Getting a credit card in Japan.

[Admiral-Badruck]

So I am ready to get a credit card how do I do this?

In the states it they practically give them to you. How is it in Japan.

[kojibear]

You might want to talk to your main bank where your paychecks go. They are more likely to offer you a card. When I go into MUFJ, there is often someone catching me as I walk out the door and trying to sign me up for a card.

If it is a card not connected to your bank, it can be harder to get approval as a non-Japanese. Not impossible, just sometimes difficult. In order for me to get a Rakuten Mastercard, my wife had to be the main card holder and I the joint account holder. It is a bit of a pain as the bill shows both of our purchases... including any hobby ones but it is an option and usually no problem

[Spevna]

I couldn't get one until I got my permanent residence visa.

I only have one, and I only got it as it gave me a discount on my mortgage.

Best bet would be to apply through a bank that you have been using for a while I reckon.

[Lovejoy]

I got a Rakuten mastercard for an account we have (in my wife's name) that she also has a card for. I don't have permanent residency, just the spousal visa. My wife had to sort it out for me, naturally.

[Admiral-Badruck]

I'm a permanent resident.

I will check my bank.

[Spevna]

I'm a permanent resident.

I will check my bank.

Just remember that you are a dirty gaijin with a dodgy foreign sounding name ( not half as dodgy as mine though ) so be prepared for possible obstacles.

Best of luck

[me_in_japan]

I got my Visa card through JAL (and I thiiiiiink MUFJ) It's extremely useful, as you get 1 air mile per 200yen spent. My wife and I are pretty thorough about putting all our bills on it (I mean, we pay the same money anyhow) and have now accrued enough miles for us both to go to Hawaii. Not the kids, mind you, but...

It should be noted that this was the 2nd card I have applied for here. That said, 2nd time around it was no problem, and I wasn't even a perma resident at the time. Just filled out the app form online then (iirc) went into a bank branch and spoke to an assistant lady staff person.

[jehan-reznor]

I had one about 10 years ago from Citybank had no problem getting it and i had no permanent visa. Just needed a sponsor.

[YellowStreak]

Definitely don't need to be a permanent resident - all the ex-pats in the office have ccards and none of them are PRs (although I imagine they have some kind of guarantee from the company).