Recently, more and more Japanese online stores have stopped accepting overseas-issued credit cards. For example, Nintendo’s official online store recently announced that overseas credit cards can no longer be used for payments, which has been an inconvenience for many international fans.

In this article, we have looked into the policies of several Japanese online stores regarding the use of overseas-issued credit cards. Some stores clearly state that they do not accept them, while others warn that there may be restrictions. Some stores do not specify whether overseas credit cards are accepted, making it relatively more likely that they can be used. Let’s take a look at which stores fall into these categories!

※Please note that all information is based on our research as of the publication date of this article and may be subject to change.

1 Japanese Online Stores That Do Not Accept Overseas Credit Cards

The following stores or brands have stated on their official websites that overseas-issued credit cards cannot be used.

Nintendo 任天堂 

Nintendo is a globally renowned Japanese gaming company known for developing and publishing video games and gaming consoles. Iconic franchises such as Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Pokémon have gained immense popularity among players worldwide.

According to an official announcement, to prevent unauthorized credit card usage, overseas-issued credit cards and PayPal accounts registered outside Japan will no longer be accepted for payments on the Japanese Nintendo eShop and My Nintendo Store starting from March 25, 2025.

Reference (in Japanese): https://support.nintendo.com/jp/information/2025/0130.html
 

Surugaya 駿河屋
 

Surugaya is a well-known Japanese retailer specializing in both new and second-hand products, offering a wide range of items, including anime merchandise, video games, CDs, DVDs, books, and model kits.

According to its official website, the Japanese Surugaya online store currently only accepts credit cards issued in Japan and does not support overseas credit cards. However, this restriction does not apply to Surugaya’s international online store.

Reference (in Japanese): https://www.suruga-ya.jp/man/customer_guide/shiharai.html　

Muji 無印良品
 

MUJI is renowned for its minimalist design, high-quality products, and eco-friendly philosophy. It offers a wide range of items, from clothing and household goods to food, and has numerous stores worldwide. According to its official website, credit cards issued in partnership with Visa, MasterCard, and JCB cannot be used on MUJI’s Japanese online store unless they were issued in Japan.

Reference (in Japanese):
https://faq.muji.com/%E6%B5%B7%E5%A4%96%E7%99%BA%E8%A1%8C%E3%81%AE%E3%

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Mercari メルカリ

Mercari is a popular second-hand marketplace in Japan where users can buy and sell various items, including clothing, electronics, and anime merchandise. According to its official website, overseas-issued credit cards are not accepted for payments on Mercari Japan.

Reference (in Japanese): https://help.jp.mercari.com/guide/articles/23/

LOFT

LOFT is a popular Japanese lifestyle brand offering a wide range of stationery, household goods, beauty, and personal care products, especially favored by younger consumers. Currently, LOFT’s Japanese online store does not support payments with overseas-issued credit cards.

Reference (in Japanese): https://www.loft.co.jp/store/pages/help12.aspx

ZOZOTOWN

ZOZOTOWN is one of Japan’s major fashion e-commerce platforms, offering a wide variety of clothing and accessories. Currently, the platform does not accept overseas-issued credit cards for payments.

Reference (in Japanese): https://zozo.jp/_help/?id=5ece39d39ed84e001ea6e358&title=%E3%82%AF%E3%83%

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2 Japanese Online Stores That May Have Restrictions on Overseas Credit Cards

The following stores or brands do not state that overseas-issued credit cards cannot be used on their websites, but they include a note with caution that using overseas credit cards may come with restrictions, and for some, orders could potentially be canceled.

Uniqlo、GU

Uniqlo, a well-known Japanese fashion brand with stores worldwide, offers a variety of clothing and lifestyle products. According to its official website, in order to prevent unauthorized use,  Uniqlo’s Japanese online store may not accept overseas credit cards for payment, depending on the situation. Additionally, American Express cards issued overseas cannot be used. 

The same measures also apply to their related brand, GU, on their GU's Japanese online store.

Reference (in Japanese): 
Uniqlo - https://faq.uniqlo.com/articles/FAQ/100004123/?l=ja&c=category_uq%3ANew_UQ_C1_4&fs=Search&pn=1#01 
GU - https://faq.gu-global.com/articles/FAQ/100001955/

Rakuten Ichiba 楽天市場

Rakuten Ichiba, or Rakuten Market, is one of Japan's largest online shopping platforms, offering a wide range of products, including clothing, electronics, food, and more. According to its official website, some of the Rakuten Ichiba stores currently do not accept overseas-issued credit cards. As an alternative, customers can still shop using Rakuten Global Express's “proxy payment service” to complete their purchases.

Reference (in English): https://globalexpress.rakuten.co.jp/faq/detail?id=146&lang=en

Yahoo! Auctions

Yahoo! Auctions is one of Japan's major online auction platforms, offering a variety of new and second-hand items, including collectibles, electronics, clothing, and more. According to official website, some overseas-issued credit cards may not be able to complete payments, so users are advised to check in advance.

Reference (in Japanese): https://support.yahoo-net.jp/PccAuctions/s/article/H000009345

Bic Camera ビックカメラ

Bic Camera is a well-known Japanese retailer specializing in electronics and household products, offering a wide variety of items. According to its official website, orders made with overseas credit cards on Bic Camera's online store may be canceled, so users are advised to be aware of this possibility.

Reference (in Japanese): https://www.biccamera.com/bc/c/info/payment/credit.jsp#credit_caution

Takashimaya 高島屋
 

Takashimaya is a historic department store in Japan, offering a wide range of products, including fashion, cosmetics, home goods, jewelry, food, and more to meet the needs of diverse customers. It also operates its own online store. 

However, due to an increase in cases of unauthorized use of overseas-issued credit cards, starting from January 1, 2024, customers using overseas credit cards on Takashimaya’s online store may be asked to change their payment method to ensure the security of the transaction.

Reference (in Japanese): https://www.takashimaya.co.jp/shopping/news_detail.html?channel_code=ECST0001&news_information_id=03757&news_type=2

3 Japanese Online Stores More Likely to Accept Overseas Credit Cards

The following stores or brands do not clearly state on their websites whether they accept overseas-issued credit cards. Given the variety of credit card payment options available, they are more likely to accept them. However, it’s best to contact the store before making a purchase. You can use BEX Market’s proxy shopping service to ensure a smooth purchase of the items you want.

Amazon Japan

Amazon Japan does not clearly state whether overseas credit cards are accepted on its website. However, based on the variety of credit card payment options available, it is more likely that overseas-issued credit cards can be used for shopping.

Reference (in Japanese): https://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=GFBWMNXEPYVJAY9A&language=ja_JP

Yodobashi ヨドバシ

Yodobashi is a large Japanese retail chain primarily selling electronics, computers, cameras, toys, and more. Currently, there is no mention on Yodobashi's online store website about whether overseas-issued credit cards can be used. However, it provides a detailed list of accepted credit cards, which may also include the possibility of accepting overseas-issued credit cards. You can check out the link below for reference.

Reference (in Japanese): https://www.yodobashi.com/ec/support/beginner/payment/index.html#anchor11
 

amiami あみあみ 

amiami primarily sells popular anime merchandise, including figurines and anime-related goods, and also operates an international online store for overseas customers. While the Japanese online store supports payments via PayPal, it is more likely to accept payments via overseas-issued credit cards.

Reference (in Japanese): https://www.amiami.jp/top/page/t/faq.html?srsltid=AfmBOoqPpayL8uSRaP0-c7_9uwuqWe6w3otsMJU2LDiedTZwVkouBFy7

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