Aug 18

    If you are in the Rakuten ecosystem, you should use Rakuten Gold Card. It gives you about 1~2% cashback on store purchases, and 3~10% on Rakuten online shop. On top of that if you use Rakuten mobile and other services, you can earn more points on each purchase. One more trick I do every year is Furusatonozeiふるさと納税 with Rakuten marathon campaign, so the cashback is close to 20%!!

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  • helloalissa

    on Aug 25

    I'm following this too... not enthusiastic about getting a credit card, but there are some good suggestions that actually give a good percentage cashback / points. (My US card will expire this year and I'm not sure if I can renew it since I haven't lived there in a while...)

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  • Nice

    on Sep 3

    Amazon Credit card ( SMBC) and Rakuten Card are foreign friendly and can be processed through online application. However these have annual fees.

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  • neko

    on Sep 6

    Personally, I have a Rakuten card because I am on Rakuten mobile, and the points are shared between the two!

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  • Striffy

    on Sep 23

    I need to make a credit card in Japan this week, too. My German one expired last month... so I need one soon. Where can I find the amazon credit card?

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  • Sanrio

    on Oct 3

    I had a Rakuten card. If you get that, wait for the campaign where you get like 5000points for free!

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  • helloalissa

    on Nov 4

    What did you decide on, if you've decided? I realized a Waon card might be a good option since I'm shopping at an Aeon group supermarket weekly now. Anyone use that one? I'll look into it this week. Never bothered to take the time when they're doing promotions with bonus points for sign ups.

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  • helloalissa

    on Nov 10

    I compared Waon, MUFG (I have an account there too), and Amazon. I haven't really used Rakuten, but that seems like it's a good option if you use it. Because of the 1-1.5% cashback, the Classic Amazon card sounds the best for me. The other two only get .5% cashback. The Waon emoney cards get the same .5% cashback benefits and bonuses as their credit card, so I will probably get one of those for grocery shopping.

    0

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