Shopping on Amazon Japan just got smarter with the Amazon Mastercard.
Whether you're a frequent Amazon user or looking to build credit in Japan, this card combines solid rewards with usability across thousands of shops.
In this article, you'll learn how to apply for the Mastercard.
Amazon Mastercard Types and Benefits
Amazon Japan, in partnership with Mitsui Sumitomo Card Company, issues two types of Mastercard.
-> Amazon Mastercard Classic
-> Amazon Mastercard Prime (for Amazon Prime members)
- Prime members with the Prime card: +2.0% back on Amazon.co.jp
- Classic cardholders (non-Prime): +1.5% back on Amazon.co.jp
- All cardholders earn 1.0% back on non-Amazon purchases
These Amazon Points can only be redeemed for Amazon purchases at a rate of ¥1 = 1 point.
That means Prime members using the Prime card effectively get 2% cashback on every Amazon.jp order.
Compatible with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and iD payments.
Extra cards, ETC toll cards, and balance notifications available via the Vpass app.
How to Apply for the Amazon Mastercard
You must be 18 years or older (20+ for Gold) and have a Japanese address and bank account.
Visit the Amazon Mastercard page on Amazon.co.jp and sign in to your Amazon Japan account.
Choose between the available cards and click “Apply”.
Fill in:
- Name, address, phone number
- Employment/school info
- Monthly income and desired credit limit
- Connect your Japanese bank account for automatic payments.
Submit. If approved instantly, you get a virtual card to use immediately on Amazon.jp.
Physical card arrives within 5–7 business days. Gold applicants may be asked for income verification.
Interest Rates and Payment Terms
Understanding the interest rates is essential to avoid unnecessary charges.
- Revolving Credit Rate: 15.0% annually
- Cash Advance Rate: 18.0% annually
- Late Payment Penalty: Up to 20.0%
- Installment Payments: Available in 3, 6, 10, or 12-month plans
You can pay in full or in monthly installments. To avoid interest, always pay your monthly statement in full via automatic debit.
Amazon Mastercard Credit Limit
Most applicants start with a ¥100,000 to ¥2,000,000 credit limit, depending on income, employment status, and visa length.
Reddit users report:
“Mine started at ¥100k, then bumped to ¥500k after 8 months.”
“I’m on a student visa, still got ¥150k. Card renewed after I updated my residency card.”
After 6–12 months of on-time payments, you can request a higher limit through the Vpass app.
Where Can You Use an Amazon Mastercard
This is a full-fledged Mastercard credit card, usable:
- On Amazon.co.jp
- In convenience stores (Lawson, 7-Eleven, FamilyMart)
- At restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, and even overseas
- With Apple Pay and Google Pay
- For ETC toll payments (optional add-on)
You also earn 1% on non-Amazon purchases, making it useful as an everyday card.
Amazon Mastercard Customer Service
Customer support is in Japanese, but Amazon Japan customer chat can assist in English for general card issues.
- Phone (Domestic): 0570-004-980 (Japanese only)
- Phone (From Overseas): +81-3-6627-4100
- Website: https://www.smbc-card.com
- Mailing Address: Mitsui Sumitomo Card Co., Ltd. 5-1-1 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8505, Japan
Amazon Mastercard Japan Reddit
Reddit’s r/japanlife and r/japanfinance communities offer firsthand experiences:
Application Tips:
“I got approved on a student visa with part-time work, Classic card.”
Limit Increases:
“Requested after 6 months via Vpass. Approved instantly.”
Comparison to Rakuten:
“Rakuten lets you use points outside Amazon. Amazon card’s better if you mainly shop there.”
Is Amazon Mastercard Worth It
Pros:
- High points rate for Prime users
- Easy-to-use points system (1 point = 1 yen)
- Broad acceptance in and outside Japan
- Low barrier for approval
- Option for a virtual card within minutes
Cons:
- Points can only be used on Amazon.co.jp
- Limited English-language support
- Prime card’s high annual fee
If you’re an Amazon Prime user in Japan, this card offers up to 2.5% cashback with minimal effort.
For regular shoppers or those building credit, it’s among the most accessible and rewarding options.
Comparison of Amazon Credit Cards in Major Countries (2025)
Consider:
| Feature | Japan | United States | United Kingdom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Issuing Bank & Network | Mitsui Sumitomo Card (SMBC); Mastercar | JPMorgan Chase; Visa (Signature) | Barclays Bank UK PLC; Visa |
| Rewards – Amazon Purchases | Prime members: 2% back in Amazon Points; Non-Prime: 1.5% back. (Earned on Amazon.co.jp purchases; 1 point = ¥1) | Prime members: 5% back (Amazon.com, Whole Foods, etc.); Non-Prime: 3% back. (Applies to Amazon.com and Whole Foods; points = 1% of spend) | 1% back in rewards on Amazon.co.uk purchases (paid as Amazon gift card credit) (Prime members get 2% back on Amazon purchases during special events like Prime Day) |
| Rewards – Other Purchases | 1% back in Amazon Points on non-Amazon spending. (Boosted 1.5% back at select convenience stores in Japan) | 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and transit (rideshare, commuting); 1% back on all other purchase No caps on rewards | 0.5% back on general spending outside Amazon (for first 12 months, then 0.25% thereafter). Rewards accrue as Amazon.co.uk gift card balance. |
| Amazon Prime Benefits | Higher Amazon.co.jp reward rate for Prime (2% vs 1.5%). No free Prime membership included. (Card design is labeled “Prime” if you are Prime at issuance) | Must be an Amazon Prime member to get 5% back (otherwise 3%) Prime Visa cardholders also get rotating bonus rewards (e.g. limited 10% back offers on select Amazon items). No Prime fee discount (Prime cost separate). | Prime members earn double rewards (2% back) on Amazon during Prime Day, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, etc
No ongoing higher rate outside special events. No Prime subscription included or required (non-Prime get standard 1%). |
| International Usability | Usable worldwide where Mastercard is accepted. Foreign currency transaction fee ~1.6% (standard Mastercard rate; no special waiver). | Usable worldwide (Visa). No foreign transaction fees on purchases abroad. Ideal for international use. | Visa accepted globally Foreign currency fee applies (≈2.99% non-sterling fee typical; not waived). Best for UK domestic use. |
| Points Redemption | Amazon Points are automatically credited to your Amazon.co.jp account (immediately after purchase for Amazon orders) Redemption: 1 point = ¥1 toward Amazon.co.jp purchases (Points can only be used on Amazon Japan). | Rewards accrue as points (100 points = $1). Redemption: Apply points at Amazon.com checkout or redeem via Chase for statement credit/gift cards. (Flexible use, though most use on Amazon). | Rewards are tracked in the Barclaycard app and can be redeemed for Amazon.co.uk gift cards (in £5 increments). Redemption: Rewards only usable as Amazon UK gift voucher balance. |
Conclusion
The Amazon Japan Mastercard is one of the most rewarding options available for online shoppers in Japan.
With generous cashback for both Prime and non-Prime members, straightforward point usage, and full Mastercard acceptance, it's especially useful.
For those who qualify and use Amazon weekly, this card is absolutely worth considering.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Card terms, benefits, and interest rates are subject to change. Please consult the official Amazon Japan Mastercard and SMBC Card websites for the most up-to-date details before applying.
