How to get a Credit Card

[adamu]

The problem with this thread are that individual anecdotes are really not helpful for a system that both judges each application individually, and does not publish its criteria. The experience can change completely depending on the situation, for example:

They don’t ask if you have PR.

I once had an application denied for this reason. They didn't ask for it on the form, but phoned me up and asked later. That was the only time anyone actually told me the rejection reason.

We really need an industry insider to give us the big key points that need to be taken care of.

[mule96]

Indeed a very good point!

[ricardo]

I think the decision to grant credit, especially a high risk, unsecured credit line like a credit card, is so individual and subjective that we’ll never get the definitive guidelines we’re looking for.

It seems we do know the principles that count in your favour:

- Stable (3 years or more) employment with a large/largish, well-established company
- A reasonable, steady salary
- Stable residence
- Good credit history

Against:

- Being self-employed with a variable salary
- Keep moving house
- No credit history

[adamu]

It seems we do know the principles that count in your favour:

- Stable (3 years or more) employment with a large/largish, well-established company
- A reasonable, steady salary
- Stable residence
- Good credit history

Against:

- Being self-employed with a variable salary
- Keep moving house
- No credit history

Do we? Although this makes sense, without a source it's just speculation.

[Djdawang]

Just an update on my experience. I applied online 7/6 and I got my credit card 7/13 in the mail. So took a week. My first name, middle name, my mother’s maiden name initial are all squished into one name, to reflect my bank account I tied it to. MUFG. Hopefully this doesn’t cause any problems when I try to tie it with my planned account setup for securities

[Self]

What is a “year to year” visa?

I have a visa as a Specialist in Humanities. It is good for one year. When it's about to expire, I apply to renew it. I get another one for one year. Repeat.

[Self]

Do you want a "credit" card or just a device to use online and in shops? If the latter, then you can also consider Rakuten Bank visa debit cards. They are easier to obtain than credit cards and work similarly, expect transactions are directly applied to your checking account balance.

I suspect starting with one may also play in your favor if you apply for a credit card with then later.

Thanks. Does this mean I have to open a new bank account? It's a "Visa" debit card, but not credit card? So, it gives a normal-length credit card type number that companies will accept as a credit card number?

Basically I just want to pay my Japanese phone bill in Japan instead of using a foreign credit card.

When you say they're easier to obtain than credit cards, is there still a high possibility of being rejected? I don't want my credit rating to look like a mess by constantly applying for these cards and not getting them.

[Self]

No one cares about your overseas credit rating.

Do you know if it's possible to get a credit report in Japan?

In North America you can easily get your credit reports from the major companies that make them, and usually you can get them for free too.

It would be very interesting to look at my own Japanese credit report, if there's even such a thing.

[Self]

From my experience getting a Japanese credit card, I applied for the credit card issued by the bank my monthly salary goes into... I went into my local branch with the Japanese wife and filled out the form with the bank employee. I received the Mastercard a week or 2 later. I used that card for a year or so then applied for a Rakuten card and got that within a couple of weeks...

I'm not going to go out and get a Japanese wife just so that I can get a credit card. Or am I?...

[N00bster]

Do you want a "credit" card or just a device to use online and in shops? If the latter, then you can also consider Rakuten Bank visa debit cards. They are easier to obtain than credit cards and work similarly, expect transactions are directly applied to your checking account balance.

I suspect starting with one may also play in your favor if you apply for a credit card with then later.

Thanks. Does this mean I have to open a new bank account? It's a "Visa" debit card, but not credit card? So, it gives a normal-length credit card type number that companies will accept as a credit card number?

Yes, yes, and yes. You will have to open a Rakuten Bank account. It's very easy and 100% online. Then you just request your VISA debit card.

Basically I just want to pay my Japanese phone bill in Japan instead of using a foreign credit card.

This will perfectly fit the bill for you then. You won't have all the benefits of a credit card, but will still get 0.5% points back I think. And it will help you build a reputation with Rakuten if you want to ask a credit card with them later.

When you say they're easier to obtain than credit cards, is there still a high possibility of being rejected? I don't want my credit rating to look like a mess by constantly applying for these cards and not getting them.

I've never heard of any rejection since there is no risk for the bank: if you don't have the funds necessary to conclude a transaction, your card will simply be rejected.