life in japan questions

[greg]

I had no problem whatsoever getting a credit card in Japan 12 years ago. I went to the Konami sports club to sign up for a membership. They told me that payments must be made with a credit card, so I told them I had to decline. The lady said that they would enroll me on my behalf, and so I was like, "Well, neat!" Now that I've moved back to Japan, I cannot get a credit card. I think it's probably because too man foreigners had moved to Japan, racked up debt, and then split the country without paying off their bills. They play the "gaijin card" way too often, abuse the system, and make it worse for the rest of us.

GP and Rancor, I'm still curious if you two guys have permanent residence, or if you still only have spousal visas. I've been told that having permanent residence opens up many more doors, and I am hoping this is true.

[scrilla4rella]

I've heard of some gaijin getting credit cards though Rakuten online bank. Though it may have just been a debit card that can be used where credit cards are accepted. I'm fine with using cash but in order to get a premium account (and the ability to bid over 5,000yen) on Yahoo Auctions it seems you need a Japanese Credit Card. Apparently foreign ones don't cut it. Such bullshit!

[Friendly]

When I was in Japan, I used a Japanese debit card (though not for paying but for withdrawing money from ATMs).

[GaijinPunch]

Rakuten Ginko offers visa debit. Japan Net Bank offers "one time debit" where they give you a Visa number to use for the next few days. Only works online.

Greg -- yes, I have PR. I can legally now go down with the ship.