The Rakuten Credit Card is one of Japan’s most popular credit cards, offering easy access to Rakuten’s vast ecosystem.
Whether you’re a frequent shopper or looking for a straightforward way to manage your finances, this can be a good option.
Here’s how you can apply for the Rakuten Credit Card, along with key details about its fees, benefits, and contact information.
What is the Rakuten Credit Card?
Rakuten is a Japanese e-commerce company that offers a wide range of products and services, from electronics to banking and travel.
It operates as one of the largest online marketplaces in Japan and has expanded globally in various sectors.
The Rakuten Credit Card is a financial product offered by Rakuten Card Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Rakuten Group.
It is designed to provide consumers with an easy way to manage their purchases while earning rewards.
How to Apply for the Rakuten Credit Card
Before applying, you need to register for a Rakuten Group account. This is essential because the card is linked to the Rakuten ecosystem.
Whether you are applying from Japan or abroad, the online application form is available in both Japanese and English.
To apply for the Rakuten Credit Card online, follow these steps:
- Visit the Rakuten Credit Card Website: Begin by visiting the official Rakuten Credit Card website. You can access the website from any browser. If you prefer English, simply click on the English language option on the site to make the process more accessible.
- Choose Your Card Type: There are several types of Rakuten Credit Cards available, so choose the one that best suits your needs. You can select between various rewards cards, each offering different features like cashback, Rakuten Super Points, or travel benefits.
- Fill Out the Application Form: The application form requires personal details (full name, address, contact information, date of birth, salary information), professional details (family situation, housing, loans, employment status, income, and job information), and bank data (account, prepaid payments, auto-recharge amounts, and limits).
- Link your bank account: You must select the branch number and account type from the list to ensure a healthy relationship between it and Rakuten Group.
- Approval Process: After submission, Rakuten will process your application and often will ask for an identity check by mail and phone call. If everything is in order, you will be approved for the card and sent the physical card in the mail.
Fees and Interest Rates
The Rakuten Credit Card offers a variety of fees, depending on your usage. Here’s a breakdown of the most common ones:
- Annual Fee: For many Rakuten Credit Cards, the annual fee is typically free for the first year. After that, there may be an annual fee depending on the card type. For example, the standard Rakuten Credit Card has no annual fee, while premium versions may incur a fee of around ¥1,000 to ¥2,000 per year.
- Interest Rates: Interest rates for the Rakuten Credit Card can range from 15% to 20%, depending on your creditworthiness. The exact rate will be clearly stated in your card agreement.
- Late Payment Fees: Rakuten charges a late payment fee if you fail to make at least the minimum payment by the due date. Late fees can be up to ¥1,000 or more, in addition to any accumulated interest.
- Cash Advance Fees: If you need to withdraw cash using your Rakuten Credit Card, there will be a cash advance fee. This fee is typically around 3% to 5% of the withdrawn amount, with an additional interest charge that starts accruing immediately.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: Rakuten Credit Card holders also need to be aware of foreign transaction fees. If you use your card abroad, there may be a 1-2% fee applied to your total purchase amount.
Bank Contact Information
For any questions or concerns regarding your Rakuten Credit Card application, or if you need assistance with your account.:
- Phone Support: You can reach Rakuten’s customer service team by calling their helpdesk at +81-50-3786-5737. Their support is available during regular business hours.
- Email Support: You can send inquiries directly to [email protected]
- Address: NBF Shinagawa Tower, 2-16-5 Konan Minato-ku Tokyo, 108-0075.
- Official Website: For more detailed information, visit the official Rakuten Credit Card website: https://www.rakuten-card.co.jp/. Here, you’ll find the latest information on card types, fees, and benefits, as well as links to start your Rakuten credit card online application in English.
Benefits of the Rakuten Credit Card
One of the main reasons people apply for the Rakuten Credit Card is the Rakuten Super Points program.
These points can be redeemed for discounts on future Rakuten purchases or transferred to partner retailers for other discounts.
When you apply for the Rakuten Credit Card, you’ll receive a 5,000-point bonus as a welcome offer credited after your first purchase.
Additionally, the card provides exclusive offers and promotions. Rakuten often partners with merchants to offer limited-time deals.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Application
Applying for a credit card can be straightforward, but there are a few common mistakes you should avoid:
- Incomplete Application Forms: Make sure to fill out every section of the Rakuten Credit Card application form. Missing information, such as your salary details or address, can delay the approval process.
- Not Submitting Necessary Documents: Double-check that you’ve uploaded the required documents, like proof of income or identification. Failure to submit these can result in your application being rejected.
- Overestimating Your Credit Limits: If you overestimate your income, you might end up being offered a lower credit limit than expected. Be realistic about your finances to avoid disappointment.
- Ignoring Fees and Interest Rates: Always review the fees and interest rates associated with the Rakuten Credit Card. Knowing how much you’ll be charged for late payments or cash advances can help you manage your account more effectively.
Conclusion
The Rakuten card online application is an easy and rewarding process.
By following the simple steps, you can begin earning Rakuten Super Points and enjoy the benefits of a card that rewards you with every purchase.
Be sure to carefully fill out the Rakuten credit card online application form, and register for a Rakuten Group account.
Note: There are risks involved when applying for and using credit. Consult the bank’s terms and conditions page for more information.