RetireJapan

Hi all, I'm posting this out of some "mild" frustration, but also looking for some advice if you have any tips, etc.

So, my rakuten premium card gets declined when I use it online, a lot. No matter how many times I call them, it keeps happening. I've kept my SMBC gold card for times like this since it generally never gets declined.

Now I'm on holiday, I've switched my SIM to a new SIM in thailand since my Japan SIM is super super super expensive for roaming. I tried to use my Rakuten card for a flight back, declined. Switched to SMBC, declined. Now no matter what website I use, they both get declined. My girlfriend tried to buy the flight for me; declined. I can't call up as my Thai sim doesn't allow international calls. I can't unblock my cards since it requires clicking a link in the SMS, of the SIM that I am not using and cannot receive messages abroad.

So, what should I do in this situation? I'm having to hope right now that I can get enough cash out (if that's not declined too..) and can still buy flights the old school way at the airport. Has anyone else been in the same predicament and managed to get their cardholder to just stop blocking the card?

I have more than 2m JPY credit remaining on my cards, have never overspent and have never not paid back immediately, never used ribobarai, etc. It's incredibly infuratiaing that this keeps happening .

I wonder if a VPN Software to Japan would work???

Or PayPal???

But, then I don't know how you'd set up a new account for either...

It can help to inform CC companies if you will be going abroad.

Very frustrating problem though. My wife has a CC for her business, and every time we try to use it to pay Facebook the CC company blocks the transaction

RetireJapan wrote: ↑Fri Aug 26, 2022 1:08 am It can help to inform CC companies if you will be going abroad.

Very frustrating problem though. My wife has a CC for her business, and every time we try to use it to pay Facebook the CC company blocks the transaction

For Rakuten, how do you inform them about going out of Japan? Is there a link or a function on their website/app?
Sorry for dumb question.

gnakarmi wrote: ↑Fri Aug 26, 2022 1:15 am For Rakuten, how do you inform them about going out of Japan? Is there a link or a function on their website/app?
Sorry for dumb question.

I just call my CC company at the usual number (don't really use Rakuten CC so don't know what their number is)

I'm in the habit of calling up Rakuten every time I leave (using the number on the back of the card). I let them know my expected expenditure and duration, but unfortunately I still run into these issues.

I Had the same problems years ago, but it was just for security. The purchase was unusual, as it was a laptop, and the place was unusual, Japan. The company called the bank, and we got it cleared. Might be better to go directly to the agent/airline shop, then use the card, if declined ask the airline to call, so you can speak to them. I ended up speaking to my bank directly, to authorize the purchase. Luckily they've stopped scam purchases too.EG NEW YORK.

I don't have a solution to your immediate problem, but a good cautionary tale for other readers. Always have at least three, plus an international ATM compatible account (plus I carry Wise nowadays). But I must say, your tolerance of the shoddy service from Rakuten is remarkable... I would've dropped them ages ago. I can count on one hand the declined purchases I've had over the last 20 years. It really shouldn't happen, and certainly not repeatedly, or when you've already informed them of your trip.

I heard a story about the Rakuten CEO trying to buy everyone's drinks at a tech event in San Francisco with his Rakuten Card, and it got declined.

Might be urban legend, but funny anyway.

SMBC Trust Bank Prestia Global Pass...

Never had a problem with this or my regular SMBC Prestia Trust Club Visa Card