Top 8 Best Credit Cards in Japan for Foreigners 2025

If you’re a foreigner living in Japan or planning a long-term stay, navigating the world of credit cards can feel like a daunting task. Japan has a unique financial system that’s heavily cash-oriented, but in 2025, cashless payments are more prevalent than ever, especially post-pandemic. For English speakers who know little to no Japanese, the application process can be intimidating due to language barriers, strict eligibility criteria, and the need for specific documents. But don’t worry—this comprehensive guide is tailored just for you. We’ll break down the best credit cards in Japan for foreigners in 2025, including real-life examples, step-by-step application tips, benefits, drawbacks, and comparisons. Whether you’re an expat building credit history, a student saving on shopping, or a traveler earning miles, we’ve got you covered.

By the end of this 2025 guide, you’ll understand why getting a Japanese credit card is worth the effort: it helps build local credit (crucial for loans or rentals), offers rewards like points and cashback, provides travel insurance, and makes everyday transactions seamless. Let’s dive in and help you find the best credit card that fits your lifestyle.

Why Foreigners Need a Credit Card in Japan

Japan’s economy is booming with digital payments in 2025, but foreigners often face hurdles. Unlike in the US or Europe, where credit history transfers easily, Japan uses its own credit databases, so your overseas score doesn’t count. Many banks reject applications from non-citizens due to perceived risks like short-term visas or lack of long-term employment. However, credit cards are essential for:

Building Credit History: Starting with a card helps with future approvals for apartments, phones, or loans.
Rewards and Savings: Earn points redeemable for cash, flights, or shopping discounts—perfect for expats on a budget.
Convenience: Pay for large purchases (e.g., flights or electronics) without carrying cash, and enjoy contactless payments via apps like Rakuten Pay.
Travel Perks: Many cards include overseas insurance, vital for international trips.
Emergencies: Access to credit limits (though often low at first, like ¥100,000–¥300,000) for unexpected costs.

In 2025, with rising tourism and remote work visas, more cards are foreigner-friendly. Options like deposit-based cards reduce rejection risks by requiring an upfront deposit that acts as your spending limit. Real-life example: Sarah, an American teacher in Tokyo, struggled with cash-only vendors until she got a Rakuten Card. It not only helped her earn points on groceries but also built her credit for a better apartment lease.

Challenges include:

Strict screening: Need at least 6 months’ residency and ¥250,000 monthly income.
Language: Most apps are in Japanese—use Google Translate or English-support services.
Low Limits: Initial limits might be ¥100,000, but they increase with good usage.

Pro Tip: Start with easier cards like store-affiliated ones to build history before applying for premium options.

How to Apply for a Credit Card in Japan as a Foreigner

Applying doesn’t require fluent Japanese, but preparation is key. Most processes are online or in-person, taking 1–2 weeks for approval. Here’s a step-by-step guide with real examples.

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Age: 18+ (20+ for some).
Residency: Valid visa (work, student, or spouse) with at least 6–12 months left.
Income: Stable job with ¥2–3 million annual salary preferred.
Bank Account: Japanese account required for auto-payments.
No Bad History: Avoid multiple rejections; wait 6 months between apps.

Real Example: Mike, a UK engineer, was rejected by a bank card due to only 3 months in Japan. He waited and applied for Rakuten after 6 months—approved!

Step 2: Gather Documents

Essential for all applications:

Passport
Residence Card (Zairyu Card)
Health Insurance Card
Proof of Income (e.g., payslip or tax certificate)
Bank Details (for auto-debit)
Utility Bill (for address proof)

Some cards need a Certificate of Employment. Scan and upload digitally.

Step 3: Choose Application Method

Online: Fastest, but often Japanese-only. Use browser translation.
In-Person: At stores like Marui (for EPOS) where English staff might help.
English Support: Cards like Rakuten or J-Trust offer English call centers.

Pro Tip: Use apps like DeepL for form translation. If stuck, visit a bilingual service like GTN for assistance.

Step 4: Submit and Wait

Fill in details like employment, family, and savings. Approval emails come in Japanese—translate them. If rejected, reasons aren’t detailed, but common ones are short residency or low income.

Step 5: Activate and Use

Once received, activate via app or phone. Pay balances fully monthly to avoid fees (default in Japan).

Real Example: Anna, a Canadian freelancer, applied for EPOS online using translated forms. She got approved in 10 days and used the 10% Marui discount immediately, saving ¥5,000 on clothes.

Tips to Boost Approval:

Get a Guarantor: A Japanese friend or spouse helps.
Build Bank Ties: Use the same bank for salary deposits.
Start Small: Apply for store cards first.
2025 Update: With digital visas, some cards now accept e-residency proofs.

If rejected, try debit or prepaid alternatives like Wise or Suica.

Best Credit Cards in Japan for Foreigners 2025: Top Recommendations

Based on 2025 trends, we’ve compiled the best options from reliable sources. These are selected for high foreigner acceptance, English support, and rewards. We’ll cover benefits, drawbacks, and examples.

1. Rakuten Card

(rakuten-card.co.jp)

Issued by Rakuten, this is a top pick for 2025 due to easy approval and rewards.

Benefits: Free annual fee, 1%–3% cashback (points = yen), sign-up bonus (up to 5,000 points), travel insurance (¥20 million overseas), links to Rakuten Pay app.
Drawbacks: Application mostly Japanese; lower limits initially (¥700,000–¥1,000,000).
Eligibility: 6+ months residency, work visa, stable income.
Application: Online at rakuten-card.co.jp (use translation). Needs passport, residence card, bank info.
2025 Update: Enhanced points for eco-purchases, like electric bikes.

Real Example: Tom, an Australian expat, earned 10,000 points in his first year on groceries and Amazon buys, redeeming for free flights home.

2. EPOS Card

(eposcard.co.jp)

From Marui Group, ideal for beginners with in-person English help.

Benefits: Free fee, 0.5%–1.25% points, 10% off at Marui stores (4x/year), instant approval in-store with ¥2,000 coupon, travel insurance.
Drawbacks: Lower rewards outside Marui; limits start at ¥100,000–¥300,000.
Eligibility: Foreigners welcome via GTN service.
Application: Online or at Marui stores (eposcard.co.jp). Documents: ID, residence card.
2025 Update: New digital wallet integration for faster payments.

Real Example: Lisa, a US student, applied in-store with English staff. She got the card same-day and saved on fashion during sales.

3. JCB Card

(global.jcb)

Japan’s own brand, great for local acceptance in 2025.

Benefits: Wide acceptance, 1% points, overseas support, travel perks, high limits for established users (up to ¥3M with premium).
Drawbacks: Fewer global rewards; application in Japanese.
Eligibility: Long-term residents preferred.
Application: Via jcb.co.jp. Needs full docs plus income proof.
2025 Update: Higher limits for expats with 1+ year history.

Real Example: Raj, an Indian IT worker, used JCB for daily commutes and earned points for Disney tickets.

4. Amazon Mastercard

(amazon.co.jp)

Perfect for online shoppers.

Benefits: Free fee, 1.5%–2% points on Amazon (double for Prime), high expat approval.
Drawbacks: Best for Amazon users only.
Eligibility: Work visa, bank account.
Application: Amazon.co.jp (English guide available).
2025 Update: Bonus points for sustainable products.

Real Example: Emily, a British remote worker, racked up points on deliveries, covering her Prime subscription.

5. LUMINE Card

(jreast.co.jp)

For shoppers and commuters.

Benefits: Free first year (¥1,048 after), 0.2% points, 10% off at LUMINE, Suica integration, travel insurance (¥10M domestic).
Drawbacks: Fee after year 1; niche benefits.
Eligibility: Easy for foreigners.
Application: Jreast.co.jp/card.
2025 Update: More points on JR trains.

Real Example: Juan, a Spanish teacher, used it as a commuter pass, saving ¥2,000 monthly.

6. MUJI Card

(saisoncard.co.jp)

For minimalist shoppers.

Benefits: Free fee, 0.1% points (3x at MUJI), birthday bonuses, 10% off MUJI Week.
Drawbacks: Low rate outside MUJI.
Eligibility: Beginner-friendly.
Application: Muji.net/mujicard.
2025 Update: Eco-points for reusable items.

Real Example: Sophie, a French designer, got 2,500 points first year for home goods.

7. JAL Card

(https://jalcard.jal.co.jp/)

For frequent flyers.

Benefits: Free first year (¥2,200 after), 2% miles, flight bonuses, redeem for tickets (6,000 miles domestic one-way).
Drawbacks: Fee; best for JAL users.
Eligibility: Stable income.
Application: Jal.co.jp/jalcard.
2025 Update: Extra miles for international routes.

Real Example: Ken, a Canadian businessman, redeemed miles for a free Tokyo-Osaka trip after 6 months.

8. J-Trust Mastercard (Deposit-Based)

(jtrustroyal.com)

Great starter for low-credit foreigners.

Benefits: High approval (deposit sets limit), builds history, English support.
Drawbacks: Upfront deposit required.
Eligibility: Minimal—visa and ID.
Application: Jtrustcard.co.jp (English online).
2025 Update: Lower deposit minimums.

Real Example: Maria, a Brazilian newcomer, deposited ¥100,000 and used it to build credit for a regular card later.

Comparison Table: Best Credit Cards for Foreigners 2025

Card	Annual Fee	Rewards Rate	Key Perks	Initial Limit	Best For
Rakuten	Free	1%–3% cashback	Points, insurance	¥700K–¥1M	Shoppers
EPOS	Free	0.5%–1.25%	Store discounts	¥100K–¥300K	Beginners
JCB	Varies	1% points	Local acceptance	¥500K+	Locals/Travel
Amazon Mastercard	Free	1.5%–2%	Amazon bonuses	¥300K+	Online buyers
LUMINE	Free 1st yr	0.2%	Commuter perks	¥200K+	Shoppers/Train users
MUJI	Free	0.1%–3%	MUJI discounts	¥100K+	Minimalists
JAL	Free 1st yr	2% miles	Flights	¥300K+	Flyers
J-Trust	Free	None	Easy approval	Deposit-based	Credit builders

This table helps quick comparisons—choose based on your spending habits.

Alternatives If You Can’t Get a Credit Card

Debit Cards: Wise or Sony Bank—direct from account, no credit check.
Prepaid: Suica/Pasmo for transport, or Visa prepaid from konbini.
Apps: PayPay or Line Pay for QR payments.

Real Example: David, rejected twice, used Wise Debit for 6 months before getting approved for Rakuten.

FAQs: Common Questions for Foreigners

Do I need Japanese fluency? No, but translation tools help. Some like Rakuten have English support.
What’s the best card for beginners? EPOS or J-Trust—high approval.
Can I use my foreign card? Yes, but fees add up; local cards save money.
How to increase limits? Pay on time; request after 6 months.
2025 Changes? More digital apps and eco-rewards.

In conclusion, the best credit cards in Japan for foreigners in 2025 offer accessible paths to financial freedom. Start with Rakuten or EPOS for ease, and build from there. With these tips and examples, even with minimal Japanese, you’ll be swiping confidently.