What is the best credit card for traveling to Japan?

Question

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 ... read full answer 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.

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Answer 1 · 2022-05-27 16:06:31

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Chip Lupo, Credit Card Writer

@CLoop • 05/27/22 This answer was first published on 05/27/22. 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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The best credit card for traveling to Japan is the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. It has a $0 foreign transaction fee, offers high rewards rates on travel and dining, and allows you to transfer points to Japan Airlines Mileage Bank and other participating loyalty programs, usually at a 1:1 ratio. Chase Sapphire Preferred is also on the Visa credit card network, meaning you can use the card anywhere in Japan where credit cards are accepted.

Chase Sapphire Preferred’s rewards include 1 - 5 points per $1 spent on purchases, plus an initial bonus of 60,000 bonus points for spending $4,000 in the first 3 months. That will easily cover the cost of the card’s $95 annual fee.

Best Credit Cards for Traveling to Japan

Overall: Chase Sapphire Preferred® CardChase Sapphire Preferred® CardLearn MoreLearn Moreon issuer's website
Initial Bonus: 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

Another card worth considering is the JAL USA card. It offers 5,000 bonus miles after your first international flight on Japan Airlines, 1 mile per $2 spent on all purchases, and a $20 annual fee. But overall, the JAL USA card lacks the perks and value that many of the top travel rewards cards provide.

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 fee is also a must. You can check out our editors’ picks for the best credit cards for international travel and no foreign transaction fee to see more options.

What is the best credit card for traveling to Japan?

Chip Lupo, Credit Card Writer

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