Rakuten Credit Card - Learn How to Apply Online: Features & Benefits

The Rakuten Credit Card is popular in Japan for its zero annual fee and strong rewards program.

It’s beneficial for online shoppers, frequent travelers, and those who use Rakuten services.

This guide explains how to apply online and highlights the key features and benefits of the card.

Key Features of the Rakuten Credit Card

Here are the key features of the Rakuten Credit Card, which make it a practical and rewarding option for everyday use.

Whether you’re shopping online or managing monthly expenses, these features offer convenience, flexibility, and value:

No Annual Fee: Most Rakuten Cards have no annual fee, making them affordable and easy to keep over the long term.
Rakuten Points Program: Earn 1% back on purchases, with higher rates on Rakuten Ichiba and during promos.
Mobile Payment Compatibility: Works with Rakuten Pay, Apple Pay, and Google Pay for quick, contactless payments.
International Acceptance: Usable worldwide under VISA, MasterCard, or JCB.
Real-Time Account Management: Track spending and points using the Rakuten Card app or e-NAVI.
Optional Family Card: Add family members with spending limits and share point rewards.
Automatic Utility Bill Payments: Set monthly utility payments and earn points automatically.
Security Features: Includes fraud alerts, card lock/unlock, and one-time passwords for safety.

The Rakuten Credit Cards are available, each designed to meet different needs and lifestyles.

Whether you’re a frequent shopper, traveler, or looking for added flexibility, there’s a card option that fits:

Rakuten Card (Basic): No annual fee and ideal for everyday spending with full access to the Rakuten Points program.
Rakuten Gold Card: Offers airport lounge access and travel perks for a small annual fee.
Rakuten Premium Card: Designed for frequent travelers, it includes lounge access, travel insurance, and higher point rewards.
Rakuten PINK Card: A customizable version of the basic card, allowing users to add optional services like insurance or support plans.
Rakuten ANA Mileage Club Card: Combines Rakuten Points and ANA miles, which is ideal for those who often fly with All Nippon Airways.

Here are the interest rates and fees associated with the card. Understanding these charges can help you manage your card usage effectively:

Purchase Interest Rate: Typically around 15% annually for standard purchases.
Cash Advance Interest Rate: 18% annually, calculated daily from the transaction date until repayment.
Installment Payment Interest: Varies based on the number of installments. For example, a 3-month installment plan incurs approximately 2.04% interest per ¥100, equating to an annual rate of about 12.25%.
Revolving Payment Interest: Ranges from 12.25% to 15% annually, depending on the repayment period and amount.
Late Payment Fee: If you fail to pay your credit card bill on time, you will be charged a high APR rate of 19.99% to 24.99%.
ATM Cash Advance Fees: ¥110 for withdrawals below ¥10,000; ¥220 for over ¥10,000, in Japan and abroad.
Foreign Transaction Fees: May apply when purchasing currencies other than the Japanese yen or when making transactions in countries outside Japan.

Applying for a Rakuten Credit Card online is straightforward and can be completed in 10–15 minutes.

You’ll need a valid Japanese address, phone number, and a valid form of identification. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Visit the Official Website: Access the Rakuten Card application page through your browser.
Select Membership Status: Choose “Rakuten Member” if you already have an account or “Not a Rakuten Member” to create a new one.
Choose Card Type and Design: Select your preferred card brand (VISA, MasterCard, JCB, or American Express) and design.
Enter Personal Information: Provide your full name (in kana and romaji), gender, date of birth, phone number, and email address.
Input Address Details: Enter your Japanese postal code and full address in the correct format.
Provide Employment and Financial Information: Indicate your occupation, annual income, and household details.
Set Card Preferences: Choose your desired cashing limit, opt in or out of additional services like Edy, and decide whether to apply for an ETC card if you drive.
Register Bank Account: Link your Japanese bank account for automatic monthly payments. If your bank isn’t listed, you can submit this information by mail instead.
Set a PIN: Choose a 4-digit PIN for your card.
Review and Submit: Double-check all the information you entered, agree to the terms and conditions, and submit your application.

To be eligible for this card, you must meet the following criteria:

Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
Residency: You must reside in Japan with a valid address.
Contact Information: A Japanese mobile phone number and a valid email address are required.
Identification: You need to provide an accepted form of ID, such as a Residence Card, Japanese driver’s license, or My Number Card.
Bank Account: A Japanese bank account is necessary to set up automatic monthly payments.
Income: A stable income is expected, but students aged 18–28 can apply for the student-friendly Rakuten Card Academy.

Here’s what to expect after submitting your Rakuten Credit Card application. The approval and delivery process is typically fast and straightforward:

Application Review: After submission, Rakuten reviews your information, including income, address, and ID details.
Confirmation Call or Email: You may receive a phone call or email for additional verification or confirmation.
Approval Time: Most applications are approved within 1– 3 business days, depending on the accuracy and completeness of your submission.
Card Issuance: Once approved, your card is processed and prepared for delivery.
Delivery Time: The card usually arrives by postal mail at your registered address within 5–7 days.
Activation: Follow the instructions provided with the card to activate it for use, either online or via the Rakuten Card app.

If you need assistance with your Rakuten Credit Card, the company offers several customer support options:

Customer Call Center (Japan): 0570-66-6910
Alternate Number (Japan): 092-474-6287
International Calls: +81-92-474-6287
Lost or Stolen Cards (24/7): +81-92-474-9256
Business Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. JST, including weekends and national holidays
English Support: Available; an English-speaking representative will return your call upon request
Corporate Address: Rakuten Card Co., Ltd., Rakuten Crimson House, 1-14-1 Tamagawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-0094, Japan

The Rakuten Credit Card offers convenience, rewards, and flexibility, making it a top choice for daily use in Japan.

With an easy online application process and valuable features, it suits new and experienced credit card users.

Apply today to start enjoying Rakuten Points, mobile payment options, and travel perks.

Information in this article is for general reference only and may change without notice.

Please check the official Rakuten Card website or contact customer support for the most up-to-date details.