Getting a Credit Card in Japan as a Foreigner — Strategies to Pass Screening and Alternatives
Why do people say credit cards are hard for foreigners to get
The saying "外国人はクレジットカードが作れない" (foreigners can't get credit cards) is widespread enough that Japanese credit card screening does have a real hurdle for foreigners. But in most cases this is not because of nationality — it is because there is no credit history. Someone who arrived in Japan recently, regardless of nationality, has a blank slate in Japan's credit records (records at credit bureaus such as CIC), so the card company simply has nothing to judge from. That is the core of the issue.
What the screening looks at
Criteria differ by card company and card type, but the following factors generally affect your chances of approval.
- Period of stay — a short remaining period on your residence card tends to work against you
- Employment type — full-time employment and longer tenure tend to help; freelancers and part-timers are relatively disadvantaged
- Having a Japanese bank account — registering a withdrawal account is mandatory, so a bank account is a prerequisite. 👉 Complete guide to opening a Japanese bank account
- Landline number and address stability — being settled at an address tends to help more than applying right after moving
- Applications for other cards — applying for several cards at once in a short period can count against you
⚠️ There is no such thing as a condition set that "guarantees approval" — screening criteria are undisclosed by card companies, and what is written here reflects generally known tendencies.
Students vs company employees vs freelancers
- Students — the typical route is to start with a student card (lower limits, but also a lower screening hurdle). Follow the card company's guidance on how to state your enrollment and part-time income.
- Company employees — with clear proof of employment and income, this is the most advantaged group. A card issued by the bank where your salary is deposited may take your transaction history into account, so it is often mentioned as a good first-card candidate.
- Freelancers / sole proprietors — you may be asked for proof of income (tax return documents, etc.), and screening tends to be relatively strict. Realistic workarounds are applying after building up a business track record, or building history with a debit card first.
First-card strategy — where to apply first
- Bank-affiliated cards — a card from the bank where you already hold an account may take your transaction history into account
- Retail-affiliated cards (supermarket, e-commerce, etc.) — generally considered to have a lower screening hurdle, often chosen as a first card
- Mobile-carrier cards — may be linked to your history of paying your phone bill
Getting one card and using it every month, even for small amounts, and repaying without delinquency is the most fundamental way to build a credit history. Once history accumulates, the second card onward often becomes noticeably easier.
(* This article explains by general card type, with no affiliation with any specific card company, and we receive no compensation from any card company. Concrete specs such as annual fees and point-earning rates change frequently and are not covered here — check each card company's official page before applying.)
Alternatives when you cannot get approved
- Debit cards (デビットカード) — pay instantly within your bank account balance. Screening is nonexistent or very simple, so almost anyone with an account can get one, and they work for most online payments and subscription services
- Prepaid cards — top-up type. No screening
- Unless you are in a situation where a credit card is strictly required (some car rentals, hotel deposits, etc.), a debit card covers most everyday payments. Building history with debit while preparing slowly for a credit card is also a valid strategy
Frequently asked questions
Q. I failed the screening. Can I apply for another card right away?
Consecutive applications within a short period are said to work against you. Generally, it is better to wait several months, strengthen your conditions (employment tenure, residential stability), and then reapply.
Q. Can't I just keep using the credit card from my home country in Japan?
Payments themselves work, but foreign transaction fees and exchange rates apply, and you build no credit history in Japan. For long-term residents, getting a Japanese card (or debit card) is more advantageous.
Q. My period of stay is under one year — can I still get a card?
It is not impossible, but it tends to work against you. A realistic route is to start with a debit card and apply after renewing your period of stay.
This article describes general tendencies; actual screening criteria and results differ by card company and individual circumstances. Check each card company's official guidance for specific issuing conditions.