Money & Cards
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Last updated: June 15, 2026
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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.
Before you open the application form, please read this section. This is the biggest "Rejection Trap."
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 |
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.
ＫＥＮＮＥＤＹ ＪＯＨＮＦＩＴＺＧＥＲＡＬＤ (Full-width English)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.
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.
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.
"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.
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.
"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.
International students are considered "future loyal customers" by Rakuten Card. It is actually a category that is very easy to pass.
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."
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.
In addition, combining with Rakuten Mobile can sometimes add extra points through a separate campaign (terms vary by season).
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.
Before you apply
These internal guides help you organize phone-number and banking setup before applying. They do not decide approval or document requirements.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
CEO / Native Japanese Expert
Updated on: June 15, 2026
※ 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.