Foreigners choose Rakuten Card for its easy approval process and fast delivery. No physical branches exist, so in-person inquiries are not an option.
Applying is straightforward, and different card types are available depending on job status.
The Rakuten Credit Card
Rakuten, a global company, provides internet, mobile data, and financial services, including credit cards.
The Rakuten Credit Card stands out for easy registration, no annual fees on some options, and a loyalty points program. Locals and foreigners widely use it.
Key points to keep in mind:
- Maintain enough funds in a bank account for emergencies.
- Choose loan repayments in small installments.
- Payments are deducted on the 27th of each month. Missed payments result in interest charges.
Why Choose a Rakuten Credit Card?
Rakuten Card offers multiple benefits, including easy approval, no annual fees on select cards, and a rewarding points system. It is widely accepted, making everyday transactions seamless. Cardholders also receive exclusive promotions and offers.
Earn Rewards on Every Purchase
Rakuten credit cards ranked at the top in 2020 for:
- Highest Points Earned
- Customer Satisfaction
- Best Rewards Program
Every 100 yen spent earns 1 point. Many Rakuten Marketplace sellers provide high point returns, increasing rewards.
Points can be used on Rakuten Marketplace, Rakuten Books, and affiliated stores. Each point equals one yen and can be redeemed easily via the Rakuten Pay app.
Higher usage improves membership rank, unlocking better benefits.
Earn Points When Paying Bills
Utility payments, including electricity, water, and gas, can be made using a Rakuten Card. This not only simplifies bill payments but also earns points based on spending.
Convenient for Global Use
Rakuten Card allows cash withdrawals in local currencies at ATMs worldwide, making it a practical choice for international travelers.
Rakuten Credit Card Options
Rakuten offers three main credit cards, each designed for different needs.
Rakuten Basic Card:
- No annual fee.
- Available as MasterCard, JCB, or Visa.
- Earns 1 point per 100 yen spent.
- The visa version does not include special designs.
Rakuten Pink Card:
- Same benefits as the Basic Card.
- Designed for women, featuring a pink color.
- Offers exclusive discounts on select services.
Rakuten Gold & Premium Cards:
- Gold Card: Annual fee of 2,160 yen.
- Premium Card: Annual fee of 10,800 yen.
- Includes free access to airport lounges.
- Offers a higher credit limit.
How to Apply for a Rakuten Credit Card
Follow these steps to complete the online application and order your Rakuten Card.
Step 1: Access the Rakuten Card Website
Click the red カンタン申し込み button to begin the application. If a Rakuten account does not exist, create one during the process.
For an English application form, sign up through the designated registration page.
Step 2: Enter Basic Information
All details must be accurate to avoid issues later.
- Card Type and Design – Choose JCB, MasterCard, or Visa (Visa has limited designs).
- Name – Enter in katakana, hiragana, and the Latin alphabet. Contact Rakuten if the name is too long.
- Gender & Birthday – Select 男 (male) or 女 (female). Applicants must be at least 18.
- Phone Number – Enter in the designated field.
- Email Address – Provide an email (Gmail or Japanese carrier emails are accepted).
- Rakuten Newsletter (Optional) – Opt-out if updates are not needed (default is “yes”).
- Address – Enter the postal code and confirm the suggested address. Add furigana.
- Family Situation – Select from:
- Spouse + kids
- Spouse + no kids
- No spouse + kids
- Single (alone)
- Single (living with parents)
- Indicate household size, including yourself.
- Housing – Specify housing type, ownership, and length of stay.
- Loans – Select if you are paying a loan (left) or not (right). Include the partner’s loan status if relevant.
- Employment – Choose:
- Employed
- Student
- Retired
- Unemployed
- Annual Income – Enter total household income (students should list personal earnings).
- Savings – Declare available savings for credit card payments (optional).
- Invoice Delivery – Select home (left) or work (right).
- Reason for Application – Choose shopping (preferred) or loan.
- Edy Function – Add Edy (prepaid feature) for free.
- Edy Auto-Charge – Set auto-charge for Edy when the balance is low, including the trigger and daily limits.
- Edy Newsletter – Left for yes, right for no.
- Bank Account – Link a bank account directly or request paperwork.
- PIN Code – Set and confirm a PIN. This cannot be changed later.
Step 3: Enter Workplace Information
Provide accurate details about employment.
- Company Name – Enter the full company name.
- Prefecture – Select the work location.
- Workplace Phone Number – Input the company’s contact number.
- Time at Company – Specify how long you have been employed.
- Job Type – Choose the category that fits your role.
- Employment Status – Select from full-time, part-time, or other options.
- Industry – Pick the relevant industry.
- Driver’s License – Indicate if you have one.
Step 4: Create a Rakuten Account
Ensure all details match the credit card application. Enter and confirm the password. The account ID will be the same as the email used for the application.
Choose whether to receive the Rakuten newsletter by selecting yes (left) or no (right). Click the yellow button to proceed.
Step 5: Link a Bank Account
If a bank was selected earlier, link the account now. Click the yellow button to continue. If paperwork was chosen, skip to the confirmation step. Select a bank from the provided list.
Input the branch number, choose a regular account type, and enter the account number. Click the far-right button labeled 次へ進む to continue, then confirm the account details on the next page.
Step 6: Final Confirmation
Verify all details and make sure everything is correct. Click 修正する to make corrections if needed.
For additional security, there is an option to set a separate e-Navi password. Select left for no or right for yes. To complete the process, agree to the terms by selecting 同意する, then click the red button to finalize the application.
Step 7: Identity Verification Process
After applying, a confirmation email in Japanese will be sent. In some cases, Rakuten may call to verify identity by asking for the name and date of birth. Workplace verification may also occur within a few days.
Step 8: Receiving the Rakuten Card
The card should arrive by mail within one to two weeks for those who have linked a bank account. If a bank account is not linked, a form will be sent instead, which must be completed and returned before issuing the card.
Redeeming Rakuten Rewards
Using Rakuten points is straightforward. Points can be used for purchases at partner stores, redeemed for cashback on future transactions, or transferred to a linked account. A full list of redemption options is available in the reward catalog.
Maximizing Rewards
Focus on spending in categories with the highest point rates to get the best value from rewards. Stay updated on special promotions and bonus point offers. Redeem points regularly to prevent expiration.
Contact Information
For customer support, Rakuten Bank can be reached at 0570-66-6910. Their headquarters is located at Rakuten Crimson House, 1-14-1 Tamagawa, Setagaya-Ku, Tokyo.
Assistance is available for application procedures, account management, and issue resolution to ensure a smooth experience with the Rakuten Credit Card.
Final Notes
Rakuten Card is a practical choice for many due to its easy application process and minimal restrictions. This guide outlines the necessary steps and details the benefits, including different card types suited to various job statuses.
Disclaimer: Information provided follows general guidelines and may change. Always check official sources for the most accurate and updated details.
