Can foreigners apply?
Rakuten Card is not limited to Japanese citizens. However, it is a credit card, so issuance depends on screening by the card company. Approval is not guaranteed, and the card company evaluates income stability, credit history, period of stay, and other factors.
Rakuten Card's official FAQ says it may request residence card documents from non-Japanese customers to confirm period of stay as part of screening. Having a longer period of stay remaining on your residence card generally improves your application.
If your period of stay is very short or you are on a new visa type, it may be harder to pass screening. In that case, focus on Rakuten Mobile first and consider Rakuten Card again after renewing your status.
Rakuten Mobile: Unlimited data ¥3,278/mo or under 3GB ¥1,078/mo (tax incl.).
Prepare before applying
Prepare your current address, a Japanese phone number, work or income information, bank account for payment, and identity documents. All of this information must be accurate and consistent with your registered documents.
Rakuten Card warns that if the address in the application differs from the identity document, you may not be able to receive the card. Update your residence card address at your local municipal office before applying if you have recently moved.
Your name entry matters. Foreign names can be entered in Latin script or katakana. Use the same format across all Rakuten services. Inconsistencies between your Rakuten ID registration, card application, and identity document can cause delays or rejections.
Understanding the credit card process in Japan
Credit card screening in Japan can feel opaque if you are from a country with a different credit system. Japan uses its own credit bureaus, and foreign residents with no Japanese credit history may face additional scrutiny.
Paying all bills on time, having a stable registered address, and maintaining the same registered information across services all help build your credit record over time. If you are newly arrived, give yourself a few months of stable life in Japan before applying.
If your application is declined, you can apply again after some time has passed. Applying repeatedly in a short period can negatively affect your credit record. Wait at least six months before reapplying.
What Rakuten Card earns you
Rakuten Card earns 1 Rakuten Point per 100 yen spent on most purchases. Special campaigns and specific merchants can offer higher rates. For everyday spending like groceries, utilities, and subscriptions, using Rakuten Card consistently builds up points that can be used on Rakuten Ichiba or other services.
Rakuten Card is also one of the key SPU conditions for Rakuten Ichiba shopping. Having it active and using it for Ichiba purchases raises your point multiplier. Combined with other SPU conditions like Rakuten Mobile, the total multiplier can increase your effective point return significantly.
Why it matters in the Rakuten ecosystem
Rakuten Card earns Rakuten Points and is a natural step if you shop on Rakuten Ichiba. It is also one of the key SPU conditions for Rakuten Ichiba shopping. Used carefully, it is a low-effort way to earn points on spending you already needed to do.
Do not apply only for points. A credit card must be paid on time and in full each month to avoid interest charges. If you are still learning money management in Japan, start with Rakuten Mobile first and add the card only when you are confident in your payment habits.
Set up automatic payment from your bank account to avoid missing due dates. Late payments affect your credit record and may result in the card being suspended or cancelled.