Hello guys I’ve been in Japan for 4 years and I still don’t have any Credit card I’ve always have been denied and I don’t know why , first I thought it was because I was a student with short Visa but now that I have a job and a 3 year working Visa I thought it would be ok to try again and I still have been denied from Amazon and Epos.
I don’t understand what is the problem. And I don’t even know how you can help me guys. But what do you think I should do ? Go to a Marui store and apply in person ?
Update : got accepted with Rakuten
Like I said in some comment I heard bad things about Rakuten and this I don’t use their product I didn’t wanted to apply here. But since everyone recommended it I gave it a try and got accepted instantly thank you everyone for your advices
43 comments
If you apply for more than 3 cards in a 6 month period you’re basically blacklisted as a difficult/bad customer. Basically it’s assumed since you were rejected by so many and applying desperately to so many, you must be a liability and have financial issues or not be stable. So wait at least 6 months before applying for any more
https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanFinance/comments/10v3yu4/unable_to_get_approved_for_a_credit_card/
Search for credit card in japanfinance
You can try getting Wise credit/debit card as last resort.
I used a combination of Wise Debit card and Line prepaid card. Both of which are easy to sign up. The only problem for me is it costs me 220 to charge the Wise card though.
Yes you should’ve applied in person to begin with because the store reps have an incentive to get you successfully signed up. But as others said, you should wait 6 months.
Why have you not tried your bank yet? My first card was from SMBC and there were no issues even on my first year
UFJ Debit card.
Amazon always denied me. But I have mufg, Rakuten, Mizuho and ETC Honda (works as card as well).
Have tried Amazon many times for the points but nope. No idea either, and I have really good Amazon relation , buy a lot .
How about Rakuten? They are practically giving them away
Rakuten credit card is easy to get and cancel as well
Try sumitomo bank I got my first credit card there had only 5months left on my students visa
Been in Japan since 2015, stable job and married, good balance: still rejected.
Funny thing is that I managed to get a corporate credit card for my own company. Personal one? nope, I am not worthy enough to the banking gods.
Just to let you know you are not alone.And I’m not even american. If you are american, you are even more likely to be seen as toxic waste. (thanks your banking regulators for this)
Did you also try SMBC? I got myself one of those VPASS cards with a limit of 500man.
Get a prepaid card, avoids all that bs.
If really want credit card, request a credit report from jicc and see if there’s any red flags on there. The report is also useful in that it lists company requests for that report, so you can see if the credit card company actually checked or just rejected you outright (in which case they’ve rejected you based only on the information you provided).
Is it possible to get credit from your home country?
I wasn’t able to get a credit card here, but I have multiple cards from my home country with no foreign transaction fees. Getting the no foreign transaction fees is the key part. In my experience those will typically be premium cards with an annual cost, but so very much worth it. Having good credit in your home country, even if you’re not going back, can still be very useful.
Also if you’re an iPhone user and Apple Card is available to you, I’ve found it to be extremely useful here in Japan.
Welcome to the club!
Do you apply online or in person?
Applying in person gives you better odds of getting a card.
Okay lets lay this out. You’ve been here four years and yet you basically don’t exist in the credit world.
You don’t have any Japanese credit worthiness built up and, on top of that, you’ve been applying for cards and being rejected constantly.
Why would any company think you’re a safe bet? You have no credit history, they don’t know if you can make the payments.
You’re starting from scratch so do these things.
1. Stop applying for cards. Wait 6 months between applications
2. When you apply, apply for the LOWEST possible credit limit. Again, you have no credit history so you are one huge question mark for the issuer.
3. Don’t apply for cashing. Applying for cashing means that you potentially lack the funds for day to day life and intend on using the card to borrow cash.
4. Apply to a foreigner friendly card like Rakuten or Epos
IF you have ever:
1. missed a registered payment in Japan
2. been referred to a collections agency for anything
3. borrowed money from a payday forwarder service
OR:
1. Have a very low salary
2. have an unstable job
3. Are a contract employee instead of a full-time employee
You will not be getting a card.
Things to do to build credit history in Japan:
1. Use a debit card issued by a Japanese bank
2. Get a car loan from an accredited institution AND pay it off ON TIME
Just curious, have you ever paid your cellphone bill late?
Its already been mentioned multiple timew but have you tried Rakuten Op?
Get a credit card where you are banking and get someone to help you with the form. Once you have one, the next one should not be an issue. The same thing happened to me before.
What do you need it for exactly? Is there anywhere that doesnt accept debit cards nowadays?
Maybe only Suica mobile doesnt accept debit card?
Rakuten
Are you filling out the correct information when submitting? I’m self employed and was getting rejected everywhere until I found out I was putting the wrong information in the company’s name and address category.
Rakuten very high rate of acceptance.
If you use mercari a lot, they also almost guaranteed.
Well all you need is just one acceptance, after that everything will be easy.
Paypay card works fine with me. And I can setup auto payment from my JP Bank. I think it worth to try✌️
I have been only less then 1 year living in Japan.
I agree. Try Rakuten.
But the post by sylentshooter is very detailed, and is a good source of information.
Don’t apply for a high limit, no cashing/shopping option, and stay away from gold or higher level cards. You won’t get them.
I know it’s hard, but try not to get too discouraged. Lot’s of people here have gone through this cycle of rejection. Others seem to have no issue. Can seem random and unfair at times as well
I even went down to the credit office in Shinjuku at one point to get a report of my credit history to make sure there was nothing I overlooked.
After a while, I was able to get any card with no issues.
Best way is to apply at a bank in-person.
Bring every kind of document you can. Employment contract, business card, my number card, zairyu card, juminhyo, etc. (And an inkan. They always love a good inkan stamp on documents. )
If you can, inform HR that they might receive a call. They might check too see with your employer that you actually work there.
Sorry to burst some people’s bubble, but it’s not that black and white. There’s a gray area with luck. I met someone (in credit) while out for drinks once and their boss complained that foreigners were issued cards too often that time so he specifically told to reduce the number. That means it has nothing to do with how much or little they trust you and just an unwritten rule. That might change in the future, but I wouldn’t hold my breath.
Read across the comments. Nothing consistent about it except we have trouble because “reasons.” I highly suggest to go with banks that issue you debit card that comes with visa etc on it. I used that until I got a proper card.
If you don’t have one already apply for a debit card first.
Then use it regularly for 6 months or so before applying for a credit card.
They’ll have some information about your capacity to pay for your credit card this way.
I managed to get my smbc credit card this way (and Amazon and Rakuten way later on)
Try Rakuten. Past inquiries here had posts that Rakuten cards may be the relatively easiest one to get. Good luck.
Welcome to Japan.
I guess I had the opposite experience compared to the ones who got rejected.
I first applied Rakuten year 4 of my stay here. First ever credit card, just moved to a new employer and address, I was granted. 3 months later, I applied for Line SMBC and Amazon consecutively. Literally after I got the physical card, I applied another. I got both.
So in a span of 4-5 months, I was granted 3 credit cards. I don’t have a high salary. I got a phone when I got here with docomo and paid every month for services until today. That’s only credibility I can provide (I think) or which they can check.
I guess we really don’t know how they decide who gets accepted or rejected.
Not sure if this has been commented here but I would recommend getting a Resona debit card, if you don’t mind having a debit instead of a credit card. It took me less than 1 hour to get one at one of their branches.
1. Seek assistance from a credit counseling agency or financial advisor: This option provides expert guidance and support to improve creditworthiness and navigate the application process.
2. Explore alternative credit options (credit unions or community-based financial institutions): These institutions often have different eligibility criteria that may be more accommodating, offering personalized attention and support.
3. Look for credit cards specifically designed for individuals with limited or no credit history: Such credit cards can help establish a credit history with dedicated products that cater to individuals in your situation.
4. Inquire about employer partnerships with credit card companies: Check if your employer has partnerships that offer favorable terms for employees, simplifying the application process.
5. Seek advice from expat communities or online forums: Engaging with individuals who have faced similar challenges can provide valuable insights and tips for obtaining a credit card in Japan.
6. Investigate local or regional credit card options for foreigners: Explore credit card options tailored for foreigners living and working in Japan, considering their familiarity with local regulations and requirements.
if you receive salary on SMBC it should be very easy to get SMBC credit card or amazon.
I heard epos also generally easy for foreigner especially if you use GTN.
Try Paidy or Paypay. They are paylater but basically same like credit card.
other option is try to find prepaid credit card like shinsei gaica or vandle.
maybe check if you have pending payment on tax or nenkin or maybe nhk lol.
Open an account with the Sumitomo Mitsui and wait for 6 months and then apply for a card.
No credit history = no credit card for you!
But to make credit card history you need a cc! Welcome to Japan!
You just have to keep trying, but don’t abuse. Wait 6 months or so before applying again.
Not just you – I have PR and have been here for lots of years, and have a seishain job, and don’t have a credit card. It’s annoying on principle, feels a bit like a catch-22, I assume I was denied because don’t have a credit history but how am I supposed to start one? But in reality, I have a debit card and I’ve started using PayPay for online shopping, so it’s all workable, and nothing has come up that I actually can’t find a way to pay for.
Update : Got accepted with Rakuten
Like I said in some comment I heard bad things about Rakuten and this I don’t use their product I didn’t wanted to apply here. But since everyone recommended it I gave it a try and got accepted instantly thank you everyone for your advices
Read that your French. Maybe they saw the video of the guy punching the girl and now they don’t trust French anymore. Lulz
> *Like I said in some comment I heard bad things about Rakuten and this I don’t use their product I didn’t wanted to apply here*
Now that you’ve been approved for one credit card, use it lightly and responsibly and pay it off every time, and in 12 months you’ll have a nice and clear credit history and can apply for a “nicer” credit card.
I got rejected 2 times before and had to go to the bank for after renewing my residency. During our duscussion I also raised the credit card issue. I didnt fully understand but the lady at the front desk basically told me I was on a “short term” list and needed to fill paperwork to go to the normal client list (application possible after staying in Japan for more than a year (had been there for 2 and half) and I now have 5 years residency). My next online application got accepted…
Same. I’ve been here for 16 years, have PR, a permanent job, and own a home. Still not good enough for most CC companies. Fuck ’em.