How to Apply for a JP Rakuten Credit Card

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying

1. Visit the Official Website

   • Go to the official JP credit card website. You can easily find it by searching for "JP Rakuten credit card" or by using the direct link provided in the description below.

2. Start the Application Process

   • On the website, locate the apply button and click it. This will take you to the Rakuten page.

   • You will get a total of 5,500 points: 2,000 points for new Rakuten points membership, 3,000 points for card use, and 500 points for setting up a Japan Post Bank account. Note that the points awarded may vary depending on the time of year.

3. Filling Out the Application Form

   • I've added English labels and furigana to the form to make it easier for you. These labels will not be visible to you.

   • I recommend choosing Visa over MasterCard, as Visa is the most commonly used card in Japan.

   • Select a card design that you like.

4. Personal Information

   • In Japan, the family name comes before the first name. For example, someone with the first name Quinton and the family name Park would be referred to as Park Quinton.

   • Foreign names are written in Katakana, so in the kanji section, you can enter names in Katakana.

   • Select your gender, date of birth, and phone number.

   • Enter your email address. Note that Japanese Yahoo is different from Yahoo US, so if you use Yahoo, you need to open a separate Yahoo Japan account.

5. Address Information

   • Enter the postal code. If you don’t know it, you can find it by scanning the address on your residence card with your iPhone camera app and copying the address.

   • Use the provided link in the description to convert Japanese addresses to English using Google Translate. Enter your address in Katakana. You can also use the kanji to hiragana/katakana converter tool if needed.

6. Housing and Employment Details

   • Select your living situation and the type of housing you reside in.

   • Choose your visa status and enter your estimated annual income, including tax.

   • For students working 28 hours per week, the annual income is approximately 120 to 160 manen. It's advisable to have a minimum savings amount of 10 manen to improve your chances of passing the credit card screening process.

   • Select the billing address and choose your payment options.

7. Additional Options

   • Revolving Payment: This service converts all one-time payments into revolving payments automatically. Avoid this option to prevent potential debt accumulation.

   • Cashing (Advance Cash): This feature allows you to borrow money using your credit card. It’s advisable for students to apply for the minimum amount.

8. Card and Account Setup

   • If you own a car, apply for a Rakuten ETC card, which costs 550 Yen annually and earns one point for every 100 yen spent.

   • Rakuten Edy is a prepaid type of e-money. With this function, you can simply touch your card to the reader for payment.

   • Create a four-digit PIN code for your card.

9. Employer Information

   • Provide details regarding your employer, including company name, phone number, and length of service. Convert company names from kanji to hiragana if needed.

10. Final Steps

    • Your email address will be used as your Rakuten user ID for both the Rakuten Shopping app and the Rakuten e-Navi app. Create a password for both apps.

    • Set up a payment account by entering your JP branch code and account number using the on-screen keyboard.

    • Enter the OTP code sent to your phone, your cash card PIN, and agree to the terms and conditions.

Checking Your Application Status

• After completing the application, you can check the status with the Rakuten e-Navi app. Copy your application ID code, download the app, and select "Check Card Issuance Status." Enter your application ID code, date of birth, and last four digits of your phone number.

Conclusion

Typically, you can expect to receive your card within 1 to 10 days after application, but it may take up to a month. With the Rakuten e-Navi app, you can check usage details, apply for online cash advances, and change your payment method.

If this tutorial was helpful, please let me know in the comments below. For more detailed guides and reviews, visit my YouTube channel. Thanks for sticking around, and I’ll see you in the next video. Stay safe and healthy!