The Rakuten Credit Card is a popular choice in Japan for shoppers who want to earn points on everyday purchases, especially through the Rakuten ecosystem.
Backed by Rakuten Card Co., Ltd., it offers a wide range of features with no annual fee and competitive reward rates.
This guide explains how to apply online, what features to expect, and how to get the most value from the card.
What is the Rakuten Credit Card?
The Rakuten Credit Card is a no-annual-fee credit card.
It lets you accumulate Rakuten Points, which can be redeemed across thousands of partner stores, Rakuten Ichiba, and even for monthly bill payments.
It is issued by Rakuten Card Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Rakuten Group, Inc., one of Japan’s leading e-commerce and tech companies.
Key Features of the Rakuten Credit Card
Here are the essential features that make this card stand out:
- Annual Fee: ¥0 (permanently free)
- Point System: 1% base point rate (1 Rakuten Point per ¥100 spent)
- Bonus Points: Up to 3x points when shopping at Rakuten Ichiba
- International Brand Options: Visa, Mastercard, JCB, American Express
- Mobile Compatibility: Supports Rakuten Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay
- Online Statement Access: View and manage transactions easily
- ETC Card Option: Available with an additional annual fee (¥550 incl. tax)
- Family Cards: Free issuance for supplementary family members
Unique and Lesser-Known Benefits
Beyond the usual reward points, the Rakuten Credit Card also provides:
- Rakuten Point Card Function: Use as a point card at participating physical stores
- Travel Insurance: Overseas accident insurance coverage up to ¥20 million (for cardholders using the card for trip payment)
- Free Credit Score Access: Check and track your credit health via the Rakuten Card’s app
- Special Offers and Campaigns: Frequent limited-time point multipliers and cashback campaigns for Rakuten services
- Rakuten Securities Bonus: Earn points when using the card for investment services with Rakuten Securities
Credit Limit and Usage Insights
Credit limits vary based on your creditworthiness:
- Initial Credit Limit: Typically ranges from ¥100,000 to ¥500,000
- Adjustments: You can request increases after a few months of usage with on-time payments
- Cash Advance Limit: Usually a portion of the credit limit, with higher interest rates
- Usage: Can be used both domestically and internationally at any store that accepts the selected brand (Visa, Mastercard, etc.)
Integration with Mobile Services
The Rakuten Credit Card integrates seamlessly with digital platforms. You can pay on terminals with Apple Pay & Google Pay.
Rakuten Pay links the card to make QR payments and earn extra points, and Rakuten e-NAVI allows you to manage usage, view statements, and redeem points.
For convenient bill settlement with linked accounts, use Rakuten Bank Auto-Charge.
How to Apply Online (Step-by-Step)
Applying for the Rakuten Credit Card online is simple and takes just a few minutes:
- Visit the Official Rakuten Card Site: Go to https://www.rakuten-card.co.jp
- Log In: Enter with your Rakuten member account
- Choose Your Card Brand: Select your preferred card type (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Amex)
- Fill in the Application Form: Enter personal details, household info, and financial data (including annual income and payment account). Students and company workers must fill out the respective information about their affiliations.
- ID: Submit ID verification, use your email, and create a password.
- Agree to Terms: Read and accept the terms and conditions
- Submit the Form: Once submitted, you’ll receive confirmation and the next steps via email
- Wait for Approval: Most applicants receive an answer within a few business days
- Receive Card by Mail: If approved, your card will arrive in 5–7 days
Rakuten Credit Card vs Competitors
Consider:
| Feature | Rakuten Credit Card | AEON Card | d Card (NTT Docomo) | MUFG Card | JCB Card W |
| Annual Fee | ¥0 (permanent) | ¥0 | ¥0 (basic), Gold: ¥11,000 | ¥1,375 (waived 1st year) | ¥0 (online only) |
| Reward Rate | 1% base, up to 3% on Rakuten Ichiba | 0.5% base, WAON points | 1% base, 1.5% with Gold | 0.4%–0.5% base | 1%–2% for online purchases |
| Point System | Rakuten Points | WAON Points | d Points | MUFG Points | Oki Doki Points |
| Mobile Payment | Apple Pay, Rakuten Pay, Google Pay | AEON Pay, Apple Pay | iD, d Barai, Apple Pay | Apple Pay | Apple Pay, Google Pay |
| Travel Insurance | Up to ¥20 million overseas (with use) | Up to ¥5 million (optional) | Gold only | Depends on card type | Up to ¥2,000,000 (online purchases only) |
| ETC Card | ¥550/year | ¥0 (conditions apply) | ¥550/year | ¥1,100/year | ¥0 (conditions apply) |
| Extra Benefits | Rakuten ecosystem bonuses, free credit score, special promos | Discounts at AEON stores, AEON Lounge access | Great for Docomo users, Gold upgrades | Broad compatibility, conservative design | High reward rates for younger users |
| Application Ease | Easy online, fast approval | Online or in-store | Online, Docomo ID helpful | Moderate; more checks | Online only (must be 39 or under) |
| Best For | Heavy Rakuten users, online shoppers | AEON mall shoppers | Docomo users, mobile payments | Traditional bank users | Younger users focused on online shopping |
Interest Rates and Fees
Understanding the costs is essential to avoid surprises:
- Purchase APR: 15.0% per annum (for revolving payments)
- Cash Advance APR: 18.0% per annum
- Late Payment Fee: Up to 20.0% APR on overdue balance
- ETC Card Fee: ¥550 annually (optional)
- Foreign Transaction Fee: Around 1.63%, depending on the card brand
Note: One-time full payments within the grace period incur no interest.
Customer Support & Contact Info
Rakuten Card offers robust customer service:
- General Inquiries:
Rakuten Card Customer Center
Phone: 0570-66-6910 (Japan only)
Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Mon–Sun, excluding holidays) - Mailing Address:
Rakuten Card Co., Ltd.,
NBF Shibuya Garden Front, 16-9 Nanpeidai-cho,
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0036, Japan - Online Support:
Available through the Rakuten e-NAVI portal
Conclusion
The Rakuten Credit Card is ideal for Japanese residents who want to maximize their everyday spending through a reliable points system.
Its zero annual fee, high compatibility with digital tools, and strong network of reward partners make it a practical and rewarding card.
Apply now through Rakuten’s official website and enjoy exclusive member benefits and bonus campaigns.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Credit approval and rates are subject to change based on the bank’s policies and your credit history. Please consult Rakuten Card’s official website for the most up-to-date terms and conditions.
