GTN Mobile vs. Rakuten Mobile: Which is Actually Better for Foreigners? (2026 Review)
CEO / Native Japanese Expert
Updated on: June 11, 2026
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Updated against official, partner, and reviewed site evidence where available.
Last updated: June 11, 2026
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Send to Friends (Summary)
- •Honest comparison of GTN Mobile and Rakuten Mobile. We analyze price, coverage, and the 'Application Trap' that rejects 70% of foreigners.
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If you search for "Best SIM in Japan," you will see two names everywhere: Rakuten Mobile and GTN Mobile.
Rakuten Mobile is famous for being the cheapest "main carrier" with unlimited data. GTN Mobile is famous for being the most "foreigner-friendly" support service. (Check our Full Top 4 SIM Comparison to see other options like Mobal.)
But here is the truth that most comparison sites don't tell you: The best plan means nothing if you can't pass the application screening.
In this direct showdown, we analyze not just the price, but the "Approval Difficulty" and the hidden benefits of the "Credit Card Ecosystem".
Winner for New Arrivals: GTN Mobile
99% acceptance rate for valid visa holders. No credit card needed. English support included.
At a Glance: The Comparison Matrix
| Feature | GTN Mobile (5G Unlimited) | Rakuten Mobile (Saikyo Plan) |
|---|---|---|
| Network | Rakuten 4G/5G (Same quality) | Rakuten 4G/5G |
| Monthly Price | ¥3,498 (w/ bundle)* | ¥3,278 |
| Application | Easy (Residence Card only) | Strict (AI Verification) |
| Payment | Conbini / Bank / Credit Card | Credit Card / Bank (Fee) |
| Support | 13 Languages | Japanese (Mainly) |
| Overseas Data | 2GB Free (70+ countries) | 2GB Free (70+ countries) |
| Bonus | Helps build Credit History | High Point Rewards |
*Price includes GTN EPOS Card discount (-220 JPY) and Hikari bundle (-330 JPY).
1. The "Rakuten Trap": Why Foreigners Get Rejected
Rakuten Mobile is an amazing service, but it has a high wall for entry.
- Strict Identity Verification (KYC): Rakuten uses automated AI verification. If your name order (First/Middle/Last) on your application doesn't match your Residence Card perfectly (down to the space), you will be rejected.
- The "Installment" Problem: If you want to buy a new iPhone with your contract, Rakuten almost strictly requires a credit card.
- Support Language: If your SIM stops working, the store staff and phone support primarily speak Japanese.
Verdict: Rakuten is best only if you are fluent in Japanese and already have a Japanese Credit Card.
2. GTN Mobile: The "Safe Landing" Ecosystem
GTN Mobile's "5G Unlimited" plan actually uses the same Rakuten network. This means you get the same speed and coverage, but with a completely different user experience designed for foreigners.
- 99% Application Success: Manual verification by multilingual staff means they understand foreign names and Residence Cards.
- No Credit Card? No Problem: You can pay at a Convenience Store (combini) or set up a bank withdrawal later.
- Same "Free Global Roaming": Just like Rakuten, GTN gives you 2GB of free data to use when you visit your home country.
You pay about ¥200 more per month with GTN compared to Rakuten. For that small difference, you get full English support and the ability to pay without a credit card.
3. The "Hidden" Benefit: Building Your Financial Trust
This is the most important part. According to recent data, 71% of foreigners in Japan have been rejected for a credit card (Read our Credit Card Screening Guide for details).
If you choose Rakuten Mobile, you often need a credit card to sign up. If you choose GTN Mobile, signing up helps you GET a credit card.
- The Bundle Magic: When you apply for GTN Mobile, you can simultaneously apply for the GTN EPOS Card.
- Higher Approval Rate: Because GTN vouches for you, the approval rate for the GTN EPOS Card is significantly higher than a standard Rakuten Card for new arrivals.
- The Cycle of Trust:
- Get GTN Mobile (Easy).
- Get GTN EPOS Card (Easier than others).
- Pay your mobile bill with the card to get a ¥220/month discount.
- Result: You build a "Credit History" (CIC) in Japan, making it easier to rent apartments or buy phones in the future.
Don't just think about the SIM. Think about your life infrastructure. GTN offers a path to financial trust that Rakuten does not.
Conclusion: Which One Should You Pick?
Choose Rakuten Mobile ONLY if:
- You have N2/N1 level Japanese.
- You already possess a Japanese Credit Card.
- You are confident entering your name in Katakana perfectly without error.
Choose GTN Mobile if:
- You arrived in Japan less than 6 months ago.
- You want to pay by Cash/Conbini or Bank Transfer.
- You want to build a Credit History (via GTN EPOS).
- You want support in English, Chinese, Vietnamese, or 10 other languages.
💡 Want it even cheaper? If ¥3,498 is too expensive, check the GTN Ecosystem Hack to lower your bill to ¥650/month.
Apply for GTN Mobile + EPOS Card
Solve your Mobile and Credit Card problems in one go. Start your application now.
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※ 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can foreigners sign up for Rakuten Mobile without a Japanese bank account?
A: No. Rakuten Mobile requires a Japanese credit card or bank account for payment, and their automated screening system frequently rejects foreigners who have been in Japan less than 6 months. GTN Mobile is designed specifically for foreigners and has no such requirement.
Q: What is the "Application Trap" that causes 70% of foreigners to fail Rakuten Mobile screening?
A: Rakuten Mobile's automated KYC system rejects applications if the Katakana name entry does not exactly match their internal phonetic database, if you have been in Japan less than 6 months, or if you don't have a Japanese credit card. GTN Mobile has no such automated rejection.
Q: Which has better coverage: GTN Mobile or Rakuten Mobile?
A: Rakuten Mobile has its own nationwide network (with Docomo roaming in areas without Rakuten coverage). GTN Mobile uses Softbank or Docomo networks via MVNO, so coverage is comparable to the major carriers in most areas.
Q: Is GTN Mobile a good long-term SIM option or just a bridge?
A: GTN Mobile is popular as both a bridge SIM and a long-term option. The bundled ecosystem (SIM + GTN credit card + housing guarantor) makes it convenient for foreigners who want to simplify their administrative life in Japan, even if individual plans are slightly more expensive than pure MVNO options.
Q: Can I port my number from GTN Mobile to Rakuten Mobile later?
A: Yes. Once you meet Rakuten Mobile's screening requirements (typically 6+ months in Japan with a Japanese bank account), you can initiate an MNP (mobile number portability) transfer. GTN Mobile will issue an MNP transfer code upon request.