Payments and credit cards in Japan · Living in Japan

3 common misconceptions based on what you may be used to before coming to JapanPublic

Misconception 1: “If I have a residence card, I can get a credit card right away.”
A 在留カード is required as proof of identity, but it is not enough by itself. Credit cards always involve a 「審査」 (screening). New international students are often rejected because they face three disadvantages: no Japanese credit history, a student visa that generally does not permit work (so they may be viewed as having no income), and a particularly low approval chance when less than one year remains on their period of stay. For example, if you come from China, you cannot simply bring over the same payment habits you used with Alipay (支付宝) or WeChat Pay (微信支付). Options include (a) obtaining permission to engage in activities outside your status and earning part-time income, (b) applying for a 「学生カード」 that accepts applicants with no income, or (c) building a track record first with a debit or prepaid card. With at least six months remaining on your period of stay, it is easier to show stable income from a part-time job (up to 28 hours per week). [要確認: criteria vary by card issuer].
Misconception 2: “There are credit cards you’re guaranteed to get without screening” = almost certainly a scam
This is the most dangerous misconception. Because credit cards are a form of “buy now, pay later” (credit transaction), it is fundamentally impossible to skip the screening process. The Consumer Affairs Agency and National Consumer Affairs Center warn that solicitations promising “no screening” or “guaranteed approval” are likely to be scams. Claims such as “100% approval even for international students,” “pay a fee and we can get you a card,” or “you can turn it into cash” may lead to credit-card cashing scams, lending your name, or personal-information theft. The products that truly do not require screening are debit and prepaid cards, not credit cards. If you need help, call 188 (the Consumer Hotline).
Misconception 3: “Credit and debit cards are the same, so it doesn’t matter which one I use.”
The key difference is when the money is taken. A debit card deducts the amount from your bank account as soon as you use it; a prepaid card is loaded in advance; a credit card is paid later, starting the following month. That is why international students can generally get debit and prepaid cards without screening, and cannot spend more than the account balance or loaded amount, which also helps prevent overspending. By contrast, credit-card 「リボ払い」 (revolving payments) carries high fees and makes the remaining balance hard to see, so it can grow easily into an overspending trap—government public information also warns young people about it. For your first 1–2 years, a debit card plus QR payments is usually enough.

Comparing five payment methods (from an international student’s perspective)Variable

Swipe sideways to see the full table

Option	When the payment is deducted	Screening	Ease of obtaining one as an international student	International brand / overseas use	Who it suits
Credit card	Paid later (the following month or later)	Yes (required)	△ Difficult soon after arriving in Japan. A student card or Rakuten Card may be possible.	VISA, Mastercard, JCB, etc. Usable overseas.	People with part-time income or at least six months of track record; people who need online payments or installments
Debit card	Immediately (deducted from the account at once)	Generally none	◎ Available if you have a bank account. Minimum age may be 15 or 16, etc. To verify	VISA/JCB debit cards and similar products have an international brand and can be used overseas and online.	All international students with a bank account. Ideal for preventing overspending and building a usage record.
Prepaid card	Paid in advance (preloaded)	None	◎ Some are available without a bank account. Some accept younger applicants and foreign residents.	Visa prepaid cards, バンドルカード, and similar products carry an international brand.	People who have just arrived and have not opened a bank account yet; people who want spending limited to the amount loaded
QR code payments (PayPay/Rakuten Pay/d Barai/au PAY)	Prepaid by loading funds or paid later through a linked card	None (identity verification through eKYC is separate)	◎ Identity can be verified in the app using a 在留カード (e.g. age 16 or older) To verify	Generally focused on use within Japan. Overseas use is limited.	A mainstay for everyday payments in Japan: convenience stores, restaurants, and splitting bills
Cash	At the time of purchase	None	◎ Anyone	—	Older shops that accept cash only and administrative procedures. However, cash is becoming less central.

A practical step-by-step approach for international students (the order matters)Experience

STEP 0: Start by opening a bank account (the foundation for everything else)
Debit cards, QR withdrawals, and credit-card payments all start with a Japanese bank account. This is where the “six-month barrier” comes in.
1. If you have been in Japan for less than six months, many banks may treat you as a 「非居住者」 and refuse to open an ordinary account [要確認: practices vary by bank and branch].
2. ゆうちょ銀行 is said to allow students to open an ordinary account with a period of stay of at least three months, even before reaching six months in Japan To verify.
3. Online banks such as PayPay銀行 may also allow account opening with a 在留カード. Required documents may include a 在留カード together with a driver’s license or マイナンバーカード To verify.
4. Suggested items to bring: 在留カード, passport, student ID, seal if you have one, and your address. Many universities’ international student offices can also help explain how to open an account.
STEP 1: Get a debit card once you have an account
You can get an international-brand card (VISA/JCB debit) without screening, use it for online and overseas payments, and have each purchase deducted from your bank account immediately. This can be your main payment card for now.
1. As a guide, apply on the bank’s website or at a branch; the card is mailed in about 2–3 weeks To verify.
2. Because your account balance decreases every time you use it, you are less likely to overspend—a safer option for international students.
3. A small but important point: continuing to use a debit card and automatic bank withdrawals for utility bills can build the “evidence of everyday financial activity and track record” considered in a future credit-card review.
STEP 2: Use QR code payment apps for everyday purchases
PayPay and similar services are widely used at convenience stores, chain restaurants, and for splitting bills. Completing identity verification (eKYC) enables transfers, withdrawals, and higher limits.
1. PayPay: identity can be verified with a 在留カード and facial recognition (since July 2024). Children under 16 cannot use a 在留カード and must use a マイナンバーカード. The 在留カード must have at least 90 days remaining when you apply To verify.
2. au PAY: identity verification with a 在留カード is available. Screening with a 在留カード may take up to about five business days; transfers and withdrawals become available after verification To verify.
3. 楽天ペイ/d払い: register in the app and complete identity verification (facial recognition/eKYC). Both prepaid top-ups and payment later through a linked credit card are supported; limits vary according to verification status To verify.
4. Tip: link a bank account, debit card, or other supported funding source and add money. You can complete payments by bank transfer even without a credit card.
STEP 3: Use a prepaid card as a stopgap before opening a bank account
Even if you have just arrived and do not yet have a bank account, you can use a prepaid card with an international brand for online and in-store payments without screening.
1. Examples: Visa prepaid / かぞくのおさいふ (SMBC), バンドルカード, neo money, and others [要確認: check each provider’s official site for issuance, age, and residency requirements].
2. You can spend only the amount loaded, which helps with budgeting. Some cards offer cashback [要確認: rates change].
3. If the card has an international brand, it is processed “as a credit card” in stores and online (check each card’s overseas acceptance separately).
STEP 4: Build a track record for six months to a year, then apply for a credit card
If you rush to apply for several cards and are rejected, multiple applications in a short period may themselves count against you (申込みブラック). Apply carefully, one card at a time.
1. Obtaining permission to engage in activities outside your status and earning part-time income (up to 28 hours per week) may improve your chances in a screening To verify.
2. Student cards often have more lenient income requirements, and you may be able to get one as an international student even without income.
3. If you plan to use the card overseas, VISA or Mastercard is a safe choice because they have the most merchants. JCB is strong in Japan but less widely accepted overseas—if you may return home or travel abroad, have one VISA/Mastercard card.
4. If you are particularly concerned about passing screening, a 「デポジット型クレジットカード」 (secured credit card) that requires a deposit may be an option To verify.

Watch Out for Common Pitfalls (よくある落とし穴)Experience

Never set 「リボ払い」 (revolving payments) as the default: the monthly payment looks manageable because it stays fixed, but fees (around 15% annual rate To verify) can make the balance snowball. Government public information also warns young people about it.
Watch out for phishing: scams impersonating banks, card issuers, or delivery companies are common. They use SMS or email to ask you to enter your card number, PIN, or one-time code. Make a habit of going directly through the official app or website, and do not open links you were not expecting.
“Turning a credit card into cash” and getting a card by lending your name can entangle you in crime and may affect your status of residence. Do not get involved.
Credit-card screening is especially strict for short-term study abroad (less than one year of residence) and exchange students. Do not force a credit-card application; a debit card plus QR payments is enough.
Watch the expiry date on your 在留カード: identity verification and renewals may require a certain amount of validity to remain (PayPay requires at least 90 days To verify). Keep track of it along with your period-of-stay renewal.
QR payments are generally intended for domestic use. For returning home or traveling overseas, it is reassuring to have a separate internationally branded VISA/Mastercard.

Where to Get HelpPublic

If you have payment or card trouble, are being pressured by persistent salespeople, or suspect a scam, don’t try to handle it alone. Call the Consumer Hotline at “188 (いやや)” to be connected to your nearest Consumer Affairs Center, where an advisor can help you (if you’re not confident speaking Japanese, you can also contact your university’s international student support office). If you notice unauthorized use of your credit card, contact the card company first to suspend it, and consult the police if necessary. If you’re unsure about opening a bank account or choosing a card, the surest option is to ask your school’s international exchange or international student support office. Many universities can provide information about partner banks and application procedures.

Official Information SourcesOfficial

National Consumer Affairs Center of Japan: Consumer Affairs Centers NationwideInformation on credit card and payment disputes, and how to contact the 188 hotline.
National Consumer Affairs Center of Japan: Beware of Phishing ScamsOfficial warnings about fraud involving text messages, emails, and fake websites.
Japan Consumer Credit Association: Beware of Cashing Out Credit Card PurchasesCheck the risks of credit card cash advances through purchases, loans taken out in someone else’s name, and other improper use.
Financial Services Agency: For Those Affected by Bank Transfer Scams and Other FraudInformation on relief programs when you have been defrauded in a payment scam.

Japanese Phrasebook: What to Say at a Service Counter or on the PhoneExperience

審査しんさ

Screening (審査): A check of an applicant’s eligibility before a card is issued. Credit cards always require screening; claims such as “No screening required—you’re guaranteed to get one” are almost always scams.

What to say at the counter審査はありますか？

口座こうざ

Account (口座): The starting point for all payment methods in Japan (debit cards, QR payments, and credit card withdrawals). It’s best to open a bank account first.

What to say at the counter口座を作りたいです。

本人確認ほんにんかくにん

Identity verification (本人確認): Verifying your identity using documents such as your residence card. This is required for QR payment eKYC, opening a bank account, and applying for a card.

What to say at the counter本人確認は在留カードでできますか？

デビットカード

Debit card (デビットカード): The payment is deducted from your bank account immediately when you spend. Generally, no screening is required, and you can get one if you have an account—a go-to card for international students paying in person.

What to say at the counterデビットカードを申し込みたいです。

リボ払いりぼばらい

Revolving payments (リボ払い): Paying a fixed amount each month may seem easy, but fees are high and your balance can snowball—don’t set this as the default.

暗証番号あんしょうばんごう

PIN (暗証番号): The code used to withdraw cash or make payments with your card. Treat any call asking for your PIN or card number as a scam.

資格外活動許可しかくがいかつどうきょか

Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted under the Status of Residence (資格外活動許可): Permission required for international students to work legally. Having work income can make it easier to pass a credit card screening.

結構ですけっこうです

結構です (polite refusal): A clear way to say “No, thank you” to sales pitches or suspicious callers.

What to say at the counter結構です。

Role-Play: At a Bank Counter—Opening an Account and Applying for a Debit Card (Follow Along with the Pronunciation Guide)Experience

① General information · explain your request

すみません、口座こうざを作つくりたいんですが。

Hello, I’d like to open an account.

かしこまりました。本人確認ほんにんかくにんの書類しょるいはお持もちですか？

Certainly. Do you have an ID document we can use to verify your identity?

② Service counter · show your documents

はい、在留ざいりゅうカードとパスポート、学生証がくせいしょうがあります。

Yes. I have my residence card, passport, and student ID.

ありがとうございます。ご住所じゅうしょは住民票じゅうみんひょうのとおりでよろしいですか？

Thank you. Can we use the address listed on your certificate of residence?

③ Procedure · apply for a debit card at the same time

はい。それと、デビットカードも一緒いっしょに申もうし込こめますか？

Yes. Also, can I apply for a debit card at the same time?

はい、できます。カードは後日ごじつ、ご自宅じたくに郵送ゆうそういたします。

Yes. The card will be mailed to your home later.

④ Confirm · screening and card delivery

デビットカードに審査しんさはありますか？いつ頃ごろ届とどきますか？

Is there any screening for a debit card? About when will it arrive?

デビットは原則げんそく審査しんさはございません。2〜3週間しゅうかんほどでお届とどけします。

Generally, debit cards don’t require screening. Delivery takes about 2-3 weeks.

Role-Play: Suspicious Call—Don’t Fall for “No Screening Required—Guaranteed Approval” (Scam Prevention Practice)Experience

① Incoming call · a tempting offer

留学生りゅうがくせいの方かたでも、審査しんさなしで必かならず作つくれるクレジットカードがございます。

(Caller) Even international students can get a credit card from us with no screening, guaranteed.

審査しんさなしで必かならず作つくれる、というのはおかしいと思おもいます。

No screening and guaranteed approval? That doesn’t sound right to me.

② Request for information · hold your ground

手続てつづきのため、カード番号ばんごうと暗証番号あんしょうばんごうを教おしえてください。

(Caller) We need your card number and PIN to process the application.

カード番号ばんごうや暗証番号あんしょうばんごうは、お教おしえできません。

I can’t give you my card number or PIN.

③ Decline · hang up and verify

今いまだけのお得とくなお話はなしです。すぐに決きめていただけますか？

(Other party) This offer is only available right now. Can you make a decision immediately?

結構けっこうです。一度いちど確認かくにんしてから、こちらから連絡れんらくします。失礼しつれいします。

No, thank you. I’ll check first and get in touch if needed. Goodbye.

3 common misconceptions based on what you may be used to before coming to JapanPublic

Misconception 1: “If I have a residence card, I can get a credit card right away.”
A 在留カード is required as proof of identity, but it is not enough by itself. Credit cards always involve a 「審査」 (screening). New international students are often rejected because they face three disadvantages: no Japanese credit history, a student visa that generally does not permit work (so they may be viewed as having no income), and a particularly low approval chance when less than one year remains on their period of stay. For example, if you come from China, you cannot simply bring over the same payment habits you used with Alipay (支付宝) or WeChat Pay (微信支付). Options include (a) obtaining permission to engage in activities outside your status and earning part-time income, (b) applying for a 「学生カード」 that accepts applicants with no income, or (c) building a track record first with a debit or prepaid card. With at least six months remaining on your period of stay, it is easier to show stable income from a part-time job (up to 28 hours per week). [要確認: criteria vary by card issuer].
Misconception 2: “There are credit cards you’re guaranteed to get without screening” = almost certainly a scam
This is the most dangerous misconception. Because credit cards are a form of “buy now, pay later” (credit transaction), it is fundamentally impossible to skip the screening process. The Consumer Affairs Agency and National Consumer Affairs Center warn that solicitations promising “no screening” or “guaranteed approval” are likely to be scams. Claims such as “100% approval even for international students,” “pay a fee and we can get you a card,” or “you can turn it into cash” may lead to credit-card cashing scams, lending your name, or personal-information theft. The products that truly do not require screening are debit and prepaid cards, not credit cards. If you need help, call 188 (the Consumer Hotline).
Misconception 3: “Credit and debit cards are the same, so it doesn’t matter which one I use.”
The key difference is when the money is taken. A debit card deducts the amount from your bank account as soon as you use it; a prepaid card is loaded in advance; a credit card is paid later, starting the following month. That is why international students can generally get debit and prepaid cards without screening, and cannot spend more than the account balance or loaded amount, which also helps prevent overspending. By contrast, credit-card 「リボ払い」 (revolving payments) carries high fees and makes the remaining balance hard to see, so it can grow easily into an overspending trap—government public information also warns young people about it. For your first 1–2 years, a debit card plus QR payments is usually enough.

Comparing five payment methods (from an international student’s perspective)Variable

Swipe sideways to see the full table

Option	When the payment is deducted	Screening	Ease of obtaining one as an international student	International brand / overseas use	Who it suits
Credit card	Paid later (the following month or later)	Yes (required)	△ Difficult soon after arriving in Japan. A student card or Rakuten Card may be possible.	VISA, Mastercard, JCB, etc. Usable overseas.	People with part-time income or at least six months of track record; people who need online payments or installments
Debit card	Immediately (deducted from the account at once)	Generally none	◎ Available if you have a bank account. Minimum age may be 15 or 16, etc. To verify	VISA/JCB debit cards and similar products have an international brand and can be used overseas and online.	All international students with a bank account. Ideal for preventing overspending and building a usage record.
Prepaid card	Paid in advance (preloaded)	None	◎ Some are available without a bank account. Some accept younger applicants and foreign residents.	Visa prepaid cards, バンドルカード, and similar products carry an international brand.	People who have just arrived and have not opened a bank account yet; people who want spending limited to the amount loaded
QR code payments (PayPay/Rakuten Pay/d Barai/au PAY)	Prepaid by loading funds or paid later through a linked card	None (identity verification through eKYC is separate)	◎ Identity can be verified in the app using a 在留カード (e.g. age 16 or older) To verify	Generally focused on use within Japan. Overseas use is limited.	A mainstay for everyday payments in Japan: convenience stores, restaurants, and splitting bills
Cash	At the time of purchase	None	◎ Anyone	—	Older shops that accept cash only and administrative procedures. However, cash is becoming less central.

A practical step-by-step approach for international students (the order matters)Experience

STEP 0: Start by opening a bank account (the foundation for everything else)
Debit cards, QR withdrawals, and credit-card payments all start with a Japanese bank account. This is where the “six-month barrier” comes in.
1. If you have been in Japan for less than six months, many banks may treat you as a 「非居住者」 and refuse to open an ordinary account [要確認: practices vary by bank and branch].
2. ゆうちょ銀行 is said to allow students to open an ordinary account with a period of stay of at least three months, even before reaching six months in Japan To verify.
3. Online banks such as PayPay銀行 may also allow account opening with a 在留カード. Required documents may include a 在留カード together with a driver’s license or マイナンバーカード To verify.
4. Suggested items to bring: 在留カード, passport, student ID, seal if you have one, and your address. Many universities’ international student offices can also help explain how to open an account.
STEP 1: Get a debit card once you have an account
You can get an international-brand card (VISA/JCB debit) without screening, use it for online and overseas payments, and have each purchase deducted from your bank account immediately. This can be your main payment card for now.
1. As a guide, apply on the bank’s website or at a branch; the card is mailed in about 2–3 weeks To verify.
2. Because your account balance decreases every time you use it, you are less likely to overspend—a safer option for international students.
3. A small but important point: continuing to use a debit card and automatic bank withdrawals for utility bills can build the “evidence of everyday financial activity and track record” considered in a future credit-card review.
STEP 2: Use QR code payment apps for everyday purchases
PayPay and similar services are widely used at convenience stores, chain restaurants, and for splitting bills. Completing identity verification (eKYC) enables transfers, withdrawals, and higher limits.
1. PayPay: identity can be verified with a 在留カード and facial recognition (since July 2024). Children under 16 cannot use a 在留カード and must use a マイナンバーカード. The 在留カード must have at least 90 days remaining when you apply To verify.
2. au PAY: identity verification with a 在留カード is available. Screening with a 在留カード may take up to about five business days; transfers and withdrawals become available after verification To verify.
3. 楽天ペイ/d払い: register in the app and complete identity verification (facial recognition/eKYC). Both prepaid top-ups and payment later through a linked credit card are supported; limits vary according to verification status To verify.
4. Tip: link a bank account, debit card, or other supported funding source and add money. You can complete payments by bank transfer even without a credit card.
STEP 3: Use a prepaid card as a stopgap before opening a bank account
Even if you have just arrived and do not yet have a bank account, you can use a prepaid card with an international brand for online and in-store payments without screening.
1. Examples: Visa prepaid / かぞくのおさいふ (SMBC), バンドルカード, neo money, and others [要確認: check each provider’s official site for issuance, age, and residency requirements].
2. You can spend only the amount loaded, which helps with budgeting. Some cards offer cashback [要確認: rates change].
3. If the card has an international brand, it is processed “as a credit card” in stores and online (check each card’s overseas acceptance separately).
STEP 4: Build a track record for six months to a year, then apply for a credit card
If you rush to apply for several cards and are rejected, multiple applications in a short period may themselves count against you (申込みブラック). Apply carefully, one card at a time.
1. Obtaining permission to engage in activities outside your status and earning part-time income (up to 28 hours per week) may improve your chances in a screening To verify.
2. Student cards often have more lenient income requirements, and you may be able to get one as an international student even without income.
3. If you plan to use the card overseas, VISA or Mastercard is a safe choice because they have the most merchants. JCB is strong in Japan but less widely accepted overseas—if you may return home or travel abroad, have one VISA/Mastercard card.
4. If you are particularly concerned about passing screening, a 「デポジット型クレジットカード」 (secured credit card) that requires a deposit may be an option To verify.

Watch Out for Common Pitfalls (よくある落とし穴)Experience

Never set 「リボ払い」 (revolving payments) as the default: the monthly payment looks manageable because it stays fixed, but fees (around 15% annual rate To verify) can make the balance snowball. Government public information also warns young people about it.
Watch out for phishing: scams impersonating banks, card issuers, or delivery companies are common. They use SMS or email to ask you to enter your card number, PIN, or one-time code. Make a habit of going directly through the official app or website, and do not open links you were not expecting.
“Turning a credit card into cash” and getting a card by lending your name can entangle you in crime and may affect your status of residence. Do not get involved.
Credit-card screening is especially strict for short-term study abroad (less than one year of residence) and exchange students. Do not force a credit-card application; a debit card plus QR payments is enough.
Watch the expiry date on your 在留カード: identity verification and renewals may require a certain amount of validity to remain (PayPay requires at least 90 days To verify). Keep track of it along with your period-of-stay renewal.
QR payments are generally intended for domestic use. For returning home or traveling overseas, it is reassuring to have a separate internationally branded VISA/Mastercard.

Where to Get HelpPublic

Official Information SourcesOfficial

National Consumer Affairs Center of Japan: Consumer Affairs Centers NationwideInformation on credit card and payment disputes, and how to contact the 188 hotline.
National Consumer Affairs Center of Japan: Beware of Phishing ScamsOfficial warnings about fraud involving text messages, emails, and fake websites.
Japan Consumer Credit Association: Beware of Cashing Out Credit Card PurchasesCheck the risks of credit card cash advances through purchases, loans taken out in someone else’s name, and other improper use.
Financial Services Agency: For Those Affected by Bank Transfer Scams and Other FraudInformation on relief programs when you have been defrauded in a payment scam.

Japanese Phrasebook: What to Say at a Service Counter or on the PhoneExperience

審査しんさ

What to say at the counter審査はありますか？

口座こうざ

Account (口座): The starting point for all payment methods in Japan (debit cards, QR payments, and credit card withdrawals). It’s best to open a bank account first.

What to say at the counter口座を作りたいです。

本人確認ほんにんかくにん

Identity verification (本人確認): Verifying your identity using documents such as your residence card. This is required for QR payment eKYC, opening a bank account, and applying for a card.

What to say at the counter本人確認は在留カードでできますか？

デビットカード

What to say at the counterデビットカードを申し込みたいです。

リボ払いりぼばらい

Revolving payments (リボ払い): Paying a fixed amount each month may seem easy, but fees are high and your balance can snowball—don’t set this as the default.

暗証番号あんしょうばんごう

PIN (暗証番号): The code used to withdraw cash or make payments with your card. Treat any call asking for your PIN or card number as a scam.

資格外活動許可しかくがいかつどうきょか

結構ですけっこうです

結構です (polite refusal): A clear way to say “No, thank you” to sales pitches or suspicious callers.

What to say at the counter結構です。

Role-Play: At a Bank Counter—Opening an Account and Applying for a Debit Card (Follow Along with the Pronunciation Guide)Experience

① General information · explain your request

すみません、口座こうざを作つくりたいんですが。

Hello, I’d like to open an account.

かしこまりました。本人確認ほんにんかくにんの書類しょるいはお持もちですか？

Certainly. Do you have an ID document we can use to verify your identity?

② Service counter · show your documents

はい、在留ざいりゅうカードとパスポート、学生証がくせいしょうがあります。

Yes. I have my residence card, passport, and student ID.

ありがとうございます。ご住所じゅうしょは住民票じゅうみんひょうのとおりでよろしいですか？

Thank you. Can we use the address listed on your certificate of residence?

③ Procedure · apply for a debit card at the same time

はい。それと、デビットカードも一緒いっしょに申もうし込こめますか？

Yes. Also, can I apply for a debit card at the same time?

はい、できます。カードは後日ごじつ、ご自宅じたくに郵送ゆうそういたします。

Yes. The card will be mailed to your home later.

④ Confirm · screening and card delivery

デビットカードに審査しんさはありますか？いつ頃ごろ届とどきますか？

Is there any screening for a debit card? About when will it arrive?

デビットは原則げんそく審査しんさはございません。2〜3週間しゅうかんほどでお届とどけします。

Generally, debit cards don’t require screening. Delivery takes about 2-3 weeks.

Role-Play: Suspicious Call—Don’t Fall for “No Screening Required—Guaranteed Approval” (Scam Prevention Practice)Experience

① Incoming call · a tempting offer

留学生りゅうがくせいの方かたでも、審査しんさなしで必かならず作つくれるクレジットカードがございます。

(Caller) Even international students can get a credit card from us with no screening, guaranteed.

審査しんさなしで必かならず作つくれる、というのはおかしいと思おもいます。

No screening and guaranteed approval? That doesn’t sound right to me.

② Request for information · hold your ground

手続てつづきのため、カード番号ばんごうと暗証番号あんしょうばんごうを教おしえてください。

(Caller) We need your card number and PIN to process the application.

カード番号ばんごうや暗証番号あんしょうばんごうは、お教おしえできません。

I can’t give you my card number or PIN.

③ Decline · hang up and verify

今いまだけのお得とくなお話はなしです。すぐに決きめていただけますか？

(Other party) This offer is only available right now. Can you make a decision immediately?

結構けっこうです。一度いちど確認かくにんしてから、こちらから連絡れんらくします。失礼しつれいします。

No, thank you. I’ll check first and get in touch if needed. Goodbye.

Payments and Credit Cards in Japan: A Guide to Payment Options for International Students

3 common misconceptions based on what you may be used to before coming to JapanPublic

Misconception 1: “If I have a residence card, I can get a credit card right away.”

Misconception 2: “There are credit cards you’re guaranteed to get without screening” = almost certainly a scam

Misconception 3: “Credit and debit cards are the same, so it doesn’t matter which one I use.”

Comparing five payment methods (from an international student’s perspective)Variable

A practical step-by-step approach for international students (the order matters)Experience

Watch Out for Common Pitfalls (よくある落とし穴)Experience

Where to Get HelpPublic

Official Information SourcesOfficial

Japanese Phrasebook: What to Say at a Service Counter or on the PhoneExperience

Role-Play: At a Bank Counter—Opening an Account and Applying for a Debit Card (Follow Along with the Pronunciation Guide)Experience

Role-Play: Suspicious Call—Don’t Fall for “No Screening Required—Guaranteed Approval” (Scam Prevention Practice)Experience

Payments and Credit Cards in Japan: A Guide to Payment Options for International Students

3 common misconceptions based on what you may be used to before coming to JapanPublic

Misconception 1: “If I have a residence card, I can get a credit card right away.”

Misconception 2: “There are credit cards you’re guaranteed to get without screening” = almost certainly a scam

Misconception 3: “Credit and debit cards are the same, so it doesn’t matter which one I use.”

Comparing five payment methods (from an international student’s perspective)Variable

A practical step-by-step approach for international students (the order matters)Experience

Watch Out for Common Pitfalls (よくある落とし穴)Experience

Where to Get HelpPublic

Official Information SourcesOfficial

Japanese Phrasebook: What to Say at a Service Counter or on the PhoneExperience

Role-Play: At a Bank Counter—Opening an Account and Applying for a Debit Card (Follow Along with the Pronunciation Guide)Experience

Role-Play: Suspicious Call—Don’t Fall for “No Screening Required—Guaranteed Approval” (Scam Prevention Practice)Experience