Credit Card
Getting a Credit Card in Japan
- Getting a credit card soon after you arrive in Japan can be difficult if you don't have any credit history in Japan
- People usually wait for six months to earn credit history in Japan by using debit card to re-apply for it if your application gets declined
- The credit card limit will be determined by the issuer
If you'd like to apply for a credit card at Resource Center, please bring:
- Residence card
- Health insurance card
- Bankbook
Recommended Credit Card Options for OIST Community:
1. PSMA
Application: Paper application available at the Resource Center. Resource Center staff can assist you with the application process.
Annual Fee: 3,300 JPY after April 1st, 2021
*The free annual charge for the first year. The free annual fee if you purchase more than 300,000 JPY with your credit card from the second year
Available Credit Card Types: Visa, Master Card, and JCB
What's good: Gold card, comes with free domestic airport lounge access, minimum international travel insurance
* Student and non-OIST employee cannot apply for this credit card
2. GTN EPOS CARD (English OK) *Exclusive for GTN customors only
Application: Online
Annual Fee: Free
Available Credit Card Types: Visa
What's good: No annual fee, customer service in English is available
3. Rakuten Credit Card
Application: Online
Annual Fee: Free
Available Credit Card Types: Visa, Master Card, JCB, and American Express
What's good: No annual fee, comes with minimum international travel insurance, earn Rakuten points, various card designs available
4. ANA Credit Card
Application: Apply at the Resource Center
Annual Fee: Free for first year, 2,200 JPY from the second year *Free for Students
Available Credit Card Types: Visa, Master Card, and JCB
What's good: No annual fee for student
4. Orico Credit Card
Application: Online
Annual Fee: Free for master card and JCB
Available Credit Card Types: Visa, Master Card, and JCB
What's good: No annual fee, ID(electronic money) function available
