How to obtain a credit card as a gaijin in japan

If you are a gaijin living in Japan obtaining a credit card might not be as easy as you think. In many other countries credit card companies are willing to lend credit cards to just about anybody that can pass a credit check but in Japan the process is a little stricter. First of all, for most credit cards you will need to have a permanent residence certificate. Without one you can apply as many times as you like but expect the same apologetic letter of denial in return. If you are a student studying abroad in Japan then the situation will be even worse. However, don't let getting turned down at every department store and most banks let you down as there are a few methods of obtaining credit cards that have worked for most foreigners.

JCB Card

It is not really accepted outside of Japan but it is quite easy to obtain. Just about every credit card application will ask you if you would like to apply for a JCB card or a VISA/Mastercard. If you choose JCB you will most likely be accepted and if you choose the VISA/Mastercard you will most likely be denied. Like I said before, JCB is a Japanese credit card and you will have little use for it abroad or on the internet. If this dissatisfies you then you might want to try the next method.

Mitsui Sumitomo VISA or Mastercard

Did I just write VISA or Mastercard??? Yes I did. After the personal experience of applying at countless department stores and banks for a VISA credit card and always getting denied I began to lose hope. In my darkest hours I stumbled across a fellow gaijin student who was able to get a VISA credit card issued through Mitsui Sumitomo bank and hope was restored http://www.smbc-card.com/. To speed up the processing for the card I reccommend that you go to one of the main offices. One of the main offices is located right next to Chiba station on the 4th floor of the Sen City Building. To apply for the card you will need your alien registration, student ID (if student), and bank book. The entire process should take about 20 minutes and then in one week you can come back and pick up your card. You could also wait two weeks and have the mailed to you instead. No more living on straight cash money, be a gaijin in style (and debt) with credit!