【Practical Guide】 How to Apply for a Rakuten Card: English Input Hacks & How to Avoid Rejection
CEO / Native Japanese Expert
Updated on: June 15, 2026
Money & Cards
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Last updated: June 15, 2026
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Send to Friends (Summary)
- •90% of foreigners who fail the Rakuten Card screening do so because of "Name Input Errors." We explain exactly how to input middle names, avoid residence card mismatches, and the settings you need to get approved.
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They say the Rakuten Card is the "easiest credit card to get in Japan." However, did you know that the rejection rate for foreigners is actually surprisingly high?
"Is it because my income is too low?" No, that's usually not the reason. 90% of the time, foreigners fail the screening due to "Name Input Errors" and "Mismatches with the Residence Card."
Rakuten Card uses an AI (machine) automated screening process. Even a single character difference or a misalignment in the input fields can cause the system to flag it as "Identity Verification Failed" and reject you instantly.
In this article, we will thoroughly explain the "Middle Name Input Method" that has caused many foreigners to fail, and the "3 Settings to Pass the Screening," based on the latest information.
1. 【Most Important】 Why Do Foreigners Fail on the "Name" Field?
Before you open the application form, please read this section. This is the biggest "Rejection Trap."
① The "Middle Name" Trap and How to Fix It
The Rakuten Card application form does not have a field for a "Middle Name." So, what should you do?
✅ The Correct Answer: In the "First Name" (名) field, enter your First Name and Middle Name together.
Input Example: If your name is John Fitzgerald Kennedy:
| Input Field | ❌ Wrong (Rejected) | ⭕ Correct (Approved) |
|---|---|---|
| Last Name (姓) | Kennedy | Kennedy |
| First Name (名) | John | JohnFitzgerald |
- Key Point: Connect them (Smush) without a space. If you include a space, it may cause a system error, or it might not match your bank account name (which usually doesn't allow spaces in Katakana).
② The "Romaji" vs. "Katakana" Wall
Your Residence Card name is in "Romaji" (English alphabet), but the application form has a field for "Name (Kanji)" (お名前 漢字). Many people try to force Katakana into this field and fail.
✅ The Iron Rule: If your Residence Card name is written in Romaji, you must enter Romaji (Full-width / Zen-kaku) in the "Name (Kanji)" field.
- Name (Kanji) Field:
ＫＥＮＮＥＤＹ ＪＯＨＮＦＩＴＺＧＥＲＡＬＤ(Full-width English) - Name (Furigana) Field:
ケネディ ジョンフィッツジェラルド(Full-width Katakana)
Warning: The AI reviewer compares the "Image of your Residence Card" with the "Text you input." If these do not match exactly, you will be rejected immediately.
2. 3 Settings to Pass the Screening
Once you've mastered the name input, the next step is to configure your settings to "lower the screening hurdles." Here are the proven methods verified by communities like Reddit.
① Set "Cashing Limit" to "0 Yen" (Mandatory)
Do not ask for a Cashing (Cash Advance) limit "just in case." If you request a Cashing limit, the screening becomes much stricter due to Japanese lending laws.
- Recommended Setting: Cashing Limit (キャッシング枠) "0 Yen (None / なし)"
- Note: You can apply for a cashing limit about 6 months after you get the card and build a credit history. Prioritize getting approved with 0 yen first.
② Do Not Apply for "Automatic Revolving" (Jido-Rebo)
"Revolving Payment" (Rebo-barai) is a factor that complicates the screening process. Also, due to high fees, we do not recommend it from a financial literacy perspective.
- Recommended Setting: Automatic Revolving (自動リボ) "Do not apply (申し込まない)"
③ Set Up Your Bank Account "Online"
If you choose "Set up by mail later," mistakes with your Inkan (seal) or signature can cause the card issuance to be delayed by over a month. Complete the bank account linkage (Direct Debit) using online banking at the time of application. This acts as a secondary identity verification and speeds up the screening process.
3. By Status: The "Correct" Way to Write Income & Occupation
"I'm working part-time, what should I select for occupation?" "How much should I write for income?" Choose the correct writing style for your situation.
🎓 For International Students
International students are considered "future loyal customers" by Rakuten Card. It is actually a category that is very easy to pass.
- Occupation: Even if you work part-time, always select "Student" (学生). (Selecting "Employee" makes the screening stricter).
- Annual Income: Enter only your income from part-time jobs. Do not include remittances or scholarships.
- Note: There are many reports of students passing even with an income of 0 yen.
- Household Income: If you receive remittances from parents, you can select "Yes" for household income and include your parents' income.
🏢 For Technical Interns / SSW (Specified Skilled Workers)
- Occupation: Select "Employee" (お勤めの方).
- Workplace: Enter the name of the dispatch company or the actual company you work for (the same one listed on your Residence Card / Employment Contract).
- Annual Income: Enter your "Estimated Annual Income" (Monthly Salary x 12).
🏠 For Unemployed / Job Seekers
- Occupation: Select "Not Working" (お勤めされていない方).
- Household Income: If your spouse or family member you live with has an income, entering that amount may help you pass the screening.
4. User Voices (Reviews)
Real experiences from foreign residents who actually applied.
Reddit User (r/japanlife) - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"I'm a student who has been in Japan for 1 month. I hadn't started a part-time job yet, so I applied with '0 yen income', but the card arrived in a week. Student status seems to be the strongest."
Reddit User - ⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Be careful if you have a middle name! I passed when I entered my middle name in the First Name field without putting a space. Putting a space caused an error."
X (Twitter) User - ⭐
"I passed the screening, but the delivery was refused... When the Sagawa delivery person saw my Residence Card, they took the card back because 'The card name (Katakana) and Residence Card (Romaji) didn't match'. You can't make a single mistake."
5. About the Sign-up Campaign
Rakuten Card regularly runs sign-up campaigns where you can earn points for enrolling and using the card. The annual fee is free forever, making it a strong first card for everyday payments and earning points in Japan.
- Campaign Period: Varies by season (check the official site for the latest).
- Benefit: Earn points for new enrollment + usage (the amount varies by campaign).
- Conditions:
- Apply for a new Rakuten Card.
- Use the card at least once (1 yen or more) by the end of the month following the card's arrival.
In addition, combining with Rakuten Mobile can sometimes add extra points through a separate campaign (terms vary by season).
Summary: Build Your "Credit" in Japan
Rakuten Card is the perfect first card to build your "Credit History" for living in Japan. If you are careful about input errors, foreigners have a very good chance.
Before applying, check the official site for the current campaign period and conditions.
👉 Apply for Rakuten Card Now (Official Site) Sign-up campaign running! No annual fee forever.
👉 Apply for Rakuten Mobile at the same time Extra points when combined with the card! Unlimited data for 3,278 yen/month.
Disclaimer: Campaign details and screening criteria are subject to change. Please check the official website for the latest information. This site is not responsible for the results of any credit card screening.
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Disclaimer
※ The information in this article is accurate as of the time of writing. Laws and regulations may change, so please always check official sources for the latest information. We assume no liability for any damages resulting from the content of this article.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can foreigners apply for a Rakuten Card in Japan?
A: Yes. Foreign residents with a valid Residence Card and a Japanese address can apply for the Rakuten Card (楽天カード). The application is online and takes about 5 minutes. Approval typically takes 1–2 weeks. Required: Residence Card, Japanese phone number, income information, and a Japanese bank account for billing.
Q: What are the main benefits of the Rakuten Card for foreigners in Japan?
A: Key benefits: (1) No annual fee, (2) 1% base point rate (100 yen = 1 Rakuten Point) at all stores, (3) 2–3% at Rakuten Ichiba, (4) Widely accepted as a major Visa card everywhere in Japan and internationally, (5) Accessible without Japanese guarantor or long residency history.
Q: How long do I need to live in Japan before applying for the Rakuten Card?
A: There is no stated minimum residency requirement for the Rakuten Card. Many foreigners apply and are approved within their first few months of arriving with a valid work visa. Having a stable job (employed at a Japanese company) significantly improves approval chances.
Q: What documents do I need to apply for the Rakuten Card as a foreigner?
A: You need: (1) Residence Card (front and back photo), (2) Japanese residential address, (3) Japanese phone number, (4) Income information (employment status and rough annual income), (5) Japanese bank account for debit setup. A My Number is not required for the card application.
Q: What should I do if my Rakuten Card application is rejected?
A: If rejected, common reasons include: recent arrival in Japan, unstable income, or incorrect information. Wait 3–6 months and try again. Meanwhile, build a credit history: use your home country card for purchases, open a Japanese bank account, and maintain a stable registered address. The Rakuten Bank debit card is an immediate alternative with similar Rakuten Point earnings.