Rakuten Card Guide: English Support, Payments, Renewals, and More!

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Rakuten Card is a credit card that international residents in Japan can easily apply for thanks to 24-hour English support. Read on for an informational guide on card renewals, payments, procedures when losing your card, and more!

Written by

Asuka

Germany

I live in Germany. I worked at a publishing company as a magazine editor, and currently work as a freelance writer and editor in Germany.

I love traveling! I love eating!

I had experience traveling by hitchhiking and staying at a stranger's house…it’s crazy!

We will convey the good points of living in Japan and abroad.

Rakuten Card is a widely used credit card in Japan with more than 21 million cardholders.

It's also favored by overseas students and international residents in Japan for its reward points earned by using your card. There is no annual fee.

Rakuten Card is provided by Rakuten Group, Inc., an e-commerce giant in Japan. In recent years, Rakuten has gained popularity overseas through its sponsorship of FC Barcelona in the First Division of the Spanish Football League.

This article will give details on how to resolve issues that may occur when using the Rakuten Card, card renewals, and language support for international residents.

Easy Online Application! Apply for a Rakuten Card (Japanese)

1. Rakuten Card’s English Support
2. How to Renew Your Rakuten Card
3. Payment Due Date and Methods
4. What to Do When Losing Your Card?
5. Cancellation/Utilizing the Rakuten Card in Japan

Rakuten Card’s English Support

Currently, the Rakuten Card application and Rakuten e-NAVI, a cardholder service website for checking your account, are only available in Japanese.

However, the customer call center provides English support for inquiries over the phone.

Contact the call center, and an English-speaking representative will return your call. Utilize this service if you’re not confident in using Japanese over the phone, or prefer assistance in English.

The customer call center accepts both domestic and international calls.

Contact numbers are listed below.

Domestic: 0570-66-6910 (Weekends and holidays included, 9:30-17:30)
International: 81-92-474-6287 (Weekends and holidays included, 9:30-17:30 JST)

How to Renew Your Rakuten Card

Most people are concerned with credit card renewals. As a cardholder, there are no renewal or in-person contact procedures after your Rakuten Card has expired.

A new Rakuten Card will be sent to your registered address when your card is nearing its expiration date. This is typically mailed between the end of the month before your expiration month or the start of that same month.

Changes in your registration information, such as your mailing and e-mail address, can be done via Rakuten e-NAVI: the cardholder website.

Payment Due Date and Methods

The payment due date and payment method should be kept in mind when using your credit card.

Payment on the 27th of the Following Month

Rakuten Card’s statement period closes at the end of every month. The payment date for that period is by the 27th of the following month (if the 27th falls on a business holiday, then payment is due the next business day).

There are two payment methods available. You can choose to pay by bank transfer (automatic withdrawal) or at a convenience store.

1. Bank Transfer Payment

When paying by bank transfer, you need to register your bank account information on Rakuten e-NAVI during or after the credit card application process. You are not required to submit any documents.

As a precaution, bank transfer payments cannot be changed to convenience store payments once selected. Keep this in mind when choosing bank payments as your payment method.

2. Convenience Store Payment

If you opt for convenience store payments, you can use the information terminals installed in convenience stores to pay.

A ticket will be printed once you enter your payment number and phone number into the terminal. Take this ticket to the register to pay in cash.

Payment numbers are sent by e-mail when using your credit card. Information on your payment due date will also be included in the same e-mail. You will be responsible for completing your payment by that date.

Please be aware that once the payment due date passes, you cannot pay at a convenience store.

Convenience Stores with Payment Terminals

The convenience stores and terminals that support payments for Rakuten Card are listed below.

・ Lawson (Loppi)
・ FamilyMart (FamiPort)
・ MINISTOP (MINISTOP Loppi)
・ Seicomart (Club Station)

FamilyMart’s FamiPort is available in six languages: Japanese, Chinese, English, Korean, Portuguese, and Russian.

Conviniently make payments in your native language!
Easy Online Application! Apply for a Rakuten Card (Japanese)

What to Do if You Lose Your Card?

It's important to know beforehand how to handle a lost credit card.

If your card is lost or stolen, please contact the designated phone line for lost or stolen cards to freeze your card. Contact Rakuten as soon as your card is missing to prevent any unauthorized usage.

The dedicated numbers for lost or stolen cards are listed below.

Domestic: 0120-86-6910 (24-hour reception)
International: 81-92-474-9256 (24-hour reception)

If you are calling from overseas, a collect call can be made at the front desk of your hotel.

The process to reissue a new card is done via Rakuten e-NAVI. A new card generally takes between a week and ten days to be delivered to your registered address.

How to Cancel Rakuten Card

If you want to cancel your credit card, you must request a cancellation. Canceling a Rakuten Card is a simple procedure, so you won’t be hassled when you’re in a rush to fly home.

Contact the Rakuten Card customer call center with your credit card on hand. Simply tell a representative that you wish to cancel your card.

The customer call center numbers are listed below.

Domestic: 0570-66-6910 (Weekends and holidays included, 9:30-17:30)
International: 81-92-474-6287 (Weekends and holidays included, 9:30-17:30)

English support is available around the clock, whether you’re in Japan or overseas. After contacting the call center, an English-speaking representative will return your call to assist you.

If you wish to cancel a Rakuten Premium Card or Rakuten Gold Card, then call the number printed on the back of your card (9:30-17:30).

FAQ

Is there an English version of Rakuten?

Yes, Rakuten offers an English version of its website to cater to international customers and non-Japanese speakers. The English version of Rakuten allows users to browse and shop for a variety of products in English, making it easier for customers from around the world to access the platform and enjoy the shopping experience. By accessing the English version of Rakuten, users can view product details, make purchases, and utilize the various services provided by Rakuten in a language they are comfortable with.

Can foreigners use Rakuten?

Yes, foreigners can use Rakuten for shopping and accessing various services offered by the platform. Rakuten's website and services are accessible to users from around the world, including foreigners living in Japan and international customers outside the country. By creating an account on Rakuten, users can browse and purchase products, earn Rakuten Super Points, and take advantage of the platform's e-commerce features and promotions. Rakuten's website is available in multiple languages, including English, to cater to non-Japanese speakers, enhancing the user experience for a broader customer base.

How does Rakuten work in Japan?

Rakuten functions as a prominent e-commerce platform in Japan, employing a marketplace model where a diverse array of sellers list their products for customers to browse and purchase online. Customers access Rakuten's website or mobile app to explore a wide range of products across various categories, facilitating secure transactions and providing multiple payment options for convenience. The platform incorporates a membership program that rewards customers with points for purchases, promoting customer loyalty through incentives like Rakuten Super Points that can be redeemed for discounts. Beyond e-commerce, Rakuten offers an extensive range of services including travel bookings, food delivery, financial services, and digital content, creating a comprehensive ecosystem for users. With an emphasis on user-friendly interfaces, customer support services, and incentives for both buyers and sellers, Rakuten serves as a versatile and holistic platform that enhances the e-commerce experience for users in Japan.

Why is Rakuten so cheap?

Rakuten's reputation for offering competitive prices stems from several key factors. Operating on a marketplace model that encourages competition among sellers and facilitates a wide product selection leads to competitive pricing on the platform. The platform's ability to negotiate volume discounts with suppliers, along with direct-to-consumer sales, eliminates some retail costs and allows Rakuten to pass on savings to customers. Regular promotions, discounts, and coupon offers further enhance the affordability of products. Efficient business operations and supply chain management also contribute to cost savings that translate into lower prices. In an intensely competitive global e-commerce landscape, Rakuten's focus on efficiency, volume purchasing, and strategic pricing strategies enables them to provide customers with cost-effective shopping options.

What does "rakuten" mean in English?

The word "Rakuten" in Japanese translates to "optimism" or "hope" in English. This name reflects the company's positive outlook and aspirations for growth and success, aligning with its mission to empower customers through e-commerce and other services. Rakuten's name choice signifies a vision of optimism and forward-thinking in its approach to business and customer relationships.

Is there an English version of Rakuten?

Rakuten, a major e-commerce platform based in Japan, does offer an English version of its website and services to cater to international customers. The English version of Rakuten allows users to browse and shop for a wide range of products, including electronics, fashion, cosmetics, and more, in a language other than Japanese. By accessing the English version of Rakuten, non-Japanese speakers can navigate the site, make purchases, and utilize the various features and services provided by Rakuten in a language they are more comfortable with.

Which Japanese banks have English support?

Several major Japanese banks, including Mizuho Bank, SMBC Trust Bank, Shinsei Bank, MUFG Bank, and Citibank Japan, offer varying degrees of English support to assist non-Japanese speakers with their banking needs. While services like English language assistance, online banking, and customer support may be available at selected branches, the extent of English services can differ by location and service offering. It is recommended to contact the specific bank branch or visit their website to confirm the availability of English support and services before visiting, ensuring a smooth and efficient banking experience for international customers in Japan.

Utilizing the Rakuten Card in Japan

On the fence about which credit card to apply for in Japan? Then consider choosing the Rakuten Card! It offers many services, including English support for inquiries and payments that can be made at convenience stores without a bank account.

Make your life in Japan more convenient by applying for the user-friendly Rakuten Card.