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Rakuten Mobile Payment Methods | No Credit Card? No Bank Account? A Complete Guide 📱💳

  • Writer: 楽天モバイルの体験を語る社員
    楽天モバイルの体験を語る社員
  • 11 hours ago
  • 4 min read

"I want to sign up for Rakuten Mobile, but I don't have a credit card..." "Can I pay even if I'm a foreigner and don't yet have a Japanese bank account?"

In this article, we'll explain 👉 Rakuten Mobile's payment methods in full 👉 Can you sign up without a credit card or bank account? We'll also explain it in an easy-to-understand way, even for first-time users ✨


Rakuten Mobile Payment Methods | No Credit Card? No Bank Account? A Complete Guide 📱💳
Rakuten Mobile Payment Methods | No Credit Card? No Bank Account? A Complete Guide 📱💳


Conclusion | Rakuten Mobile is a carrier with relatively easy payment methods ✅


First, the conclusion.

👉Rakuten Mobile has more flexible payment terms than other major carriers . However, it's not completely free, and there are clear rules .

  • If you have a credit card, there's no problem

  • Even if you don't have a credit card, you can still sign a contract if you have a bank account.

  • No credit card or bank account → In principle, not permitted

Understanding this premise is the first step to avoiding failure.




What payment methods are available with Rakuten Mobile?


There are two main payment methods for Rakuten Mobile.

✔ Credit card payment

✔ Direct debit (bank account)

Please note that cash and convenience store payments are not accepted.




Can I sign up for Rakuten Mobile without a credit card?


Conclusion: Yes, you can (conditions apply) 👌

👉You can sign up for Rakuten Mobile even if you don't have a credit card .

In that case, you can use direct debit from a Japanese bank account .


Here's the key point:

  • A bank account in Japan is required

  • Overseas bank accounts are not accepted

In other words, if you don't have a credit card but have a Japanese bank account, there's no problem.




Can I pay for Rakuten Mobile without a bank account? 🏦❓


Conclusion: Basically, it's not possible

👉If you don't have a credit card or bank account, it's very difficult to sign up for Rakuten Mobile .

The reason is simple:

  • Recurring monthly payments not confirmed

  • High risk of non-recovery

Therefore, you will not be able to pass the examination.




Can foreigners pay for Rakuten Mobile?


Conclusion: Yes, you can (if you meet the conditions)

Rakuten Mobile is a carrier that officially supports contracts and payments for foreigners .

However, the following is important:

  • Have a residence card

  • Have a Japanese payment method (credit card or bank account)

If you meet these conditions, international students, those on work visas, and those on working holiday visas can pay without any problems .




Can I use a credit card issued overseas?


General rule: Not recommended

At Rakuten Mobile, credit cards issued in Japan are the safest .

Overseas issued cards:

  • I get an error when registering

  • Even if it passes the first time, it fails with recurring charges

There are many cases like this, which can easily lead to payment problems .




Can I use debit cards or prepaid cards?


Conclusion: Basically no

Rakuten Mobile does not generally accept debit cards or prepaid cards .


Reasons 👇

  • Not suitable for monthly billing

  • There is a high possibility that payments will be suspended due to insufficient balance

Although there are some examples where it can be used, it is not recommended as it is not stable .




The best payment methods for foreigners and international students🎓✨


Here are some payment methods with a high success rate to help you use Rakuten Mobile smoothly 👇


① Japanese-issued credit cards ⭐ Strongest

  • The review process is smooth

  • Almost no errors

  • Earn points too


② Japanese bank account + direct debit

  • No credit card required

  • International students and working holiday makers are welcome

  • Stable to use


If you have either of these, you will have almost no trouble paying for Rakuten Mobile .




What should foreigners do if they don't have a credit card or bank account?


If now,

  • I just arrived in Japan

  • I don't have an account or a card yet.

In this case, the order is very important .


The right way to proceed📌

1️⃣ Obtain a residence card 2️⃣ Open a Japanese bank account 3️⃣ Sign up for Rakuten Mobile

The quickest route is to open a bank account first .




Frequently asked questions about Rakuten Mobile payment methods


Q. Can I pay in cash at the store?

👉 No. You must register a payment method even if you have a store contract.


Q. Can I use credit cards in the names of my family or friends?

👉It may be possible, but the name may be different and this may affect the review.


Q. Can I change my payment method later?

👉Yes , you can. You can easily change it from my Rakuten Mobile.




Summary | Rakuten Mobile payments depend on advance preparation!


Rakuten Mobile payment methods:

  • Credit cards accepted → ◎

  • No credit card + Japanese bank account → ◯

  • No credit card + No bank account → No

👉Rakuten Mobile is a relatively foreigner-friendly carrier , but you will need to prepare your payment method in advance .

To everyone coming to Japan from overseas

We've prepared a short guide for you, choose your language to find out more.

Rakuten Mobile employees talk about their experiences

Blog author and Rakuten employee
  • X

The author of this blog is a current Rakuten employee. In this blog, I will share my honest impressions of my mobile phone charges and signal conditions after switching from SoftBank, which I had been using since my student days, to Rakuten Mobile. I will share information on switching mobile phones (MNP), re-contracting, comparing mobile phones, mobile phone charges, model changes, campaigns, family discounts, and special offers. Currently, the employee referral campaign allows you to earn 14,000 points if you switch (MNP) and 11,000 points if you do not switch. Those who are re-contracting can also apply. Please make use of this opportunity to switch your smartphone or sign up for a new smartphone contract.

Rakuten Mobile, experience report, model change, mobile phone switching, mobile phone charges, mobile phone comparison, MNP, re-contract, new contract

© Rakuten Mobile employees talking about their experiences

Rakuten Mobile Introduction | Real Experience

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