Japan · Banking & Payments

Rakuten Pay

Pay by QR code at millions of stores across Japan, and earn Rakuten Points on every purchase, through Japan's second-largest mobile payment app.

What it helps with

QR payments in shopsRakuten Pay works at stores and restaurants that accept it, by QR code or barcode.
Using Rakuten PointsPoints earned on Rakuten services can be spent in shops through the app.
Suica inside the app on AndroidAndroid users can top up and use Suica from within the Rakuten Pay app.

About Rakuten Pay

Rakuten Pay is the QR-code mobile payment app operated by Rakuten Group, Japan's major e-commerce and internet conglomerate. Launched in 2016, it is widely regarded as Japan's number-two mobile payment app after PayPay, accepted at over five million locations nationwide - convenience stores, supermarkets, restaurants, pharmacies, and even taxis - and it integrates with the wider Rakuten ecosystem of points, credit card and banking services.

Key Features

Wide Acceptance: Usable at over 5 million stores across Japan, from major convenience-store chains to independent shops.
Rakuten Points Integration: Earn Rakuten Points on purchases, and spend those points directly through the app.
Multiple Payment Methods: Pay by scanning a store's QR code, having your own code scanned, or entering an amount manually - no NFC or special terminal hardware required on the merchant side.
Broader Rakuten Ecosystem: Links with Rakuten Card, Rakuten Bank, Rakuten Edy e-money and even Suica top-ups within the same app.

How to Get Started

Download the Rakuten Pay app and create a Rakuten account (or sign in with an existing one).
Register a payment source - a Rakuten Card, another credit card, or a linked bank account.
At checkout, open the app to display your payment QR code, or scan the store's code with your camera.
Confirm the payment amount and complete the transaction; points are credited automatically.

Before you use it

Sign-up: A Rakuten ID is needed; registering a card issued abroad does not always work, while a Rakuten Card is the most reliable source.
Good to know: The app is in Japanese and aimed at residents.

Foreign card OK

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Rakuten Pay work with a foreign bank card in Japan?: Yes - Rakuten Pay accepts foreign-issued cards in Japan.
Is Rakuten Pay available in English?: Not officially - the interface is mainly in the local language.
Do I need a local phone number to use Rakuten Pay?: No, an international phone number generally works for Rakuten Pay.
Do I need local ID or residency for Rakuten Pay?: No, Rakuten Pay doesn't require local ID or residency for visitors.
Where can I use Rakuten Pay?: iOS · Android
How much does Rakuten Pay cost?: Free for users; Rakuten Points on payments