Using a credit card in Japan

Using a credit card in Japan isn’t as common as it is in most first-world countries. Despite an economy driven by technology, Japan remains a largely cash-based society. Credit and debit cards are becoming more popular, but if your card is issued by a bank outside of Japan, using it might not be as easy as you think.

If you’re travelling in a big city like Tokyo, Yokohama or Osaka, you can expect most big hotels and shops to accept credit cards. And with the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games on the horizon, more businesses should start following suit.

• What's in this guide?

  What's in this guide?

  1. Market comparison
  2. Cash in Japan
  3. Cash machines in Japan
  4. Can I use chip and pin card in Japan?
  5. Potential credit card fees in Japan
  6. Is it safe to use my credit card in Japan?
  7. How to prepare before travelling to Japan
  8. Next steps
  9. How to use a credit card in …
  10. Frequently asked questions

Cash in Japan

You’ll find that large shops, supermarkets and hotels accept credit and debit cards, as will most taxis. But smaller souvenir shops, neighbourhood restaurants, local market stalls and traditional Japanese ryokan limit their transactions to cash. This is also the case for most guesthouses operated by private owners.

If you buy a low-cost item and pay with a large bill — such as a 10,000 yen note — you’ll typically have no problem receiving change. Whether you’re limiting your visit to a big city or plan to travel to rural areas, make sure you carry enough cash for your daily needs.

Cash machines in Japan

Cash machines (ATMs) are a common sight in big cities, but you’ll be hard pressed to find one that accepts international credit or debit cards. You can however typically use your UK cards at post offices, however, and in 7-Eleven shops.

Unlike in most countries, many Japanese ATMs don’t operate around the clock. Instead, they’re often switched off at night — typically at 7pm on weekdays and 5pm on weekends. Some 7-Eleven ATMs operate 24/7.

Can I use chip and pin card in Japan?

Chip and pin is widely used in Japan. If you never got round to signing your card, however, do this before you leave!

Both magnetic-stripe and chip and pin credit cards are common in Japan. An increasing number of Japanese banks are switching over to chip-enabled cards because they offer enhanced security.

Potential credit card fees in Japan

When you find a merchant that accepts credit cards in Japan, you may face a handful of fees.

Foreign transaction fees

British credit card issuers typically charge a fee equivalent to 1% to 3% of your transaction, so carefully review your card’s fine print to avoid statement surprises. Some cards designed for travel come with no foreign transaction fees, so this could be a good time to switch.

Learn more about cards designed for overseas spending

Currency conversion fees

If a retailer offers to bill your credit card in Sterling, dynamic currency conversion comes into play. While this might sound like a good deal, you’ll actually end up getting a less-than-favourable exchange rate, and you might also end up paying currency conversion fees. Whenever you’re presented with an option, choose to pay in yen.

Cash advance fees

Using your credit card to withdraw money from an ATM may not make sense unless it’s a bona fide emergency. Each time you withdraw funds from an ATM, you’re likely to pay a cash advance fee. Your APR for cash advances is typically higher than your purchase APR, and you’ll often get no grace period on interest — instead, you start paying interest immediately. Again, some cards designed for overseas spending will waive this fee.

The table below serves as an example of how much extra you may pay to use your credit card for in Japan.

Additionally you can get an idea of costs by using these online currency conversion tools from Mastercard and Visa.

Is it safe to use my credit card in Japan?

Crime levels in Japan are very low, and it’s typically safe to take public transportation or walk about after dark. However, you should maintain the same caution that you would in the UK and use your credit card carefully.

• Keep your PIN safe. When using the keypad, shield it with your hand to keep your PIN safe from curious eyes and hidden cameras.
• Choose ATMs carefully. Don’t use an ATM in a secluded area, and ideally stick to ones found in crowded places or post offices.
• Keep an eye for skimmers. If your card does not enter the ATM slot as smoothly as it usually does or if using the keypad feels unusual, cancel your transaction immediately. Someone might have installed a card skimmer on the ATM.

Keeping your credit card (physically) safe

Even though levels of crime in Japan are low, you wouldn’t want to become the victim of an isolated incident. Keep your credit cards with you at all times, and don’t let them out of your sight — even when paying bills at hotels, restaurants or bars. Using a neck pouch can help keep your cash, cards and travel documents close to you, no matter where you go.

How to prepare before travelling to Japan

1. Select Visa or Mastercard. Visa cards are the most commonly accepted, followed closely by Mastercard. American Express is next in line, but finding businesses that accept these cards will not be easy. Cirrus and Maestro cards find very few takers.
2. Get a card with no foreign transaction fees. Depending on how much you plan to spend, you could save money by getting a card with no foreign transaction fees.
3. Inform your bank. If you haven’t used your card outside of the US in the past, let your bank know that you’re travelling to Japan. This way, your bank will not block your card because of suspicious activity when you use it overseas.
4. Set up a PIN for ATMs. If you plan to use your credit card to withdraw money at an ATM while in Japan, you’ll probably need to set a PIN. It’s a lot easier to set up your PIN while you’re still in the UK, since you might need to call your bank or access your online account. Some credit cards don’t let you set up a PIN instantly, and might mail your PIN to you after you request one.
5. Keep emergency numbers handy. Find out what numbers you’ll need to call if you lose your card or end up needing an emergency replacement. Keep them accessible at all times.
6. Identify where you’ll get money from. Given that you’ll need cash in different scenarios, find out where you can get some when you need it. If you plan to spend some time in the country, you can easily ensure that you have access to cash by opening a savings account with the post office.

Next steps

Before you travel to Japan, ask yourself these questions to make your stay stress free.

• Which cards should I take? Go with either Visa or Mastercard, and consider taking two or more cards with you. Ideally, use cards with no foreign transaction fees.
• Have I informed my bank? If you fail to inform your bank, you may have to deal with a blocked card during your travel.
• What kind of fees am I looking at? A little information ahead of time can save you considerable strife later on.
• What’s my source of cash? When in Japan, you cannot do without using cash unless you’re limiting your movement to the best places in town. So plan to keep your cash flow in place.

Once you’ve established where you can use your credit card and where you’ll need cash, you can relax and focus on enjoying your stay in Japan!

Compare cards with fee-free currency conversion in Japan

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Product UKCCF	Finder Score	Purchases	Annual/monthly fees	Initial credit limits	Representative APR	Incentive	Link
Monzo Flex	Finder score 8.2Great	0% if paid in full monthly or over 3 months. Reverting to 29% (variable) in 6, 12 or 24 monthly payments.	£0	Min. limit not specified, max. limit not specified.	29% APR (variable)	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 29% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 29% APR (variable).	Go to site Read review Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Santander All in One Credit Card	Finder score 9.3Excellent	0% for 15 months reverting to 23.9%	£3 per month	Min. limit £500, max. limit not specified.	29.8% APR (variable)	0.5% after £1 of monthly spend. Maximum of £10 cashback paid per month. Cashback paid Monthly into Card Account. Maximum spend for cashback purposes is limited to credit limit. Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 23.9% (variable) p.a. with a fee of £3 per month, your representative rate is 29.8% APR (variable).	Check eligibility Read review Compare	loading Fetching your data...
118 118 Money Guaranteed Rate Card	Finder score 7.8Great	49%	£0	Min. limit £500, max. limit not specified.	49% APR (variable)	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 49% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 49% APR (variable).	Check eligibility Read review Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Yonder Credit Card Finder Award	Finder score 9.7Excellent	29.94%	1 month for £0, £15 per month thereafter	Min. limit not specified, max. limit not specified.	66.7% APR (variable)	First month free for new members, £15 p/m thereafter. Plus, 10,000 bonus points. Earn 5 points per £1 spent and up to 25 points per £1 at selected partners. Membership includes worldwide travel insurance, no FX fees and use your points towards any flight. Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 29.94% (variable) p.a. with a fee of £15 per month, your representative rate is 66.7% APR (variable).	Check eligibility Read review Compare	loading Fetching your data...
NatWest Credit Card	Finder score 9.8Excellent	12.9%	£0	Min. limit £250, max. limit not specified.	12.9% APR (variable)	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 12.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 12.9% APR (variable).	Read review Compare	loading Fetching your data...

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How to use a credit card in …

Frequently asked questions

• Can I use an American Express card in Japan?

  Absolutely. American Express is not as widely accepted around the world compared with Visa and Mastercard, but you should have no trouble using your Amex card at most places where credit cards are accepted in Japan.

• Do taxis take credit cards in Japan?

  Yes, mos taxis take credit cards in Japan. You can also pay with your Suica pass, which is a popular metro card you can purchase or link to Apple Pay.

• What is a JCB credit card?

  JCB stands for Japan Credit Bureau, a credit card company based in Tokyo, Japan. JCB is the only international payment brand based in Japan. Fifteen million cards are issued outside of Japan across 20 countries.

• What is the Sterling to Yen exchange rate?

• How do I send money to Japan?

  We use banks to take care of all our other financial needs, so surely we should use them when sending an international money transfer, right? Not necessarily. While major UK banks offer money transfer services, they typically present less competitive exchange rates coupled with high transfer fees. Learn how to send money to Japan the smart way.

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Chris Lilly

Head of publishing

Chris Lilly is Head of publishing at finder.com. He's a specialist in personal finance, from day-to-day banking to investing to borrowing, and is passionate about helping UK consumers make informed decisions about their money. In his spare time Chris likes forcing his kids to exercise more. See full bio

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