The Rakuten Credit Card is one of Japan’s most widely used cards. It is known for its no-annual-fee setup and generous point rewards.
It’s designed to integrate seamlessly with your daily spending, whether you’re shopping online, paying bills, or using mobile apps.
This guide shows you how to apply online and highlights the features that make it a top pick for smart users.
How the Rakuten Card Fits Into Your Life
Here’s how this card becomes part of your routine, helping you earn points and save money without changing your habits.
- Online Shopping – Earn points automatically when you shop on Rakuten Ichiba and other affiliated stores.
- Everyday Spending – Use it for groceries, restaurants, gas, and daily purchases to collect more points.
- Mobile Integration – Link it with Rakuten Pay or Rakuten Edy for quick payments and bonus rewards.
- Travel Perks – Use overseas and get basic travel insurance coverage included.
- Family Card Access – Let family members use a supplementary card to help grow your point total.
- Bill Payments – Set up recurring payments like phone or utilities to earn points passively.
- Point Redemption – Use points directly at checkout or pay for Rakuten services, flights, etc.
How Rakuten Points Work
Rakuten Points are the core of the card’s rewards system.
You earn them on every purchase, and they can be used like cash within Rakuten’s network. Here’s how the system works and how to make the most of it:
- Base Rate – Earn 1 point per ¥100 spent on most purchases.
- Rakuten Ichiba Bonus – Get up to 3x or more when shopping on Rakuten’s marketplace.
- SPU Program – Boost your point rate using other Rakuten services like Rakuten Mobile or Rakuten Bank.
- Campaign Bonuses – Join limited-time promotions for extra point multipliers.
- Point Expiry – Basic points expire after 12 months if unused; some bonus points expire sooner.
- Redemption Options – Use points for shopping, travel, and bill payments, or convert to e-money.
- Tracking – Manage and check your real-time balance through the Rakuten e-NAVI app.
Online Application
Applying for the Rakuten Credit Card is fast and fully digital. You don’t need to visit a bank—fill out the form online and wait for approval. Here’s what to do:
- Choose Your Card Type – Select from Visa, Mastercard, JCB, or American Express options.
- Go to the Official Website – Start your application on the Rakuten Card site.
- Enter Personal Details – Input your name, date of birth, and contact information.
- Provide Work and Income Info – Add your employment status and income estimate.
- Upload Residence Info – Foreign residents must provide their Japanese address and residence card.
- Add Optional Services – Choose extras like a family, ETC card for highway tolls.
- Agree to Terms and Submit – Confirm your info, accept the terms, and send the application.
- Wait for Approval Email – You’ll get results via email—some in as little as one day.
- Receive Your Card by Mail – If approved, your card will be mailed to your address.
Cost Breakdown: Fees You’ll Pay
While the card is known for being budget-friendly, it’s essential to understand the few costs that may apply.
Here’s a breakdown of the typical fees:
- Annual Fee – Free for the standard card.
- Revolving Credit Interest – Around 15% APR on carried balances.
- Late Payment Fee – Extra charges apply if you miss the due date.
- Cash Advance Fee – Higher interest rates apply for ATM withdrawals.
- ETC Card Fee – ¥550 annually (waived in some campaigns).
- Foreign Transaction Fee – May apply for international purchases depending on currency conversion.
- Replacement Card Fee – Charged if your card is lost or damaged and needs reissuing.
Common Mistakes New Users Make
Using the Rakuten Credit Card is simple, but some users miss out on points or face unexpected issues due to avoidable errors.
Here are the most common mistakes to watch out for:
- Ignoring Campaign Periods – Missing limited-time point bonuses by not checking for ongoing promotions.
- Not Registering for SPU – Forgetting to activate the Super Point Up Program to earn extra points.
- Using the Card Only on Rakuten Ichiba – Not taking advantage of point earnings in physical stores and partner shops.
- Skipping e-NAVI Setup – Do not use the online dashboard to manage payments and track points.
- Paying Only the Minimum – Choosing revolving payments without understanding the interest costs.
- Letting Points Expire – Failing to use bonus points before their shorter expiration window.
- Overlooking Insurance Benefits – Not activating or using the included overseas travel insurance.
- Wrong Info in Application – Entering incorrect personal or income details and getting denied.
What Makes It Better Than Other Cards in Japan
The Rakuten Credit Card stands out in a crowded market of no-fee and rewards cards. Here’s why smart spenders across Japan often prefer it:
- No Annual Fee – Unlike many cards with hidden charges, this one stays free.
- High Point Return – Earn up to 3x or more when shopping on Rakuten Ichiba.
- SPU Program Access – Combine multiple Rakuten services to boost point earnings.
- Easy Online Management – e-NAVI makes tracking spending, payments, and points simple.
- Instant Point Redemption – Use points directly at checkout or convert to e-money.
- Broad Acceptance – Works at physical stores, online, and overseas.
- Frequent Promotions – Regular campaigns offer chances to earn thousands of bonus points.
- Quick Approval – Many users report getting approved as quickly as one business day.
- Foreign Resident Friendly – One of the few major cards accessible to non-Japanese residents with a residence card.
Can Foreigners Get It? Here’s the Truth
Yes, foreigners living in Japan can apply for the Rakuten Credit Card. Just make sure you meet the basic requirements listed below.
- Valid Residence Card – Proof of legal stay in Japan.
- Japanese Address – Needed for delivery and verification.
- Local Phone Number – Required during the application.
- Income Details – Helps assess creditworthiness.
- Japanese Bank Account – For automatic payments.
- Accurate Information – Use the same name across all documents.
Customer Help Without the Hassle
Support is easy to access if you run into issues or have questions about your Rakuten Credit Card. Here’s how you can get assistance:
- Phone Support – Call 0570-66-6910 (Japanese language only, available weekdays).
- Rakuten e-NAVI – Use the online portal to check your balance, make payments, or update info.
- Rakuten Card App – Mobile access to support, point tracking, and card settings.
- Mailing Address – Rakuten Card Co., Ltd., 2-16-5 Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0075, Japan.
- Help Center – Visit the official website’s FAQ and support pages for answers to common issues.
The Bottomline
The Rakuten Credit Card is a smart choice for everyday spending, online shopping, and maximizing rewards through points.
It’s free to maintain, easy to manage online, and packed with practical perks.
Apply online today to start earning Rakuten Points with every purchase.
Disclaimer
Information is based on general use and may vary by user profile. Always check the Rakuten official site for the latest terms.