Credit cards in Japan

July 26th, 2010By Category: Uncategorized

Credit cards are becoming a more and more accepted method of payment in Japan. However it is still not as common as in many other countries and especially when leaving metropolitan areas and when shopping in smaller stores you can’t always depend on being able to use your credit card to make payment.

The major credit cards used in Japan are VISA, Master card, Diners Club, American Express, JACCS, Saison and JCB. You will need the same information when you apply for a credit card as you need when opening a bank account. You can apply for a credit card through your bank but you it is also possible to apply for a credit card at other companies. For instance Softbank offer its customers to apply for a Sasion card when purchasing a phone with a payment plan.

 

If you are really eager for a Japanese card, there’s another you can try: call the local credit companies, who will advise you to visit one of their counselors, often found in big department stores. This representative will explain that having a Japanese spouse, job stability, solid local residency and a guarantor would do wonders for an application.

 

 

Author of this article

GaijinPot

GaijinPot is an online community for foreigners living in Japan, providing information on everything you need to know about enjoying life here, from finding a job and accommodation to having fun.

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Comments

  • raju chhetri says:

    i want to get credit card.

  • Yea, credit cards are very flexible in paying accounts. Credit Score Calculator

  • Guest says:

    It’s very nice that credit cards are more and more acceptable in japan,i think that all the banks and all that should be taken some steps to attracrt customers for using credit cards,thanks.

    payment processing

  • Sporrow says:

    this is bullshit. do i need a japanese spouse to have a credit card? what is solid local residency? why do i need a guarantor to get a credit card when i have a job? japan is full of bullshit yellow monkeys that operate in bastardic and imbecilic manners. SHAME TO JAPAN, UP CHINA!!!

  • Joey Snow says:

    For a good laugh, try getting a credit card as a foreigner. They will make up some BS but never say it to your face that you can’t get one because you’re not Japanese. Its so tight and conservative and stressful that even your buttcheeks will start to pucker!

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