If you are a foreigner and find it difficult to get a credit card, we recommend using a debit card instead, as debit cards do not require a credit check. In this article, we’ll introduce you to the five best debit cards for foreigners and explain the benefits and dos and don’ts of debit cards.
Debit cards are a must for foreign citizens!
As a foreigner living in Japan, having a credit card can be inconvenient. However, getting a credit card is difficult and many people may not be able to.
Debit cards are easy to apply for and there are no credit checks. A debit card is a good idea if you cannot afford a credit card, for example, because you are studying abroad for a short period.
What is a debit card?
A debit card is a card that debits your bank account immediately when you shop. It’s a convenient way to pay for shopping without having to withdraw cash from your bank account and keep it in your wallet.
Difference between credit card
A credit card looks similar to a debit card, but the difference between a credit card and a debit card is that instead of paying when you make a purchase, you’re charged the next month. Credit cards allow you to make purchases even when you’re temporarily out of money.
How is it different from a prepaid card?
A prepaid card is similar to a debit card, except that the prepaid card is paid with the money you top up, while the debit card is debited from your bank account. No matter how much money you have in your bank account, you can’t use a prepaid card unless you top up.
Advantages of debit cards
Debit cards have different advantages than credit cards and prepaid cards. Make sure you understand the benefits and use the card that’s right for you, debit or otherwise.
Anyone can have one, no judgment is required.
Credit cards are paid after the fact, so there is a screening process for occupation and income, but debit cards can only be used for amounts in bank accounts, so in principle, there is no screening process. Foreigners often find credit cards difficult to get approved, so debit cards are a big plus.
No need to charge
The advantage of not having a credit check is the same as a prepaid card, but the debit card is debited from your bank account, so you don’t have to top up the card every time like a prepaid card.
don’t cost too much
With a debit card, you don’t have to worry about overspending like you would with a credit card, because once the money is withdrawn from your bank account, you can’t make any more purchases. If you tend to overspend, then a debit card might be for you.
A Note About Debit Cards
Debit, credit, and prepaid cards all have their characteristics, so there are places where debit cards are inferior or less convenient than the other two. When using a debit card, you must pay attention to these points.
You cannot pay in installments or recurring payments.
Debit cards can only be used for one-time payments and cannot be used for installment or recurring payments like credit cards. Therefore, debit cards are not suitable for expensive purchases over 100,000 yen.
Japanese bank account required
Debit cards in Japan charge money from your Japanese bank account. Foreigners usually do not have Japanese bank accounts, so this must be kept in mind.
5 Best Debit Cards for Foreigners
So, here are five of the best debit cards for foreigners.
Sony Bank Wallet
Sony Bank WALLET is a VISA cash card with debit card functionality that allows you to withdraw money from your Sony Bank account. It is available at VISA merchants around the world and is available in 11 different currencies.
GMO Aozora Net Bank Visa Debit Cash Card
The Visa Debit Cash Card from GMO Aozora Net Bank is a Visa Cash Card with debit card functionality that allows withdrawals from your GMO Aozora Net Bank account. It’s also convenient because it supports touch to pay.
PayPay Bank Visa Debit Card
The Visa Debit Card from PayPay Bank is a convenient Visa debit card that also allows for touch and pay and smartwatch payments. There is also a cardless Visa debit card that is only used online.
Rakuten Bank Debit Card
The Rakuten Bank debit card is a debit card with a high rewards rate: you get 1 Rakuten point for every 100 yen you spend, which makes it as good as a credit card.
Seven bank cash and debit cards
The Seven Bank Debit Cash Card is a JCB credit card with debit card functionality that earns nanogram points. Seven Bank is convenient because you can use ATMs at Seven Bank.
