Comparison: Which credit card makes sense for Japan?

Japan is modern, but cash remains king.

While card payment is often not a problem in Tokyo and Osaka, things look different in smaller cities and in the country. If you want to pay carefree in Japan, you need a credit card that High acceptance, no hidden fees and free cash withdrawals offers.

We have tested which credit cards in Japan are really worthwhile – and which fall into the “emergency solution” category.

We paid attention to this when comparing the credit card for Japan

Japan is somewhat special in terms of credit card use.

In large cities, card payment now works without any problems in many places, but if you are traveling away from the metropolises, you will quickly notice: Cash is still king in Japan. Therefore, when comparing the best credit cards for Japan, it was particularly important to us that they not only convince when paying, but also do not cause unnecessary costs when withdrawing cash.

These points were in the focus for us:

• No foreign currency fees – Anyone who pays a card in Japan pays in Yen. Many credit cards require 1.75–2 % fees – this can quickly add up. We made sure that our favorites 0 % foreign currency fee offer.

• Free cash withdrawals – Since many small shops, restaurants and even some hotels in Japan Cash only Accept, our cards had to be on the right ATMs Free withdrawals make possible. Important: Not every ATM works with every card!

• Acceptance in Japan – Visa and Mastercard are most common, but not everywhere. American Express and Diners Club have a significantly more limited acceptance. Particularly For Suica or Pasmo cards for local transport there are differences.

• Travel insurance – A credit card with integrated travel insurance can be practical, especially in a country with high medical costs. But be careful: The insurance companies often only apply if the trip with the card has been paid.

• Interest -free repayment – A trip can quickly become expensive in Japan. So we made sure that it As long as possible, interest -free payment periods and there are no hidden fees for automatic partial payments.

• Mobile Payment & Compatibility – More and more are paid in Japan. Apple Pay and Google Pay are particularly practical for public transport or convenience stores. But: Not every card automatically works with all Japanese payment systems.

Our conclusion: If you travel to Japan with the wrong credit card, you can quickly get high fees or stand there without a functioning payment method. With the right cards you stay flexible, save unnecessary costs and can enjoy the trip without stress.

Credit cards in comparison: these are the best credit cards for Japan

While credit cards in Tokyo, Osaka and other major cities are now being accepted almost everywhere, things look very different in the country.

There is still: Cash is king. If you want to pay in small restaurants, rural accommodations or machines, you should either have a card that works everywhere – or have enough cash with you.

We tested various credit cards for our trip and Fees, acceptance and additional services respected. Here are our experiences with the four most interesting credit cards for Japan:

Which is the best credit card for Japan?

Hanseatic GenialCard-The best all-round card for Japan

Why we used them in Japan:

The Hanseatic GenialCard is one of the few visa credit cards that free of charge worldwide Works – both for payments and for cash withdrawals. Especially in Japan where ATMs often request expensive additional feesthat was a real advantage.

Our experience in Japan:

• Acceptance: Visa is very often accepted in Japan, especially in hotels, restaurants and larger shops. With the awesome card we had no problems in large cities such as Tokyo and Osaka.
• Cash withdrawals: It was particularly practical that withdrawals Seven Bank-Atms (7-elves) were completely free – this is not a matter of course in Japan. Other banks often charge € 3–6 per withdrawal.
• Mobile Payment: We were able to do Suica or Pasmo cards Charge without problems via Apple Pay or Google Pay – A huge advantage in everyday Japanese.

Costs & fees:

• 0 € annual fee
• 0 % foreign currency fee
• 0 % cash withdrawal fee (on compatible ATMS)
• No travel insurance included

Conclusion: The Hanseatic GenialCard was the best choice for Japan for us. No fees, high acceptance and perfect combination with mobile payment – one of the few cards with which you really completely free of charge Comes through Japan. However, if you want travel insurance, you should look for a second card.

Bank Norwegian Visa – solid alternative with travel insurance

Why we tested them:

The Bank Norwegian Visa Is also a complete Free credit cardbut with a crucial plus: integrated travel insurance.

Our experience in Japan:

• Acceptance: Mastercard is a little less common in Japan than Visa. There were no problems in Tokyo and Osaka, but it worked in more rural regions sometimes not.
• Cash withdrawals: Free of charge Seven Bank-Atmsbut with a limit of € 750 per week – if you are traveling for a long time, you have to take into account.
• Insurance protection: Health, luggage and travel cancellation insurance are included- but Only if at least 50 % of the trip were paid by the card.

Costs & fees:

• 0 € annual fee
• 0 % foreign currency fee
• 0 % cash withdrawal fee
• Travel insurance included
• 50 %rule: insurance only valid if the trip was paid by the card
• No mobile payment for Suica/Pasmo

Conclusion: A solid alternative if you are looking for a card with travel insurance. However, it has minor disadvantages: Mastercard is in Japan not quite as often accepted as Visaand the insurance package only applies if you pay at least half of the trip with the card. If you already have good travel insurance, you are better advised with the Hanseatic GenialCard.

American Express Platinum – pure luxury, but not sensible for everyone

Why we tested them:

American Express has a strong premium program with Lounge access, travel insurance and hotel advantages. But does that also fit for Japan?

Our experience in Japan:

• Acceptance: Bad. While Visa and Mastercard were adopted almost everywhere, we often had problems with Amex – even in upscale restaurants or hotels. It hardly worked in rural areas, especially in rural areas.
• Cash withdrawals: Extremely expensive! 4 % fees + 5 € per withdrawal – not recommended.
• Advantages: Who in Japan Luxury hotels and upscale restaurants uses, can benefit with Amex. That was particularly practical Lounge access in Narita (Tokyo) and Kansai (Osaka).

Costs & fees:

• 720 € annual fee
• 2 % foreign currency fee
• 4 % cash withdrawal fee (+5 € minimum amount)
• Travel insurance included
• Lounge access & hotel upgrades

Conclusion: American Express is in Japan Not a good choice for everyday life. Who travels a lot and Lounge access or Hotel advantages wants to use Amex as a second card – but it is too expensive and impractical for normal payments or cash withdrawals.

Barclays Visa – cheap, but to enjoy with caution

Why we tested them:

The Barclays Visa is another toll -free card that is theoretically well suited for Japan.

Our experience in Japan:

• Acceptance: Like the Hanseatic GenialCard, since Visa in Japan is very widespread.
• Cash withdrawals: Free on Seven Bank-Atms-but there was often blocks. Our card was in Japan Blocked twice for no reason And could only be unlocked again after a call at Barclays.
• Mobile Payment: Suica/Pasmo charging works-a plus point.

Costs & fees:

• 0 € annual fee
• 0 % foreign currency fee
• 0 % cash withdrawal fee
• Frequent closures in Japan

Conclusion: A good card with the same strengths as the Hanseatic ingenious card – but due to the frequent inexplicable closures in Japan Not reliable enough as a main ticket.

Comparison: The best credit cards for Japan

Conclusion: Which credit card is the best for Japan?

After our trip through Japan, it is clear to us: The best credit card for Japan is the Hanseatic GenialCard. Why? Because it offers exactly what you need for a trip to the land of the rising sun:

• 0 % foreign currency fees – Perfect for payments in Yen, whether in Tokyo or in the country.
• Free cash withdrawals -Freight at Seven Bank-Atms, which is extremely important in Japan.
• Visa acceptance – works almost everywhere, while Mastercard sometimes causes problems and American Express is often not accepted.
• Mobile Payment for Suica/Pasmo – Simply charge via Apple Pay or Google Pay and pay relaxed with your smartphone.

Who is what card suitable for?

• Hanseatic GenialCard: Best choice for most travelers – No fees, high acceptance, free cash.
• Bank Norwegian Visa: Good addition for everyone who travel insurance Want, but be careful: Mastercard is a little less accepted in Japan.
• Barclays Visa: Also without fees, but due to frequent closures Not reliable enough as a main card.
• American Express Platinum: Luxury card for frequent travelersbut for everyday life in Japan because of the poor acceptance and high fees there is no sensible main card.

If you want to pay simply, safely and cheaply with a card, is best advised with the Hanseatic GenialCard.

Who value on one Integrated travel insurance places, the Bank Norwegian Visa take along. American Express is only worthwhile for luxury travelers With a focus on lounge access and hotel advantages.

No matter which card you choose: It doesn’t work in Japan without cash. A few yen in the pocket for small shops, temple donations or train trips are always a good idea.

Reviews of credit cards: