Can I use my credit card in Japan?

Credit cards are widely accepted in Japan. You can generally use credit cards to pay at hotels, larger restaurants and commercial establishments, especially in urban areas. If you’re traveling to rural areas or exploring neighborhoods, having cash might be helpful in case credit cards aren’t accepted.

What you’ll learn:

• American credit cards are generally accepted in the major cities of Japan.

• In most cases, you can use your credit card to buy prepaid, reloadable cards that can be helpful while traveling.

• Japan is known as a cash-heavy culture, so it’s worth bringing cash too.

Yes, U.S. credit cards are generally accepted in major stores, hotels and restaurants across Japan, especially in large cities.

But Japan is a largely cash-based society. And that’s especially true for smaller shops and places outside major cities. So it might be worth having some Japanese yen (JPY) with you. For cash in hand before you leave the U.S., the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) suggests trying a bank first. Airport and hotel exchange desks and Japanese ATMs may charge high fees and offer low exchange rates.

IC cards are prepaid travel cards that can be used nationwide in Japan. They’re valid for trains, subways and buses in major cities as well as certain vending machines and shops. 

While they’re handy, IC cards can differ widely in how and where they work. Popular brands include Suica and Pasmo, but you can research which could be best for your needs before you arrive at your destination.

It depends. A credit card may be more secure and easier to carry on your travels and is more widely accepted in urban areas and larger retailers. But there are situations where cash may be your only option, especially if you’re in a rural area or visiting a small shop or restaurant. Consider researching the specific areas you plan to visit.

If you’re in a store and don’t see any indication that you can use your credit card there, it’s still worth asking. Merchants don’t always display the accepted network symbols at checkout.

There are many benefits of using a credit card on your travels in Japan:

• Security: Your credit account may give you access to security and fraud protections. Capital One cards offer features like $0 liability for unauthorized charges and the ability to lock your card if it’s lost or stolen.

• Rewards: Eligible purchases you make when using a rewards card will continue to earn rewards. 

• Convenience: Your credit card issuer might have an app like the Capital One Mobile app, which helps you stay on top of your spending. You can get proactive alerts about transactions, view recent activity and more.

• Travel protection: Depending on your credit card, it may come with travel insurance. In the event of a problem, you could be reimbursed for things like trip delays, cancellations, lost luggage and more. You can check your card’s benefits guide to see what coverage it offers.

Ready to start planning your trip to Japan? Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Credit cards and IC cards can be useful payment options depending on where you are in Japan. If you’re unsure, consider contacting your hotel or checking online for other travelers’ experiences.

Before you leave, check whether your credit card issuer charges foreign transaction fees. Where they apply, fees typically range from about 1% to 3% of each transaction. 

Not all cards charge foreign transaction fees. That includes any card from Capital One. View important rates and disclosures.

It’s worth checking to see whether you need to set up a travel notice when you go abroad. Capital One doesn’t require you to share your plans, but other issuers might. 

Travel notice or not, it’s still helpful to make sure your contact information is up to date. That’s in case your bank needs to reach you about suspected fraud.

Japan is a cash-heavy culture, so you’ll definitely want to carry some yen with you on your trip. But if you’re traveling throughout the major cities of Japan, it’s a good idea to bring a credit card too. You may be able to use it to buy reloadable IC cards. 

Looking for the right credit card to suit your needs while traveling? You can start by comparing travel credit cards from Capital One. With a Capital One card, you can enjoy benefits like travel protections and the ability to track your spending. And you won’t have to pay foreign transaction or conversion fees. View important rates and disclosures.