Rakuten Credit Card: Is it Worth It? Rewards, Perks, and Drawbacks Explained

Rakuten Credit Card Review: Is It Worth It for Maximizing Cash Back?

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If you’re an avid online shopper, you’re likely familiar with Rakuten, the popular platform that gives you cash back for shopping at your favorite stores. But you might be wondering, does rakuten have a credit card? The answer is a resounding yes, and it’s designed to supercharge the rewards you already earn.

The rakuten credit card is a co-branded card that adds an extra layer of cash back on top of the standard rates offered through the Rakuten portal. Whether you’re a seasoned cash-back strategist or just starting out, this card aims to make your online shopping even more rewarding.

This comprehensive rakuten credit card review will break down everything you need to know. We’ll cover the benefits and features of the card available in the U.S. and also explore the diverse range of cards offered in Japan, from the Gold to the exclusive Black card. We’ll dive into the application process, rewards structure, and ultimately help you decide: is rakuten credit card worth it for your wallet?

Table of Contents

What Is the Rakuten Credit Card?

At its core, the what is rakuten credit card question has a simple answer: it’s a co-branded credit card that offers additional rewards when you shop through the Rakuten platform. The card works in tandem with your Rakuten account, automatically adding an extra percentage of cash back to qualifying purchases.

However, it’s crucial to understand that the "Rakuten card" isn’t a single product. The card offered in the United States is different from the extensive lineup available in Japan, where Rakuten is a massive e-commerce and financial services giant.

This is how does rakuten credit card work:

  1. You start your shopping trip by clicking through the Rakuten website or app to a partner store.
  2. You make a purchase at that store using your Rakuten credit card.
  3. You earn the standard Rakuten cash back rate offered by the store.
  4. You also earn an additional percentage of cash back from the credit card itself.

These rewards are then combined and paid out through your regular Rakuten "Big Fat Check."

The U.S. Rakuten Cash Back Visa® Credit Card

In the United States, the Rakuten credit card is issued by Synchrony Bank and is typically a Visa. It’s a straightforward product designed specifically for U.S.-based Rakuten members.

The primary benefit of this rakuten cash back credit card is its rewards structure:

  • An additional 3% Cash Back on qualifying purchases made through the Rakuten website, app, or in-store offers. This is on top of the standard cash back, meaning a store offering 5% back would yield a total of 8% back.
  • 1% Cash Back on all other purchases where Visa is accepted.

One of the most attractive features is that the card typically has no annual fee. However, it’s wise to check the terms and conditions for the potential rakuten credit card foreign transaction fee, which may apply to purchases made outside the U.S. The rakuten credit card cash back you earn is pooled with your regular Rakuten earnings and sent to you quarterly via PayPal or a physical check.

An Overview of Rakuten Cards in Japan

In Japan, the Rakuten ecosystem is far more extensive, and so is its credit card lineup. These cards earn redeemable Rakuten Super Points instead of direct cash back. If you see discussions about a rakuten mastercard or various tiers like Gold or Pink, they are likely referring to these Japanese-issued cards.

Here’s a brief look at the main types:

  • Rakuten Card: The standard, no-annual-fee card. It’s an incredibly popular entry-level card in Japan. You might find it referred to as the rakutan card in some online discussions.
  • Rakuten PINK Card: This card has the same basic features as the standard card but allows customization with paid add-on services. The rakuten pink card benefits often cater to women, including discounts on lifestyle services or supplemental insurance options.
  • Rakuten Gold Card: For a small annual fee, the rakuten gold credit card offers enhanced benefits. The primary rakuten gold card benefits include a higher point-earning rate on certain Rakuten services and domestic rakuten gold card airport lounge access twice per year. The rakuten gold card limit will vary based on the applicant’s creditworthiness.
  • Rakuten Premium Card: A step up from Gold, the rakuten premium card comes with a higher annual fee but delivers significant travel perks. The standout among the rakuten premium card benefits is the complimentary rakuten premium card priority pass membership, granting access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide.
  • Rakuten Black Card: The rakuten black card is an exclusive, invitation-only card offering the highest level of service, including a dedicated concierge and premium travel benefits.

The Japanese cards offer a feature often asked about: the rakuten card lounge. This refers to airport lounge access, a perk that starts with the Gold card. The level of rakuten card lounge access increases with each card tier.

How to Apply for the Rakuten Credit Card

The application process is straightforward, whether you’re in the U.S. or Japan.

For U.S. applicants who want to rakuten credit card apply, follow these steps:

  1. Log in to your Rakuten account.
  2. Navigate to the credit card section on the website.
  3. Fill out the rakuten credit card application with your personal and financial information.
  4. Submit the application for review.

After you rakuten card apply, you can often check your rakuten credit card application status online through the issuer’s (Synchrony Bank) portal or by calling their customer service line.

A common question is about the credit score needed for rakuten credit card. While there’s no official minimum, applicants generally need good to excellent credit, typically a score of 670 or higher, for the best chance of approval.

For those wondering, can foreigners get rakuten credit card? Yes, it’s possible. The rakuten credit card for foreigners in the U.S. requires a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). In Japan, the rakuten credit card for foreigners requirements typically include having a Japanese residence card (Zairyu Card), a Japanese bank account, and a local phone number.

Understanding Rakuten Credit Card Points and Rewards

The rewards system differs significantly between the U.S. and Japanese cards.

For the U.S. rakuten visa card, the reward is simple cash back that is automatically added to your Rakuten account balance. There’s nothing extra to manage or redeem.

For the Japanese cards, you earn rakuten credit card points, known as Rakuten Super Points. These points are incredibly versatile within Japan’s Rakuten ecosystem. Learning how to use rakuten credit card points is key to maximizing their value. They can be used for:

  • Shopping on the Rakuten Ichiba marketplace.
  • Booking travel through Rakuten Travel.
  • Paying for mobile phone bills with Rakuten Mobile.
  • Investing with Rakuten Securities.
  • Paying at thousands of partner stores across Japan.

Pros and Cons of the Rakuten Credit Card

Before applying, it’s important to weigh what are the pros and cons of rakuten‘s credit card offering.

Pros:

  • Supercharged Rewards: The extra 3% cash back (in the U.S.) on top of regular Rakuten rates is the card’s biggest selling point.
  • No Annual Fee: The standard U.S. card and basic Japanese card have no annual fee, making them a risk-free way to boost earnings.
  • Simplicity: Rewards are automatically tracked and added to your account.
  • Travel Perks (Japan Cards): Higher-tier cards in Japan offer valuable benefits like airport lounge access.

Cons:

  • Low Base Rewards Rate: The 1% cash back on non-Rakuten purchases is not competitive with other cash back credit cards.
  • Quarterly Payouts: You have to wait for Rakuten’s quarterly schedule to receive your cash back.
  • Requires Portal Use: The main benefit is only activated when you shop through the Rakuten platform. If you forget, you only earn the base 1%.

Is the Rakuten Credit Card Right for You?

So, is rakuten credit card good? The answer truly depends on your shopping habits.

This card is an excellent choice for:

  • Frequent Rakuten Users: If you already do most of your online shopping through the Rakuten portal, this card is a no-brainer. The extra 3% back will add up quickly with no annual fee.
  • Maximizers: For those who love stacking deals, pairing this card with store sales and Rakuten’s bonus cash-back events can lead to massive savings.

It might not be the best primary card for:

  • Infrequent Online Shoppers: If you rarely use Rakuten, the card’s low 1% base rate is easily beaten by other general-purpose rewards cards.
  • Those Who Want Flexible Rewards: If you prefer travel points that can be transferred to airlines or hotels, or want immediate cash back, this card’s structure may feel restrictive.

When considering which rakuten card is best, U.S. shoppers have one primary choice. For those in Japan, the choice depends on your spending and desire for travel benefits. When searching for a rakuten credit card review reddit users often highlight that the card is a fantastic "niche" card for Rakuten purchases but recommend pairing it with a different card for everyday, non-portal spending.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Rakuten have a credit card?
Yes, Rakuten offers a co-branded credit card that provides an additional 3% cash back on qualifying purchases made through the Rakuten platform in the U.S., on top of the standard cash back rates. There is also a separate lineup of cards in Japan with different features.

What is Rakuten credit card?
It is a credit card, typically with no annual fee in its basic form, that partners with your Rakuten account to boost your cash back earnings. You use it like any other credit card, but its main benefit is unlocked when shopping at stores via Rakuten.

How do I check my rakuten credit card application status?
For the U.S. card, you can typically check your application status on the website of the issuing bank, Synchrony Bank, or by calling their customer service. You will likely need your application reference number.

What credit score is needed for Rakuten credit card?
While not officially stated, approval generally requires a credit score in the "good" to "excellent" range, which is typically considered 670 or above.

Can foreigners get Rakuten credit card?
Yes. In the U.S., non-citizens can apply if they have a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). In Japan, foreigners with a residence card, Japanese bank account, and phone number are often eligible to apply.

What is Rakuten card lounge?
This refers to the airport lounge access benefit included with some of Rakuten’s premium credit cards issued in Japan, such as the Rakuten Gold Card and Rakuten Premium Card.

How to increase Rakuten credit card limit?
You can request a credit limit increase by contacting the issuing bank (Synchrony in the U.S.). They will evaluate your request based on your payment history, income, and overall credit profile. Consistent, responsible use of the card over time may also lead to an automatic increase.