Planning a trip to Japan is exciting, but navigating the financial aspects can be tricky. Choosing the right credit card can save you money on fees, earn valuable rewards, and even provide travel insurance, making your trip smoother and more enjoyable. This guide will help you find the best credit card for your Japan adventure in 2024.
Comprehensive Credit Card Comparison Table
| Credit Card | Key Benefits for Japan Travel | Important Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | Earns valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points, no foreign transaction fees, travel and purchase protection, trip delay reimbursement. | Annual fee, requires good to excellent credit, point value may vary depending on redemption. |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card | Premium rewards, no foreign transaction fees, extensive travel insurance, airport lounge access (Priority Pass), higher point earning potential. | High annual fee, requires excellent credit, may not be worth it unless you travel frequently. |
| Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | Earns miles on every purchase, no foreign transaction fees, statement credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. | Annual fee (though often less than Sapphire Reserve), less comprehensive travel insurance compared to Chase Sapphire Reserve. |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | Premium rewards, no foreign transaction fees, airport lounge access (Priority Pass and Capital One Lounges), travel credits. | High annual fee, requires excellent credit, benefits best utilized by frequent travelers, limited Capital One Lounges compared to Priority Pass. |
| American Express® Gold Card | Earns Membership Rewards points, no foreign transaction fees, excellent rewards on dining and groceries (useful for Japan's food scene). | Annual fee, American Express acceptance may be less widespread in smaller establishments in Japan compared to Visa or Mastercard. |
| American Express® Platinum Card | Premium rewards, no foreign transaction fees, extensive travel benefits (airport lounge access, hotel status), higher point earning potential. | Very high annual fee, American Express acceptance may be less widespread in smaller establishments in Japan compared to Visa or Mastercard, benefits best utilized by frequent travelers. |
| Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card | No annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, earns points on all purchases, redemption options for travel or statement credit. | Lower rewards rate compared to cards with annual fees, limited travel benefits beyond basic rewards. |
| Discover it® Miles | No annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, earns miles on all purchases, Discover matches all miles earned at the end of the first year. | Lower rewards rate compared to cards with annual fees, Discover acceptance is limited in Japan compared to Visa or Mastercard. |
| U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card | Earns Altitude points, no foreign transaction fees, travel and purchase protection, statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. | Annual fee, requires good to excellent credit, point value may vary depending on redemption. |
| World of Hyatt Credit Card | Earns World of Hyatt points, no foreign transaction fees, free night award each year, elite night credits towards Hyatt status. | Annual fee, only valuable if you plan to stay at Hyatt hotels, rewards are tied to the Hyatt ecosystem. |
| United℠ Explorer Card | Earns United MileagePlus miles, no foreign transaction fees, free checked bag on United flights, priority boarding. | Annual fee (waived the first year), only valuable if you frequently fly United, rewards are tied to the United ecosystem. |
| Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card | Earns Delta SkyMiles, no foreign transaction fees, free checked bag on Delta flights, priority boarding. | Annual fee (waived the first year), only valuable if you frequently fly Delta, rewards are tied to the Delta ecosystem, American Express acceptance may be less widespread in smaller establishments. |
| Citi Premier® Card | Earns Citi ThankYou Points, no foreign transaction fees, bonus categories on dining, supermarkets, gas stations, and travel. | Annual fee, requires good to excellent credit, point value may vary depending on redemption. |
| Apple Card | No annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, earns Daily Cash, seamless integration with Apple Pay (widely accepted in Japan, especially in major cities). | Rewards are primarily in the form of Daily Cash, which may not be as valuable as points or miles for some travelers, requires an iPhone to use. |
Detailed Explanations of Credit Card Features
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: This card is a great entry point into travel rewards. It earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which can be redeemed for travel through the Chase portal or transferred to partner airlines and hotels for potentially greater value. Crucially, it has no foreign transaction fees, saving you money on every purchase you make in Japan. It also offers travel and purchase protection, providing peace of mind. Trip delay reimbursement can help cover unexpected expenses if your flight is delayed.
Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card: This is a premium travel card with a higher annual fee but also more valuable benefits. It earns more points per dollar spent on travel and dining, offers extensive travel insurance coverage, and provides access to airport lounges through Priority Pass. The no foreign transaction fees are essential for international travel. The higher point earning potential and travel credits can offset the annual fee for frequent travelers.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: This card offers a simple and straightforward rewards structure, earning miles on every purchase. The absence of foreign transaction fees is a key benefit for international travelers. The statement credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck can save you time and hassle at the airport.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: This is a premium travel card from Capital One with benefits similar to the Chase Sapphire Reserve. It offers airport lounge access (Priority Pass and Capital One Lounges) and travel credits, making it attractive to frequent travelers. Like its sister card, it boasts no foreign transaction fees, a must-have for any international travel card.
American Express® Gold Card: This card shines in the dining and grocery categories, making it useful for travelers who enjoy exploring Japan's diverse culinary scene. It also has no foreign transaction fees. The Membership Rewards points earned can be redeemed for travel or other rewards. However, keep in mind that American Express acceptance may be less widespread than Visa or Mastercard, especially in smaller establishments.
American Express® Platinum Card: This is a top-tier travel card with a high annual fee but also a wealth of premium benefits, including airport lounge access, hotel status, and higher point earning potential. The absence of foreign transaction fees is a standard feature for premium travel cards. As with the Gold Card, be aware that American Express acceptance may be limited in some areas of Japan.
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card: This card is a solid choice if you're looking for a no-annual-fee option with travel rewards. It also waives foreign transaction fees. The points earned can be redeemed for travel or statement credit. However, the rewards rate is lower compared to cards with annual fees.
Discover it® Miles: This card is another excellent no-annual-fee option. It also has no foreign transaction fees. Discover matches all miles earned at the end of the first year, effectively doubling your rewards. However, Discover acceptance is limited in Japan compared to Visa or Mastercard.
U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card: This card offers a good balance of rewards and benefits with a reasonable annual fee. It boasts no foreign transaction fees, and includes travel and purchase protection. The statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck is a nice perk.
World of Hyatt Credit Card: This card is specifically for those loyal to the Hyatt hotel chain. It has no foreign transaction fees and earns World of Hyatt points, which can be redeemed for free nights at Hyatt properties. It also offers a free night award each year and elite night credits towards Hyatt status.
United℠ Explorer Card: This card is tailored for frequent United Airlines flyers. It has no foreign transaction fees, earns United MileagePlus miles, and offers benefits such as a free checked bag on United flights and priority boarding.
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card: Similar to the United card, this card is designed for Delta Airlines loyalists. It has no foreign transaction fees, earns Delta SkyMiles, and provides benefits like a free checked bag on Delta flights and priority boarding. Remember that American Express acceptance may be limited in some areas of Japan.
Citi Premier® Card: This card earns Citi ThankYou Points, which can be redeemed for travel or other rewards. It has no foreign transaction fees and offers bonus categories on dining, supermarkets, gas stations, and travel, making it a versatile option.
Apple Card: This card is unique due to its seamless integration with Apple Pay. It boasts no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. Apple Pay is increasingly accepted in Japan, especially in major cities. The card earns Daily Cash, which is a simple and straightforward reward.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are foreign transaction fees? Foreign transaction fees are charges applied by credit card issuers for purchases made in a foreign currency. They typically range from 1% to 3% of the transaction amount.
Why are no foreign transaction fees important for Japan travel? Avoiding these fees can save you a significant amount of money, especially if you plan to make numerous purchases in Japan.
Will my credit card work in Japan? Most Visa and Mastercard credit cards are widely accepted in Japan, especially in major cities and tourist areas. American Express and Discover acceptance may be more limited.
Is it better to use a credit card or cash in Japan? Credit cards are becoming increasingly accepted, particularly in larger establishments. However, it's still a good idea to carry some cash for smaller shops, restaurants, and transportation.
Should I alert my credit card company before traveling to Japan? Yes, it's always a good idea to notify your credit card company of your travel plans to avoid having your card flagged for suspicious activity.
What is dynamic currency conversion (DCC)? DCC is when a merchant offers to charge your credit card in your home currency instead of the local currency. It's generally best to decline DCC and pay in Japanese Yen, as the exchange rate offered by the merchant is often unfavorable.
How can I maximize my credit card rewards in Japan? Use your credit card for all eligible purchases, focusing on bonus categories like dining or travel. Consider transferring points to partner airlines or hotels for potentially greater value.
What travel insurance benefits do some credit cards offer? Some credit cards offer travel insurance benefits such as trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, and rental car insurance. Check your card's benefits guide for details.
Conclusion
Choosing the best credit card for Japan travel depends on your individual spending habits and travel preferences. Prioritize cards with no foreign transaction fees to save money and consider rewards programs that align with your travel style. Carefully weigh the annual fee against the benefits offered to determine the most cost-effective option for your trip to Japan in 2024.