Are credit cards widely accepted in Japan?

Question

Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit card networks. Visa credit cards can be used at 44 million merchant locations in more than 200 countries and territories. Mastercard credit cards are accepted at 37 million merchant locations in more than 210 countries and territories.

Mastercard is accepted in more countries than Visa, yet roughly 7 million more merchants worldwide take Visa. Both have a claim to the title of most widely accepted credit card as a result. Visa is also the most widely used type of credit card. There isn’t a single credit card that’s most widely accepted, though. That’s because there are hundreds of Mastercard and Visa credit card offers available.… read full answer

Most Widely Accepted Credit Cards:

Most Widely Accepted Internationally: Mastercard (210+ countries and territories); Visa (200+).

Most Widely Accepted in the U.S.: Visa and Mastercard are both accepted at almost 11 million U.S. merchant locations.

Least Widely Accepted Internationally: American Express (160+ countries and territories); Discover (200+).

Least Widely Accepted in the U.S.: American Express and Discover (10.6 million locations).

Most Widely Used: Visa has the most credit cards in circulation (about 838 million). American Express has the highest purchase volume, at $15,904 per cardholder annually.

Best Worldwide Credit Cards: Visa or Mastercard credit cards with no foreign transaction fee.

The difference between Visa and Mastercard acceptance is slight. Either network should suit your needs almost anywhere in the world. But if you plan on traveling internationally, be sure your Mastercard or Visa credit card doesn’t charge a foreign transaction fee. That will save you up to 3% on every purchase you make abroad.

Finally, it’s worth pointing out that store cards are the least widely accepted credit cards. They don’t belong to any of the four major card networks. So, they can only be used at their affiliated retailers.

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Answer 1 · 2022-08-25 09:09:24

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Maria Adams, Credit Cards Moderator

@m_adams • 08/25/22 This answer was first published on 08/25/22. For the most current information about a financial product, you should always check and confirm accuracy with the offering financial institution. Editorial and user-generated content is not provided, reviewed or endorsed by any company.

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No, credit cards aren’t widely accepted in Japan. Although the use of credit cards has increased in recent years, Japan is still largely a cash-based society. Credit cards on the Visa, Mastercard, JBC, and UnionPay networks are the most widely accepted. Several places in large cities like Tokyo also accept American Express credit cards.

Not only is the use of cash prevalent, but in many places credit cards are simply not accepted. On top of this, ATM machines that work with non-Japanese credit cards can occasionally be hard to find, particularly in rural areas.

Where Credit Cards Are Accepted in Japan

It varies from establishment to establishment, but generally speaking, you can usually use credit cards at hotels, department stores, and some shops and restaurants.

You’ll generally need to use cash at neighborhood restaurants, local markets, and more. Cash will probably be your only option when traveling in the Japanese countryside, too.

Good Credit Cards to Use in Japan

Sign-Up Bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® CardChase Sapphire Preferred® CardLearn MoreLearn Moreon issuer's website
Travel Rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit CardCapital One Venture Rewards Credit CardLearn MoreLearn More
Cash Back: Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit CardCapital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit CardLearn MoreLearn More
Rates & FeesTerms ApplyLuxury Perks: The Platinum Card® from American ExpressThe Platinum Card® from American ExpressLearn MoreLearn Moreon issuer's website

When shopping for the best credit card for your next trip to Japan, you should seek out a card with the best rewards and travel benefits for the lowest possible annual fee. No foreign transaction fees is also a must. You can check out our editors’ picks for the best credit cards for international travel and no foreign transaction fee credit cards to see more options.

Are credit cards widely accepted in Japan?

Maria Adams, Credit Cards Moderator

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