Job Discussion Forums

naujokaitis · Joined: 09 Mar 2010 Posts: 32 Location: london, ontario

How hard is it to get a credit card in Japan for gaijin?

I will be wanting to buy some things online like books and rail/bus passes. I was just wondering if it is hard to get on there and what are the restrictions/conditions.

Thank you.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Depends on what type of card sometimes. Friend of mine has lived here for 25 years and was turned down.

I assume you want a simple card like VISA or Mastercard...? The application is likely going to be in Japanese...

naujokaitis · Joined: 09 Mar 2010 Posts: 32 Location: london, ontario

Yes just a basic card I can use to buy things online, something like visa or mastercard, yes. I don't need a high limit or anything like that, just something simple. And yes I do realize the application would be in Japanese.

mhard1 · Joined: 09 Dec 2009 Posts: 54 Location: Japan

I have been rejected by 4 different companies for my credit card application. I heard from a friend that Toyota has some sort of credit card that foreigners are more able to obtain. I still do not own one myself, but I have only lived in Japan for a little over 2 years now.

SaganWasHere · Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2010 7:35 am Post subject:

I'm not exactly sure how it works, but would it be possible for you to get a guarantor? I know that is not completely ideal, but it's a start.

seklarwia · Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2010 10:15 am Post subject:

Some places have started to offer VISA Debit cards. JP Post has one but I'm not sure who else. I've never had any issue using my VISA Debit card for online purchases and I've purchased from sites all over the world.

Surely that must be easy to get than a credit card out here.

Bread · Joined: 24 May 2009 Posts: 318

seklarwia · Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2010 12:16 pm Post subject:

I think I misled you reading back. I have a Visa Debit card but it is not from JP Post. But when I signed up last year they were offering Visa Debit cards.

Since I already had one and my bank doesn't charge for international purchases and withdrawls I stick with it. There are some major issues since I busted the card reader that I need to use for some online banking services...

I (well... the Japanese helper with me) was told it was a pretty new card and it was a normal VISA Debit card and would work online. They have the same logo as my card so I didn't ask much about it. JP might very well impose some interesting fees for the priviledge of having one... I wouldn't know.

Apsara · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 2142 Location: Tokyo, Japan

Pretty hard unless you have a reasonable amount of money sitting around in your bank account- they do check as part of the application process.

Even after more than ten years in Japan I was rejected when I applied by a credit card here- I ended up having to get a "kazoku card" on my husband's account as it seemed like the only way I was ever going to get one.

earthmonkey · Joined: 18 Feb 2005 Posts: 188 Location: Meguro-Ku Tokyo

I got a Master Card on my third try, after having lived here for about 3 years. Read (or have read for you) the small print on the card application. One of the requirements was to submit a copy of both sides of my alien registration card.

I've heard (only on this forum) of people getting credit cards soon after arrival, but I wouldn't count on it. Repeated rejection is the more common story.

naujokaitis · Joined: 09 Mar 2010 Posts: 32 Location: london, ontario

I know some places you can get sort of 'pay as you go' credit cards. How about in Japan? That option would actually be ideal for me.

[edit]
also, doing some research I have come across the suica and pasmo cards. can somebody explain these to me. I read that in some circumstances you can make internet payments using this card.

seklarwia · Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2010 9:28 pm Post subject:

Pay as you go credit cards? I've heard of pay as you go debit cards but I'm not sure how that is any different to a regular debit card. According to other forums, EBank and Suruga offer these.

Hoser · Joined: 19 Mar 2005 Posts: 694 Location: Toronto, Canada

I signed up for a Mastercard Saison card at Parco and I got it on my first try. I don't know what the reason was for my not getting rejected. I have been living here for 5 years. Good luck!

Mr_Monkey · Joined: 11 Mar 2009 Posts: 661 Location: Kyuuuuuushuuuuuuu

I got a Mastercard when I signed up for J-Com internet.