I moved here in March and my company set me up with Japan Post, which just gives you the bank book and cash card. I’m from UK so not really used to not having a debit card with the bank but I got a leaflet that I could apply for one with JP Bank. I need to use one to pay for things online (i.e. subscriptions, amazon, etc.) because I’ve run out of money from my UK account. However I’ve been rejected for a debit card, and I think it’s because of my visa? They don’t tell you why you’ve been rejected but give you a list of reasons that could be possible. Has anyone had this experience before and how can I get some sort of debit card to pay for things online because I’m about to be in some trouble if I can’t use my card online anymore.
6 comments
Just use paypal. You can also buy gift cards for the online services you need, and many companies let you print out a code and pay at a convenience store.
From all the reading I’ve done, it can be quite hard to get a debit or credit card in Japan. To some extent getting rejected or accepted is just random (aka up to whoever reads your application).
>I moved here in March.
Then you haven’t been here for 6 months, meaning you have a non-resident account
Also, not sure if you’re aware but Japan post suck!
So as your an employee of an employer domiciled to Japan you can open a Sony bank account before 6 months using your proof of employment
See category C here: https://moneykit.net/en/notice/17.html
Proof of employment documents here: https://moneykit.net/en/help/account/doc/04.html
Not only are Sony bank far superior to Japan post. But they will also give you a debit card by default. Which when you use said debit card for domestic purchases you will get cash back starting at 0.5% (increasing slightly based on your tier… more information here: https://moneykit.net/en/guide/clubs/)
I had a Debit card with Yuucho and they deactivated it while it was still valid through 2024. I tried applying for a new one but my application was rejected twice.
The application is only online (or at least it was when I tried last year), and if any of your information differs from the information in your file, you’ll be automatically rejected. Tried asking them if I could see my information to make sure it doesn’t get rejected again and they said I couldn’t see it because it was confidential…………….
I made a seven eleven debit card super easy and came in a couple of weeks. Very handy. It’s not a Visa debit though.
I have been rejected from getting a debit card from regional and nation wide banks when opening a new account. They looked at my visa status on my zairyu card and rejected while I was still at the bank. Fukuoka bank gave me a card without even applying for one. I don’t understand the out right rejection, it is my money from my bank account.
I have been here many years, I kept using the US credit card to pay for things like utilities, mobile phone, internet, etc. I survived without using any Japanese cards for over 10 years here. I think online banks like Sony or Rakuten bank has debit cards for foreigners.