Apparently Rakuten's ebook market only accepts Japanese credit cards. Is this true? Is there a good workaround for this? I was so thrilled to find they had a book I wanted that was available to download...
vix86 wrote:
If someone has actually found a prepaid JP credit card, let me know. As it stands, considering how the credit market is set up in Japan (most foreigners can't get a real credit card, very few companies will give you one) and the fact that everyone still mostly uses cash. I can't imagine they have pre-paid cards like they do in most western countries.
I was wondering about this as well. I applied for a credit card through my bank (UFJ) about a month ago and I was turned down. I was wondering why this is?
I assumed it was because I am a foreigner, a student, and I currently don't have a source of steady income.
Are you saying that even if you're working, it's still impossible to get a credit card?
edit: After a little searching I found a couple things:
1) Here's a post about an automated credit card machine from this website (http://www.japantoday.com/category/comm … d-in-japan).
"""
Here we go again... this has come up a few times on JT. You don't need to be in Japan for X years or anything like that. There are semi-automated machines in several train stations in Tokyo, at least, that will give you Saison cards in AMEX, MC or VISA flavours, in about an hour. You have to fill out a form, and have the machine scan your passport etc. The machine gives you a receipt which you use later to retrieve your card. Worked for me, and for some of the last batch of JT posters that asked the question. It's all in Japanese, of course, but what do you expect? Expecting to get a Credit Card in Japan using English is highly parochial and naive.
Google "SAISON CARD MAKER"
"""
What is this?
2) In the same post someone linked to http://rakuten.japanese-credit-card.com/. I wonder if this is any easier for a foreigner to get.
Last edited by partner55083777 (2012 June 06, 11:27 pm)
vix86
Member
From: Tokyo
Registered: 2010-01-19
Posts: 1469
partner55083777 wrote:
Are you saying that even if you're working, it's still impossible to get a credit card?
The only credit card that foreigners in Japan have any decent track record at getting, is the Rakuten card. I have one my self. You have to be working and seem reliable to get one, thats about it. They approved my application in 2 days and had the card to me in like a week.
Beyond the Rakuten card though, you are looking at a climb up a mountain thats almost vertical. The reason why is that foreigners have no track record and are seen by many Japanese companies to be flight risks. I have often heard it said that they don't have credit agencies so that's why its hard to get them, and that MIGHT be true, but I think credit agencies do exist in Japan. I think you'll experience similar troubles getting loans for houses and cars as well, here in Japan, for the exact same reason. I believe the reason for the credit security wall, has to do with the bubble from the 80's.
Anyway, get the Rakuten card.
