Last updated: August 2, 2026 · Credit cards compared: 15 · Data source: issuer product pages, recorded in the Buzdy database · cited pages where we hold them
Reviewed by Zia Shahid, Buzdy Banking Editor · Our methodology
? In this guide
Looking for a credit card in Japan in 2026? We hold verified data on 33 credit cards in Japan and show the top 15 here. Every figure below is printed from the record Buzdy holds for that product, taken from the issuer's own published material — where a bank does not publish a number, this guide says Not published rather than guessing. We link the exact issuer page under Sources for every product where we have recorded it; for the rest we hold the figure but not the page, and say so.
How this list is ordered. Ranked on the data we actually hold: cards with no annual fee first, then by how many benefits we can verify from the issuer's own product page, then by the lowest published interest rate, then by the lowest published minimum income. We then rotate one card per bank so a single issuer cannot fill the list.
This is not a complete list of every credit card sold in Japan. It is the set Buzdy has verified data for, from 11 issuers, as of August 2, 2026.
Quick Comparison: 15 Credit Cards in Japan
Side by side, in the order explained above. Tap any name for the full product page.
| Credit card | Bank | Annual fee | Interest rate | Verified benefits | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Mizuho Mileage Club ANA Card | Mizuho Bank | No annual fee | 15% per year | Rewards points, Travel benefits, Digital wallet, Supplementary cards | View → |
| 2. Orico Card THE POINT | Orico | No annual fee | 15% per year | Rewards points, Digital wallet, Shopping offers, Supplementary cards | View → |
| 3. UC Card | UC Card | No annual fee | 15% per year | Rewards points, Digital wallet, Shopping offers, Supplementary cards | View → |
| 4. PayPay Card | PayPay Card | No annual fee | 18% per year | Cashback, Rewards points, Digital wallet, Shopping offers | View → |
| 5. AEON Card | AEON Card | No annual fee | Not published | Rewards points, Digital wallet, Shopping offers | View → |
| 6. JCB Platinum | JCB | Not published | 15% per month | Airport lounge, Travel benefits, Dining offers, Digital wallet | View → |
| 7. Rakuten Premium Card | Rakuten Card | Not published | 15% per month | Airport lounge, Cashback, Travel benefits, Dining offers | View → |
| 8. SMBC Visa Platinum Preferred | Sumitomo Mitsui Card | Not published | 15% per month | Airport lounge, Travel benefits, Dining offers, Digital wallet | View → |
| 9. SAISON Platinum American Express Card | Credit Saison | JPY 22,000 | 15% per year | Airport lounge, Rewards points, Travel benefits, Digital wallet | View → |
| 10. View Gold Plus Card | View Card | JPY 11,000 | 18% per year | Airport lounge, Rewards points, Travel benefits, Digital wallet | View → |
| 11. MUFG Card Gold Prestige | MUFG Card | JPY 11,000 | Not published | Airport lounge, Cashback, Rewards points | View → |
| 12. Mizuho Mileage Club Card | Mizuho Bank | No annual fee | 15% per year | Rewards points, Digital wallet, Shopping offers, Supplementary cards | View → |
| 13. Orico Card THE PLATINUM | Orico | JPY 20,370 | 12% per year | Airport lounge, Rewards points, Travel benefits, Dining offers | View → |
| 14. UC Platinum Card | UC Card | JPY 33,000 | 12% per year | Airport lounge, Rewards points, Travel benefits, Dining offers | View → |
| 15. PayPay Balance Card | PayPay Card | No annual fee | Not published | Cashback, Rewards points, Digital wallet | View → |
The 15 Credit Cards in Detail
1. Mizuho Mileage Club ANA Card
Bank: Mizuho Bank
- Annual fee: No annual fee
- Interest rate: 15% per year
- Minimum income: Not published
- Verified benefits: Rewards points, Travel benefits, Digital wallet, Supplementary cards
A Mizuho x ANA co-branded card that converts Eikyufumetsu Points to ANA miles at a preferential rate (200pts = 700 miles). No annual fee with full Mizuho banking benefits and ANA Mileage Club membership for earning flight miles on everyday purchases.
2. Orico Card THE POINT
Bank: Orico
- Annual fee: No annual fee
- Interest rate: 15% per year
- Minimum income: Not published
- Verified benefits: Rewards points, Digital wallet, Shopping offers, Supplementary cards
Orico's most popular no-fee credit card with a standard 1% reward rate boosted to 2% for the first 6 months. Extra 0.5% bonus on Orico Mall online shopping. Supports iD and QUICPay contactless payments for fast, everyday tap-to-pay convenience across Japan.
3. UC Card
Bank: UC Card
- Annual fee: No annual fee
- Interest rate: 15% per year
- Minimum income: Not published
- Verified benefits: Rewards points, Digital wallet, Shopping offers, Supplementary cards
The classic UC Card with no annual fee, Eikyufumetsu Points rewards that never expire, and broad Visa/Mastercard acceptance. Features biometric app login, cashing services up to ¥1M, and seamless integration with the UC Portal management app.
4. PayPay Card
Bank: PayPay Card
- Annual fee: No annual fee
- Interest rate: 18% per year
- Minimum income: Not published
- Verified benefits: Cashback, Rewards points, Digital wallet, Shopping offers
The standard PayPay credit card with no annual fee, earning 1% PayPay Points on all purchases. When linked to the PayPay app, cardholders earn up to 1.5% back through PayPay Step rewards. Supports Visa and Mastercard networks with instant virtual issuance.
5. AEON Card
Bank: AEON Card
- Annual fee: No annual fee
- Interest rate: Not published
- Minimum income: Not published
- Verified benefits: Rewards points, Digital wallet, Shopping offers
The AEON Card is a no-annual-fee credit card from AEON Financial Service in Japan, featuring integrated WAON electronic money, support for Visa/Mastercard/JCB networks, and special discounts at AEON retail stores. It offers ETC card compatibility, Apple Pay support, and the ability to upgrade to AEON Card Gold.
6. JCB Platinum
Bank: JCB
- Annual fee: Not published
- Interest rate: 15% per month
- Minimum income: Not published
- Verified benefits: Airport lounge, Travel benefits, Dining offers, Digital wallet, Shopping offers, Entertainment, Hotel offers, Supplementary cards
Invitation-available premium card with Priority Pass, 24-hour concierge, comprehensive travel insurance, and dining privileges.
7. Rakuten Premium Card
Bank: Rakuten Card
- Annual fee: Not published
- Interest rate: 15% per month
- Minimum income: Not published
- Verified benefits: Airport lounge, Cashback, Travel benefits, Dining offers, Digital wallet, Shopping offers, Hotel offers, Supplementary cards
Top-tier card with Priority Pass lounge access, 5x points at Rakuten, comprehensive travel insurance, and lifestyle concierge.
8. SMBC Visa Platinum Preferred
Bank: Sumitomo Mitsui Card
- Annual fee: Not published
- Interest rate: 15% per month
- Minimum income: Not published
- Verified benefits: Airport lounge, Travel benefits, Dining offers, Digital wallet, Shopping offers, Entertainment, Hotel offers, Supplementary cards
Premium card with Visa Platinum benefits, Priority Pass, comprehensive insurance, and 5% V-Point earning at select merchants.
9. SAISON Platinum American Express Card
Bank: Credit Saison
- Annual fee: JPY 22,000 (¥22,000)
- Interest rate: 15% per year
- Minimum income: Not published
- Verified benefits: Airport lounge, Rewards points, Travel benefits, Digital wallet, Entertainment, Supplementary cards
Credit Saison's top-tier Amex card with 2x Eikyufumetsu Points, Priority Pass lounge access worldwide, concierge service, smartphone insurance, golfer insurance, and comprehensive travel coverage up to ¥100M. Ideal for frequent travelers and high spenders.
10. View Gold Plus Card
Bank: View Card
- Annual fee: JPY 11,000 (¥11,000)
- Interest rate: 18% per year
- Minimum income: Not published
- Verified benefits: Airport lounge, Rewards points, Travel benefits, Digital wallet, Shopping offers, Supplementary cards
View Card's premium offering with up to ¥50M travel insurance, airport lounge access, 3.5% at JR station stores, bonus JRE POINTS for annual spending milestones (10,000 pts at ¥1M), and Suica auto-charge. A top choice for frequent JR East travelers.
11. MUFG Card Gold Prestige
Bank: MUFG Card
- Annual fee: JPY 11,000 (JPY 11,000 (first year free))
- Interest rate: Not published
- Minimum income: Not published
- Verified benefits: Airport lounge, Cashback, Rewards points
The MUFG Card Gold Prestige is a gold-tier credit card from Mitsubishi UFJ Nicos in Japan, featuring up to 20% point cashback at partner stores, airport lounge access, and automatic overseas travel insurance. Annual fee is JPY 11,000 (first year free) with support for Mastercard, Visa, JCB, and American Express netw...
12. Mizuho Mileage Club Card
Bank: Mizuho Bank
- Annual fee: No annual fee
- Interest rate: 15% per year
- Minimum income: Not published
- Verified benefits: Rewards points, Digital wallet, Shopping offers, Supplementary cards
Mizuho Bank's core credit card with no annual fee, combining banking convenience with Eikyufumetsu Points rewards. Includes ATM fee waivers, reduced transfer fees based on usage, and seamless integration with Mizuho Direct online banking services.
13. Orico Card THE PLATINUM
Bank: Orico
- Annual fee: JPY 20,370 (¥20,370)
- Interest rate: 12% per year
- Minimum income: Not published
- Verified benefits: Airport lounge, Rewards points, Travel benefits, Dining offers, Digital wallet, Entertainment, Supplementary cards
Orico's top-tier platinum card featuring Mastercard T&E benefits, Lounge Key airport lounge access, comprehensive travel insurance up to ¥100M, and enhanced point earning up to 2.5%. Includes concierge service and Orico Club Off Gold membership.
14. UC Platinum Card
Bank: UC Card
- Annual fee: JPY 33,000 (¥33,000)
- Interest rate: 12% per year
- Minimum income: Not published
- Verified benefits: Airport lounge, Rewards points, Travel benefits, Dining offers, Digital wallet, Entertainment, Hotel offers, Supplementary cards
UC's top-tier platinum card offering up to 10% points return, Priority Pass airport lounge access worldwide, comprehensive travel insurance, concierge service, and exclusive lifestyle benefits. Backed by the SMBC Group with premium customer support.
15. PayPay Balance Card
Bank: PayPay Card
- Annual fee: No annual fee
- Interest rate: Not published
- Minimum income: Not published
- Verified benefits: Cashback, Rewards points, Digital wallet
A virtual-only card that uses PayPay balance for purchases, earning 0.5-1% PayPay Points based on PayPay Step status. No annual fee with no credit check required — spend only what you have loaded. Qualifies for PayPay Step reward program upgrades.
7 Smart Tips Before You Apply
What banks won't put in their marketing — but every smart applicant should know.
- Compare APR, not just headline rates. The advertised "low interest" is usually a promo. The real cost is the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) after fees, balance transfer charges, and FX markups. A 1.5% monthly rate is actually ~19.6% APR.
- Read the small print on rewards. Banks advertise "5% cashback" but cap it at $20/month. After the cap, you earn 0.5%. Always check the monthly cap, eligible merchants, and minimum spend requirements.
- Know your credit profile before applying. Each rejected application damages your credit score. Use the bank's pre-qualification check (soft pull) before submitting a formal application (hard pull).
- Avoid cash advances at all costs. Cash advance APR is usually 5-10% higher than purchase APR, with no grace period and an upfront fee of 2-5% of the amount. Use only in emergencies.
- Set up direct debit for the full balance. Paying only the minimum (often 5% of balance) means interest accrues on the rest. A balance of $1,000 paid at minimum costs ~$1,400 in interest over 5 years.
- Use foreign-fee-free cards abroad. Standard cards charge 2-3% on every foreign transaction plus FX markup. Travel cards charge 0%. On a $3,000 holiday, that's $90 saved.
- Watch the annual fee waiver conditions. Many premium cards waive fees in year 1 only or require a minimum annual spend (e.g. $5,000) to keep the waiver. Set a reminder before renewal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The five most expensive errors people make with credit cards:
- Applying for too many cards at once. Each application is a hard credit pull. 3+ pulls in 6 months drops your score 30-50 points. Space out applications by at least 90 days.
- Only paying the minimum. If you have $5,000 balance at 24% APR and pay only the minimum (5%), you'll pay $1,500+ in interest before clearing the debt. Always pay in full when possible.
- Ignoring the fine print on welcome bonuses. "Get $200 cashback!" usually requires spending $3,000 in 90 days. Read the qualifying spend, the eligible categories, and the payout timeline.
- Not using benefits you've already paid for. If you pay a $400 annual fee for a card with airport lounge access, lost-baggage insurance, and concierge — use them. Most users don't claim 80% of what they paid for.
- Treating credit cards as free money. They're high-cost short-term loans. The minimum payment cycle is designed to keep you indebted for 7-10 years on average.
How to Choose the Right Credit card in Japan
- Annual fees — compare across banks, some offer zero fee for the first year
- Interest rates — lower rates save money if you carry a balance
- Rewards and benefits — match to your spending habits
- Eligibility — salary and documentation requirements vary by bank
- Digital access — mobile app, internet banking, contactless payments
- Customer support — 24/7 helpline, branch network, dispute resolution time
- Regulation — check the issuer's licence on the Financial Services Agency public register before you apply
Frequently Asked Questions: Credit cards in Japan
What is the best credit card in Japan for 2026?
The best credit card depends on your priorities — income level, spending habits, and eligibility. Use the comparison table above to filter by rate, benefits, and bank. For premium benefits with worldwide acceptance, look at Platinum tier cards. For low income requirements, classic tier cards offer easier eligibility. Compare the 15 products in this guide above.
What credit score do I need for a credit card in Japan?
Buzdy does not hold credit-score or credit-bureau data, and each bank sets its own threshold. None of the 15 products in this guide publish a minimum income requirement on their product page, so ask the bank directly before applying.
Can I apply online for a credit card in Japan?
Yes, most major banks in Japan now offer fully online applications. Tap "View" on any credit card above to start the application process directly with the bank.
What documents do I need?
Standard documents: valid government ID, tax identification number, proof of address (utility bill or rental agreement), latest 3 months of payslips (for salaried applicants) or 6 months of bank statements (self-employed), and a recent passport-size photograph. Exact requirements vary by bank.
Are these credit cards regulated and safe?
Retail banking in Japan is supervised by Financial Services Agency. Buzdy has not individually verified the licence status of each issuer on this page, so check the regulator’s own public register before you apply — and escalate an unresolved dispute there.
What annual fee do credit cards in Japan charge?
Of the 33 credit cards Buzdy lists for Japan, 14 publish an annual fee amount, from JPY 524 to JPY 33,000 with a median of JPY 11,000. 8 are published as free and 11 do not publish a figure at all. Fees differ by bank and tier and change over time, so check the product page for its exact schedule.
Can I get a credit card if I am self-employed in Japan?
Yes. Self-employed applicants typically need: business registration, latest tax returns, 6 months of bank statements, and audited financials (for higher tiers). Approval rates are lower than for salaried applicants but several banks specifically cater to small business owners.
What happens if I default on payments?
Missed payments trigger late fees, a credit-score drop, and a higher interest rate going forward. After 90 days of non-payment, the account goes to collections and is reported to credit bureaus. Contact your bank BEFORE missing a payment if you have trouble — most banks offer hardship plans.
Related Guides for Japan
- All banks in Japan
- Bank branches across Japan
- Credit Cards In Japan 2026
- Personal Loans In Japan 2026
- Savings Accounts In Japan 2026
- Japan EMI calculator
- Japan savings calculator
How We Compare
Our editorial team reviews each product based on annual fees, interest rates, rewards programs, eligibility requirements, and verified bank disclosures. We update this comparison regularly to reflect the latest offers. Data is sourced from official bank websites and verified where regulatory filings are publicly available.
Buzdy compares products from 555 banks across 51 countries. We are not affiliated with any single bank — our rankings are based on objective criteria outlined in our methodology.
Disclosure: Buzdy may earn a referral commission when you apply through links on our site. Commissions never influence rankings. Read our full editorial standards.
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