RetireJapan

Hi everybody,

I am a little bit under shock. I applied twice to Rakuten bank and I have been rejected. I really struggle to understand their decision. The first time I applied for a credit card so I thought that is maybe I have too many so the second time I only apply for the cash card but same result. I am very surprised because I got a Rakuten card and opened a Rakuten Shoken account without any problem.

Anybody experienced difficulties?

Rejected for a bank account of for the debit card? Either would be unusual in my experience...

I got a postcard from Rakuten bank telling me my Zairyu card is coming up for expiry, and could I please send them a copy of the new one. That's the only organisation except my employer that's asked me to do that.

I have been rejected for both. Usually when you register for the bank account they ask you which type of card you want and you can choose whether a JCB or Visa or MC as credit card or you can chose a cash card that allows you to withdraw money at ATMs only. First time I asked a JCB card rejected. Second time only the cash card rejected.
I am not surprised for the resident card they also ask it to register for foreigners. They may have new regulations which are more stringent.

That's weird that they rejected you. They must have a reason to do so, is it possible you could have a black mark against you with a reference agency, for example by missing a bill or credit card payment, or for undelivered mail, etc.? Frustrating that they don't tell you why though. I had a two-year long stint in limbo unable to get a credit card until I finally got one through an introduction, but I've never been refused a bank account.

I opened a Rakuten Bank account by accident when I opened my Rakuten Securities account. There was a check-box in the online forms that said something to the effect of "Do you also want to apply for a Rakuten Bank account at the same time?" And I misunderstood that this was different from the Securities account and checked it (or more likely didn't *un*-check it). It was kind of annoying really--I didn't want the Bank Account.

I wish I know. I don't think I have ever missed anything. I wonder what they found. I've asked even a hint about the reason but they have refused. They are not obliged to provide reason. Anyway, will try an alternative like SBI or Sony bank and will see what happen.

MyTime,

Yes this is very common. You have to be careful as they can open account for all kind of services that you don't want. In my case I already opened the shoken account previously which is even more annoying in their decision not to open a bank account. You can place money in their investment account but not in their bank! So logical!