Applying for a Rakuten Credit Card is straightforward if you follow the official process and prepare the required documents in advance.
This guide compiles the key steps, eligibility checks, interest rates, support contacts, and the company’s official address.
It’s designed to help you apply smoothly and avoid common errors that delay approvals. Use it as a checklist from start to finish.
Rakuten Credit Cards
Here’s a quick comparison of the main Rakuten credit cards in Japan.
| Card (Japan) | Annual fee (tax incl.) | Max credit limit | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rakuten Card | ¥0 | ¥1,000,000 | Core no-fee card; earns Rakuten Points; ETC add-on available (ETC has its own fee rules). |
| Rakuten PINK Card | ¥0 | ¥1,000,000 | Same as base card plus optional add-on services for ¥330/mo each (e.g., Rakuten Group discounts, “RAKUTEN PINKY LIFE”). |
| Rakuten Gold Card | ¥2,200 | ¥2,000,000 | Mid-tier; enhanced perks vs. base card. |
| Rakuten Premium Card | ¥11,000 | ¥3,000,000 | Upper tier; Priority Pass airport lounge benefit (currently 5 free visits/year), extra Rakuten ecosystem perks. |
| Rakuten Black Card | ¥33,000 | ¥10,000,000 | Top tier; concierge and elevated perks; application requires meeting spend/tenure criteria. |
Official step-by-step application (Japan)
Keep your mobile phone handy for one-time passwords or verification calls.
Prepare documents and your Rakuten ID
Gather an accepted photo ID and ensure your Rakuten membership info (name/address) exactly matches your application.
Have your bank book or card nearby for account registration. Typos or inconsistencies cause delays, so double-check every field.
If you’ve recently moved, update your Rakuten ID profile before applying.
Submit the online application
Complete the Rakuten Card web form with your legal name, current Japanese address, date of birth, contact info, and employment/income details as prompted.
Answer all questions fully and accurately; missing or contradictory data slows screening.
If you want ETC (highway toll) or family cards, you can request them during the process.
Screening and application status check
After submitting, you’ll receive an acknowledgment email.
You can track the review via Rakuten’s application status page using the details from that email (such as an application ID, phone digits, and date of birth).
If additional verification is needed, you may receive a follow-up message or call. Keep your inbox and spam folder monitored until the decision arrives.
Card delivery with identity verification
Upon approval, Rakuten ships your card.
Delivery typically requires the applicant to receive it in person and present an accepted photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, My Number card, passport, residence card).
If you miss the courier, arrange redelivery promptly. Your card generally cannot be handed to another person at your address without proper procedures.
Register your bank account for direct debit
If you didn’t finish account registration online, Rakuten will mail you a bank registration form with your card.
Fill it out and return it quickly to activate direct debit for monthly payments.
Account registration by mail can take 1–2 months because your financial institution must approve it and postal handling adds time.
Set repayment preferences and use e-NAVI
Once your card is active, create or sign in to Rakuten e-NAVI to manage statements, payment methods, and alerts.
Confirm your billing cycle, due dates, and whether you’re on full payment (一括払い), installments (分割払い), or revolving payment (リボ払い).
Set spending notifications and enable paperless statements to keep everything in one place.
Interest rates and fees you should know
The monthly interest rate is typically 1.25%–1.47% applied to the remaining revolving balance.
Revolving can reduce monthly outlay but increases interest costs; switching back to full payment reduces interest but may change your minimum due
The annual percentage rate for cash advance is 18.0% in most cases.
Late or returned payments can trigger additional charges and may affect your credit standing.
Practical tip: Revolving and cash advances are optional and costly. If you can pay in full each month, you avoid revolving interest entirely. If you don’t need cash advances, disable or limit the feature in your account.
How to avoid common mistakes
Match your data exactly. Your application, ID, and Rakuten ID profile should show the same name , address (with correct postal code), and birthdate.
Use a reachable phone and email. Screening teams sometimes verify details by phone or email; missed calls and bounced emails cause delays.
Finish bank setup during the application. Online registration is faster than mail-in; have bank details ready.
Respond quickly to requests. If Rakuten asks for clarification or documents, upload or send them immediately to keep your place in the queue.
How to check your application status
Keep the “application receipt” email—this includes the info you’ll need to log in to the status page.
If the portal shows “in review,” give it a bit of time before contacting support.
If the portal requests action (e.g., additional documents), complete it the same day.
After approval, use tracking details from the delivery notice to coordinate receipt with your ID ready.
Official customer support (phone) and hours
Within Japan (Customer Call Center): 0570-66-6910. If you cannot use the Navi-Dial number, call 092-474-6287.
From overseas: +81-92-474-6287 (customer center).
Lost or stolen (24 hours): +81-92-474-9256.
Rakuten Card Co., Ltd. Rakuten Crimson House Aoyama 2-6-21 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0062, Japan
Quick timeline (what to expect)
Day 0: Submit the online application with accurate, matching details and—ideally—register your bank account in the same session.
Day 1–7+: Screening and status checks via the online portal; you may get requests for clarifications.
After approval: Card delivered with an in-person ID check; if you didn’t register your account online, complete and return the bank debit form included with the card.
Up to 1–2 months: If you use mail-in debit registration, bank approval and postal handling can take this long before direct debit is active.
Conclusion
Applying for a Rakuten Card is easiest when your personal information is consistent across your Rakuten ID, application, and identity documents.
Registering your bank account during the application shortens your setup time, while careful attention to details helps you clear the screening on the first pass.
Understand how revolving and cash advance features are priced so you can choose repayment methods that fit your budget.
Disclaimer: This article summarizes Rakuten Card (Japan) information as of 29 Oct 2025. Fees, interest rates, eligibility, address, phone numbers, and procedures can change at any time; always confirm details on Rakuten Card’s official site or by calling the customer center before you apply. This guide is for educational purposes only and does not provide financial advice.
