Credit rating in Japan / getting a credit card

[JOGON]

If anyone can shed some light onto this situation, I would be most grateful..

I am trying to get a credit card in Japan. A couple of years ago, I applied for one with my bank (MUFG) and also one outside a supermarket when they had some 'campaign' on. But I was rejected for both.

I didn't really need a credit card on those 2 occasions so I wasn't too bothered about it. But now I really need one. So I was thinking about why I got rejected those 2 times. I have been in Japan for almost 7 years now, and currently earn around 10 million yen annually. (my base salary is 450,000 per month however, and the rest is bonuses).

So I am wondering about credit rating in Japan. I don't have such a 'healthy' credit rating back in the UK, so I am wondering whether this has anything to do with it. For example, if I apply for a credit card with a very international company such as Citibank, does my bad credit rating in the UK affect my credit rating in Japan?

Also, for my first 3 years in Japan, I didn't pay any residents tax. I have been paying it for the last 4 years, but in my first 3 years, I paid zilch.

Do you think not paying residents tax in Japan affects my Japan credit rating score?

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Also, if anyone knows of an easy way to get a credit card in Japan, preferably one that doesn't involve an annual fee, that would be great. (VISA or Mastercard is OK)

I don't want one to run up bills, it's because I am trying to get an iPhone. I went to try and get an iPhone today, and they said I must have a credit card. Apparently SoftBank are being really strict with gaijins now. Even though I took my gaijin card, my passport (clearly showing my visa status), and also my Japanese driving license, they still said I need a credit card. Or I would have to pay a lot of cash up front for the iPhone, which was something like 80,000 Yen!!

[Hijinx]

The easiest way for a foreigner to get a CC in Japan is to get a J-person to co-sign (be a guarantor) for you.

[JOGON]

The easiest way for a foreigner to get a CC in Japan is to get a J-person to co-sign (be a guarantor) for you.

Thanks very much for the quick info Hijinx. Is that something that can be done on the application form? For example, if I go out right now to Lawsons combini and pick up a credit card application form, will there be a section where I can have the president of my company co-sign it?

[Hijinx]

Thanks very much for the quick info Hijinx. Is that something that can be done on the application form? For example, if I go out right now to Lawsons combini and pick up a credit card application form, will there be a section where I can have the president of my company co-sign it?

Most likely there is a place on the application form, but I forget. I got a J-CC many years back--had my father-in-law co-sign.

[JOGON]

Do you know anything about credit rating in this country?

[Hijinx]

Do you know anything about credit rating in this country?

I'm not sure if there are credit scores like in the U.S. It might be that your 審査 (shinsa--credit worthiness) is determined by each separate place you are applying--I really don't know. Being a gaijin automatically subtracts 500 points from your score? Wouldn't be surprised.

[bland]

Also, if anyone knows of an easy way to get a credit card in Japan, preferably one that doesn't involve an annual fee, that would be great. (VISA or Mastercard is OK)
...

I don't want one to run up bills...

Get a VISA Debit Card (from Suruga Bank, among others).


Suruga Bank VISA Debit Card
http://www.surugabank.co.jp/my/debit/index.html

[JOGON]

Get a VISA Debit Card (from Suruga Bank, among others).


Suruga Bank VISA Debit Card
http://www.surugabank.co.jp/my/debit/index.html

Thanks for the tip mate, but I think I need a 'credit' card. SoftBank want to see that I am credit worthy in this cnutry.

[iLyo]

cant say for sure as i was able to get a credit card right away so perhaps it is because you didnt pay initially.

however, i doubt that it is separate as i keep receiving app forms for different credit card companies and this happened soon after i signed up with one.

i figure if you are making 10M which seems to be the magic number for many banks (if you are on that or more, loans are much easier), there shouldnt be an issue.

were you on less when you had applied in the past? how long have you been in your position?

i did also hear that if you had applied for one, it is difficult to get the same one later as they do keep a record.

and isnt citi the easiest?

[smork]

and isnt citi the easiest?

I've heard Orico is the easiest. I got a Citi card and an AMEX with no problem, though.

[bland]

Thanks for the tip mate, but I think I need a 'credit' card. SoftBank want to see that I am credit worthy in this country.

I thought they would have just wanted a VISA / MasterCard card, etc, to charge the monthly bill to. In this context, the term "credit card" is not related to the contractual relationship between you and the card issuer (ie, whether the card has a line of credit, etc).

[smork]

I thought they would have just wanted a VISA / MasterCard card, etc, to charge the monthly bill to. In this context, the term "credit card" is not related to the contractual relationship between you and the card issuer (ie, whether the card has a line of credit, etc).

Actually, that's a very good point. When I started my softbank contract I had no Japanese CC, so I got it billed to a foreign CC, no problem....

[zmcnulty]

I thought they would have just wanted a VISA / MasterCard card, etc, to charge the monthly bill to. In this context, the term "credit card" is not related to the contractual relationship between you and the card issuer (ie, whether the card has a line of credit, etc).

Yes, precisely. The iPhone purchase page says that you do not need a credit card to get an iPhone -- you can also use the auto-withdrawal payment option. You just have to present some form of recurring payment, as you can't use the "storefront payment" option to get an iPhone.

[Kionon]

I ran into this same issue today trying to get an iPhone.

How does one go about getting a prepaid debit card, or is it possibly my bank would issue a check card?

[JOGON]

I ran into this same issue today trying to get an iPhone.

How does one go about getting a prepaid debit card, or is it possibly my bank would issue a check card?

Surely if you are going to pay for a prepaid debit card, why dont you just pay for the phone up front?

My Shinsei VISA credit card arrived today, so I will finally be getting my iphone tomorrow

[Kionon]

Surely if you are going to pay for a prepaid debit card, why dont you just pay for the phone up front?

My Shinsei VISA credit card arrived today, so I will finally be getting my iphone tomorrow

Uh. Because I don't have hachi man en just hanging out to be used for a phone?

The debit, if it works, would allow for installments.

Hmm... could you give any details on how you got your visa?

[hennagaijin]

I got one online from my home country (Visa Card) and just do online banking to make the payments as required.
Works for me.
(Who wants more giri by asking for a local garantor???)

[bawjaws]

I was looking for a yen card too, but when I looked on Shinsei's website they have no credit cards listed at all.

Do you have a link to the one you got?

[inflames]

I was looking for a yen card too, but when I looked on Shinsei's website they have no credit cards listed at all.

Do you have a link to the one you got?

It's on their Japanese page, but not on their English page.

[Frontman]

I got my first Japanese credit card from the JP (Japan Post Office) bank. I had been in Japan less than 6 months, and earning only 3 million yen per year working at an ekaiwa, but I was approved for a visa card with a 500,000 yen limit.

[keropi]

hi frontman,

hw long did it take for the post bank to approve your cc??
i opened my account with them and also applied the cc at the same time..its coming to 10days..i got the atm card last fri..i thinking, if my application is rejected..i shld've gotten the rejection letter by now?? :S

[ericsson]

Besides Softbank's well known reception problems...

No MMS
No expansion slots
No flash camera
No integrated e-wallet
No emoji support
No built-in GPS
No highlight, copy, cut, and paste functions
No InfraRed to beam data
No removable battery. (You have to send the unit to Apple at your own expense and suffer downtime)

It doesn't even take videos and is incompatible with the features of many Japanese Web sites because it lacks Adobe's Flash animation software.

[NickW]

The iPhone has integrated GPS.

[Frontman]

hi frontman,

hw long did it take for the post bank to approve your cc??
i opened my account with them and also applied the cc at the same time..its coming to 10days..i got the atm card last fri..i thinking, if my application is rejected..i shld've gotten the rejection letter by now?? :S

It took a long time. I was called at work about one week after applying so the bank could verify my employment. A week later I got a notice from them saying that I had forgotten to hanko a part of the application. They sent me part which I had forgotten to stamp, I stamped it and sent it back in. 5 weeks later a delivery person knocked on my door to deliver the card. It was already activated and ready to use.

I was very much expecting a denial letter, I was actually quite surprised to be approved, and the initial limit 500k limit was not bad at all. My first American credit card came with a whopping $300 limit. On the other hand, American banks will approve you or deny you quite quickly. If you are denied, they include the reason/s for the denial.

[keropi]

hi frontman,

thks for your reply..do they have english speakers tat i can check with regarding the application?

[liamoko]

The iPhone has integrated GPS.

As do most new ketai in Japan...

[Frontman]

hi frontman,

thks for your reply..do they have english speakers tat i can check with regarding the application?

None that I'm aware of. I've tried to deal with JP bank about payments and other issues, and they aren't very knowledgeable or helpful even when you speak Japanese.

You should just be patient and wait for either the card or the denial letter (if they bother to send one) to come. As I said, it took about 5 weeks in my case, I had completely forgotten about it when the deliveryman arrived with the card.

[JustaLurker]

None that I'm aware of. I've tried to deal with JP bank about payments and other issues, and they aren't very knowledgeable or helpful even when you speak Japanese.

You should just be patient and wait for either the card or the denial letter (if they bother to send one) to come. As I said, it took about 5 weeks in my case, I had completely forgotten about it when the deliveryman arrived with the card.

Please remember that JP Bank cards are now issued by SMBC (the old co-operative cards from Saison etc., were all withdrawn, this is the only one left).

http://trendy.nikkeibp.co.jp/article...80502/1010230/

Did you apply after May 2008? SMBC is known to have tougher application standards.

[keropi]

hi justarlurker & frontman..

thanks alot for your info..i got the rejection letter yesterday i guess its tougher..since SMBC is issuing the card. i may try those store cards..will update soon..

[afroditi]

You could try Citibank. There are some downsides to having an account there such as you need a very high balance to avoid charges, but they did give me a credit card (charge 10,000 yen a year after the first year.) I got my first Japanese credit card (JCB) basically because I was dating the bank manager. They canceled it 5 years later with no explanation despite me never having missed a payment. Can't really recommend that. I also got an MSN credit card very easily online. That's the one I'd go for if I were you - I still have that. I was recently rejected by American Express Japan despite them having approached me. Again, no explanation. I'm not too bothered because I already have 2, but it did p*ss me off a little. There was no valid reason as far as I can see apart from the fact that I'm a foreigner. I didn't really want the card until I was rejected...

[keropi]

Hi afroditi,

thanks for your info! hmm..i've tried the store card like saison and nicos, both rejected too.. there could be other reasons too..

can i ask how did u apply for the MSN credit card? anyone can provide info if housewife could also apply for credit card? how much amount should we state?

[iLyo]

you should try asking for absolute minimum amount.. i think it is a 30,000 max on the card and put down no option of withdrawing cash. build credit for some time and they should boost you up nicely.

[keropi]

hi iLyo

wat do you mean by "absolute minimum amount"? and 30,000max? thanks!

[zmcnulty]

2 rejections so far for me. First is the Family Mart one that's linked with their point program. The second is the Bic Camera + Suica card that I was actually quite interested to use.

I guess I'll try to open an e-bank account and use their debit card. Anyone have experience with this?

[havill]

Please remember that JP Bank cards are now issued by SMBC (the old co-operative cards from Saison etc., were all withdrawn, this is the only one left).

http://trendy.nikkeibp.co.jp/article...80502/1010230/

Did you apply after May 2008? SMBC is known to have tougher application standards.

I have a Sumitomo Visa Card. I've heard that who your employer is and how long you've there, where you live and how long you've lived there, are big factors in addition to your income.

And for some companies, being a Permanent Resident is a must.

// OTOH, I wasn't a permanent resident when I got my first credit card (the Sumitomo one).

// I have had a Sumitomo bank account since 1993... I don't know if that was a factor.

[ganseki]

Rejected by Lumine, Resona Bank, and Bic Camera.

Accepted by Yodobashi-camera though 8)

I should note, though, that I use my 通称名 most of the time.

[JustaLurker]

Rejected by Lumine, Resona Bank, and Bic Camera.

Accepted by Yodobashi-camera though 8)

I should note, though, that I use my 通称名 most of the time.

Lumine and BIC cards are from the same issuer (JR East), so being rejected by both is natural. The JR East check is not particularly tough though - there are a lot of View cards out there. Yodobashi card is from Sony Finance. For bank cards, get them from your employer's bank.

Using an alias is fine, as long as you don't do something stupid like present an alien registration card. If you are using an alias, you need a health insurance card in that name, and documentation from the place where you work in that name, and obviously the account you pay the card with would need to be the same name too.

Using an alias 'most' of the time may weaken your ability to pass credit checks, since the things that make up your ID (health insurance, taxes, phone line records, bank accounts and money) are split between your real name and your alias. Did you find yourself rejected more often or less often with your alias?

Don't forget to pull your credit records from CIC/CCB and see what's been happening. Too many applications in too short a time means you need to cool off for a while.

[Darknuts]

Yamada Denki is practically pushing cards on people, gaijin included. Everytime I buy something there they offer me a credit card. Might want to try them.

[ganseki]

Lumine and BIC cards are from the same issuer (JR East), so being rejected by both is natural. The JR East check is not particularly tough though - there are a lot of View cards out there. Yodobashi card is from Sony Finance. For bank cards, get them from your employer's bank.

Mitsui-Sumitomo refuses credit cards or even internet-based accounts to people on their 'first six months' here. Mitsui-Sumitomo sucks anyway.

Using an alias is fine, as long as you don't do something stupid like present an alien registration card. If you are using an alias, you need a health insurance card in that name, and documentation from the place where you work in that name, and obviously the account you pay the card with would need to be the same name too.

Driver's license with both names listed i.e.

SMITH JOHN （田中太郎）

The guy changing my license was okay with just sticking my 通称名 on, but a nosy woman serving at another counter overheard and started barking away that I need my actual name on it too. Damn.

Everyone's fine with it - I think JR-East were being douchebags because my parents don't have a Japanese address （to bastardise the title of one of Soseki's books, 我輩は留学生である）

Using an alias 'most' of the time may weaken your ability to pass credit checks, since the things that make up your ID (health insurance, taxes, phone line records, bank accounts and money) are split between your real name and your alias. Did you find yourself rejected more often or less often with your alias?

Meh, I'm happy with my Yodobashi card, all those extra points accumulating.... plus their treatment of the card as equivalent to 現金, so 10+1% points - don't need the view suica facility now since I use my phone as 「お財布携帯」.

お財布携帯バンザ〜イ！

[havill]

Lumine and BIC cards are from the same issuer (JR East), so being rejected by both is natural. The JR East check is not particularly tough though - there are a lot of View cards out there. Yodobashi card is from Sony Finance. For bank cards, get them from your employer's bank.

Using an alias is fine, as long as you don't do something stupid like present an alien registration card. If you are using an alias, you need a health insurance card in that name, and documentation from the place where you work in that name, and obviously the account you pay the card with would need to be the same name too.

Using an alias 'most' of the time may weaken your ability to pass credit checks, since the things that make up your ID (health insurance, taxes, phone line records, bank accounts and money) are split between your real name and your alias. Did you find yourself rejected more often or less often with your alias?

Don't forget to pull your credit records from CIC/CCB and see what's been happening. Too many applications in too short a time means you need to cool off for a while.

Your registered alias can be both on your alien registration card and your drivers license (in parentheses). Mine is.

My "alias" is simply my English name shortened (3 characters in the surname, 2 in the given name, last name first) in katakana, not something completely different in kanji.