Apply for a Rakuten Card Online in Japan with Easy Steps and Faster Approval Tips

Applying for a Rakuten Card online takes about 10–15 minutes. Visit the official Rakuten Card website, complete the application form with your personal and financial details, and receive an instant preliminary decision. Full approval and card delivery typically take 1–2 weeks.

Rakuten Card is one of Japan’s most popular credit cards—and for good reason. With no annual fee, generous Rakuten Points rewards, and seamless integration with the Rakuten ecosystem, it consistently ranks as a top choice for both everyday shoppers and frequent online buyers. If you’ve been thinking about applying, the online process is faster and simpler than most people expect.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know before you start your application: eligibility requirements, the documents you’ll need, a step-by-step breakdown of the online process, and what to do after you’ve submitted. Whether you’re applying for the first time or switching from another card, this is the most complete resource available.

What Is the Rakuten Card, and Why Is It Worth Applying For?

Rakuten Card is issued by Rakuten Card Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Rakuten Group, Inc.—one of Japan’s largest e-commerce and financial services companies. The card operates on the Visa, Mastercard, JCB, or American Express network depending on which variant you choose.

Here’s what makes the Rakuten Card stand out:

• No annual fee, for life
• 1% base reward rate in Rakuten Points on all purchases
• 5% back when shopping at Rakuten Ichiba (Japan’s largest online marketplace)
• Rakuten SPU (Super Point-up Program) bonuses for using multiple Rakuten services
• Wide acceptance across Japan and internationally through major card networks

For regular Rakuten Ichiba shoppers, the card essentially pays for itself many times over. According to Rakuten’s official data, cardholders who actively use the Rakuten ecosystem can accumulate Points worth several thousand yen per month with minimal effort.

Who Is Eligible to Apply for a Rakuten Card Online?

Before starting your application, confirm that you meet the basic eligibility criteria. Rakuten Card requires applicants to:

• Be 18 years of age or older (high school students are generally excluded)
• Have a stable source of income (employed, self-employed, or retired individuals qualify)
• Have a valid address in Japan
• Own a Japanese bank account for bill payment setup
• Possess a valid form of Japanese identification

Non-Japanese nationals can apply, provided they hold valid residency status and meet all other requirements. Permanent residents, long-term residents, and those on work visas are typically eligible.

What Documents and Information Do You Need Before Applying for a Rakuten Card?

Gathering your information beforehand prevents delays mid-application. Here’s what you’ll need:

Personal information:

• Full name (as it appears on your ID)
• Date of birth
• Current address and phone number
• Email address (preferably already linked to a Rakuten account)

Financial information:

• Annual income (approximate is acceptable)
• Employment status and employer name
• Type of housing (owned or rented)

Supporting document:

• One government-issued photo ID, such as a My Number Card (マイナンバーカード), driver’s license (運転免許証), or residence card (在留カード) for non-Japanese applicants

You will not need to upload physical documents during the online application in most cases—Rakuten Card typically verifies identity through a separate process after submission.

How to Apply for a Rakuten Card Online: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Create or Log Into Your Rakuten Account

Visit the official Rakuten Card website at card.rakuten.co.jp and click the application button (申し込む). You’ll be prompted to log in with an existing Rakuten ID or create a new one.

Having a Rakuten ID is mandatory. If you already shop on Rakuten Ichiba or use Rakuten services like Rakuten Mobile or Rakuten Bank, you already have one. Using an existing Rakuten ID also means your Points balance and SPU bonuses will be consolidated in one place from the moment your card is approved.

Step 2: Choose Your Card Type and Network

Rakuten Card offers several variants:

• Rakuten Card (standard) — best for most users
• Rakuten Gold Card — annual fee applies; higher Points multipliers
• Rakuten Premium Card — premium benefits including Priority Pass airport lounge access
• Rakuten Pink Card — designed for women, includes select insurance add-ons

For most first-time applicants, the standard Rakuten Card is the right starting point. You can also select your preferred card network here: Visa, Mastercard, JCB, or American Express. Visa and Mastercard offer the widest international acceptance, while JCB provides unique perks within Japan and at select overseas merchants.

Step 3: Complete the Online Application Form

The application form covers three main sections:

Personal details: Enter your name, date of birth, address, and contact information exactly as they appear on your ID. Discrepancies can delay processing.

Financial details: Provide your annual income, employment status, employer name and address, and years of employment. Self-employed applicants should enter their business name and approximate annual revenue.

Payment setup: Select your preferred billing date and enter your Japanese bank account details for automatic monthly payments. Rakuten Card supports most major Japanese banks, including Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ銀行), MUFG, SMBC, and Rakuten Bank.

The form takes approximately 10 minutes to complete if your information is ready.

Step 4: Review and Submit Your Application

Before submitting, carefully review every field. Pay particular attention to your name spelling, bank account number, and annual income figure—errors here are the most common reason for processing delays.

Once satisfied, accept the terms and conditions and click the submit button. Rakuten Card will display a preliminary decision screen, often within a few minutes. Note that this preliminary decision is not a final approval—a credit review follows.

Step 5: Complete Identity Verification

After submitting your application, Rakuten Card will contact you via the email address linked to your Rakuten ID with instructions for identity verification. This step is required to comply with Japanese financial regulations.

Verification methods vary but commonly include:

• Uploading a photo of your ID via the Rakuten Card member portal
• Confirming your identity via Rakuten’s smartphone app

Complete this step promptly to avoid delays. Applications left pending in verification for an extended period may expire.

Step 6: Wait for Final Approval and Card Delivery

Final credit decisions are typically communicated within 3–7 business days by email. Once approved, your physical card is mailed to the address provided and arrives within 7–10 business days from the approval date.

If your application is declined, Rakuten Card will notify you by mail. Japanese credit regulations prohibit lenders from specifying the reason for denial, but common factors include insufficient income, an existing high debt-to-income ratio, or a limited credit history in Japan.

What to Do After Your Rakuten Card Arrives

Receiving your card is just the beginning. Once you activate it, take these steps to maximize your benefits:

Register for the Rakuten SPU program. The Rakuten Super Point-up Program stacks Point multipliers based on which Rakuten services you use. Combining Rakuten Card, Rakuten Mobile, and Rakuten Bank, for example, can push your Points rate on Rakuten Ichiba purchases to 7% or higher.

Link your card to Rakuten Pay. Rakuten Pay is a QR code-based payment app accepted at tens of thousands of physical stores across Japan. Linking your Rakuten Card to Rakuten Pay adds an extra 0.5% Points on top of your standard rate.

Set up card alerts. Log into the Rakuten Card member portal (楽天e-NAVI) to enable purchase notifications and monitor your spending in real time.

Consider adding a family card. If you have a spouse or family member, a supplementary card earns Points on a shared balance—at no additional annual fee for the standard card variant.

Common Reasons Rakuten Card Applications Are Delayed or Declined

Understanding the most frequent friction points helps you avoid them.

Incomplete or inconsistent information is the leading cause of delays. Make sure your name, address, and employer details exactly match official records.

Bank account verification failures occur when the account holder’s name doesn’t match the applicant’s name on file. Always use a personal account rather than a joint or business account.

Low credit score or thin credit file is a challenge particularly for new residents in Japan. If you’ve lived in Japan for less than a year, consider starting with a debit card or a secured card to establish your credit profile before applying.

Pending applications with other lenders can temporarily lower your creditworthiness. Avoid applying to multiple credit cards simultaneously.

Frequently Asked Questions About Applying for a Rakuten Card Online

Can I apply for a Rakuten Card without a Rakuten account?
No. A Rakuten ID is required to begin the application. Creating a Rakuten ID is free and takes under two minutes at rakuten.co.jp.

How long does it take to get a Rakuten Card after applying?
From application to card delivery, expect approximately 1–2 weeks. Final approval typically arrives within 3–7 business days, followed by 7–10 business days for physical delivery.

Is the Rakuten Card free?
The standard Rakuten Card has no annual fee and no maintenance charges. Premium variants such as the Rakuten Gold Card (2,200 yen/year) and Rakuten Premium Card (11,000 yen/year) carry annual fees.

Can non-Japanese residents apply for a Rakuten Card online?
Yes, provided you hold valid Japanese residency status, have a Japanese address, and own a Japanese bank account. A residence card (在留カード) is an accepted form of ID.

What is the credit limit for a new Rakuten Card?
Credit limits are determined individually based on income, credit history, and Rakuten’s internal scoring. New cardholders typically start with a limit between 10,000 yen and 100,000 yen, which can be increased over time.

What happens if my Rakuten Card application is rejected?
You can reapply after a waiting period—Rakuten recommends waiting at least six months before submitting a new application. Use the intervening period to build your credit profile and reduce outstanding debts.

Start Your Rakuten Card Application Today

Applying for a Rakuten Card online is one of the most straightforward credit card applications in Japan. The process requires no paper forms, no branch visits, and no lengthy waiting rooms—just a stable internet connection and about 15 minutes of your time.

For everyday shoppers, frequent Rakuten Ichiba buyers, or anyone looking to consolidate spending into a single rewards ecosystem, the Rakuten Card delivers consistent, tangible value from day one. The no-annual-fee structure means there’s genuinely no downside to having it in your wallet.

Head to the official Rakuten Card application page to get started. Your Points are waiting.