Rakuten, a major Japanese company, provides services like internet, mobile data, and credit cards. It's famous for its food delivery and Rakuten Ichiba online shopping.
The Rakuten Credit Card, known for no annual fees on some cards and a loyalty points program, is popular among both Japanese and foreigners in Japan.
This guide covers the card's benefits and application process.
Why Apply for a Rakuten Credit Card?
Applying for a Rakuten Credit Card is smart due to no annual fees and its simplicity.
Here's why:
- Point Earning Made Simple: Rakuten cards excel in earning points—securing top spots for point earnings, customer satisfaction, and preferred points in 2020. Spend 100 yen, earn 1 point. Use these points like cash on Rakuten's platforms and affiliated stores, or save on purchases through the Rakuten Pay app. Your spending habits can elevate your member status, unlocking more benefits and savings.
- Utility Bills Reward: Pay your utilities with the Rakuten Card to earn points on every yen, streamlining your budget and ensuring bills are never forgotten.
- Travel Friendly: Withdraw local currency abroad using your Rakuten Card. It's a convenient way to manage finances while traveling, as demonstrated by our Taiwanese writer's experience.
Steps to Register the Rakuten Credit Card Online
To get a Rakuten Credit Card online, here's what you need to do:
- Visit the official site (click here).
- Choose membership status: "楽天会員の方" for members, "楽天会員でない方" for non-members.
- Non-members select a card type next. Choose a VISA or Mastercard for global use, then pick a card design.
- Fill in your name, gender, and date of birth. Use katakana for the first two fields and Roman letters for the last, which will be displayed on your card.
- Enter a valid Japanese phone number and your email address, which can be from your mobile carrier or a regular one.
- Choose "受け取る" to get Rakuten updates or "受け取らない" if you prefer not to. Then, provide your postal code and current address in Japan where the card will be mailed.
Next, indicate your family situation.
- The second option is for living with a spouse and children.
- The third is for living with a partner.
- The fourth is if you have no partner or children.
- The fifth is if you're single and live away from your family.
- The last is if you're single and living with your family.
Remember to include the number of people in your household, counting yourself.
- Enter your residence status and duration. For loans, select "支払いあり" if you have any, or "支払いなし" if not. Then, specify your employment status.
- Opt for billing to your home and select the card's use: shopping or cash withdrawals. Indicate if you have loans from other companies ("あり" for yes, "なし" for no). Choose "希望する" to add the Edy feature or "希望しない" if not interested.
- The "Rakuten Edy" is prepaid e-money. Charge it using your bank account. Pay by touching the Edy card on a reader at participating stores. You can set an automatic recharge amount for convenience.
- Connect your bank account to your Rakuten Credit Card by selecting your bank and entering your account details. Double-check your cash card or bank book information to avoid errors.
Payments are deducted from your bank on the 27th of each month for the previous month's charges. If payment fails, interest is charged on the due amount.
- If online bank registration is tough, opt for snail mail. You'll get the card and a form for your bank details by post. Remember, receiving the card doesn't mean it's active. Return the form to activate your card.
- Agree to the terms and conditions. After applying online, expect a call from Rakuten in 2-3 days to confirm your details. This call will be in Japanese. Bank details online mean you'll get your card in about a week. For snail mail, send back the form to finish your application.
Types of Rakuten Credit Cards
Currently, there are ten Rakuten credit cards.
Here's a look at some popular ones.
Rakuten Card
It's the main card from Rakuten. New members get 2,000 points, and first-time card users get 5,000 points.
The card offers perks for overseas travel, like travel insurance, loss and theft protection, Wi-Fi rental discounts, and more. It's useful for overseas travelers, even if you don't travel much.
Rakuten ANA Mileage Club Card
Ideal for regular travelers or business flyers. It combines Rakuten Card benefits with ANA Mileage Club perks. Convert every two Rakuten Super Points into one ANA mile.
There are special offers like a 4,000 yen coupon for Rakuten Travel, 2,000 bonus points for new members, and 5,000 points for first-time users.
Rakuten Card Academy
If you're 18 to 28, you can get this credit card. Buy books or DVDs on Rakuten Books and earn up to 4x points. Book an express bus on Rakuten Travel and get 3x points.
Rakuten PINK Card
Choose a cute card design, like Mickey Mouse or the Shopping Panda. This card doubles your points on Rakuten Travel and offers accident insurance for female cardholders.
What Do You Need to Be Eligible?
To successfully apply for a Rakuten credit card, you must fulfill the following criteria:
- Ensure you are of legal age to enter into a contract.
- Submit valid identity verification documents, which could include your driver's license, passport, or other government-issued IDs, to confirm your identity.
- Demonstrate a stable income by providing recent documents, such as your bank statements or salary slips, which will serve as proof of your financial stability.
- Possess a Rakuten ID by signing up on their official website. If you haven't registered yet, you can still initiate the application process by selecting the "Non-Rakuten member" option, which will guide you through the registration while applying.
Conclusion
Choosing a Rakuten Credit Card offers unmatched convenience and rewards, with no annual fees and a straightforward points system. It's ideal for daily spending and travel, making every purchase rewarding.
The application process is easy, welcoming both Rakuten members and new users and ensuring quick access to its benefits.
Disclaimer: Accuracy and responsibility are essential when dealing with credit card information. Changes to terms can occur, making it necessary to stay informed.
