Best Crypto Cards in Japan (2026)

The FSA (Financial Services Agency, Kinyu-cho) regulates crypto under the Payment Services Act and Financial Instruments and Exchange Act. All crypto exchanges must register as CAESP (Crypto-Asset Exchange Service Providers) and comply with comprehensive requirements: customer asset segregation, regular audits, and cybersecurity standards.

The JVCEA (Japan Virtual and Crypto assets Exchange Association, Nihon Kasou Tsuka Koukangyo Kyokai) is the self-regulatory organization that sets additional industry standards. Japan's approach is among the strictest globally, which limits international card availability but provides strong consumer protection.

Crypto.com has historically operated in Japan through proper FSA registration. Bybit, OKX, and Bitget serve Japanese users through their APAC entities, though FSA compliance status should be verified directly. KAST and RedotPay may be accessible as globally available options.

Always verify FSA registration status at fsa.go.jp before using any crypto card issuer in Japan.

Japan taxes crypto gains as miscellaneous income (zatsu shotoku), which is added to your regular income and taxed at your marginal rate. Combined national and local (residential) tax rates range from 15% to 55% for high earners.

Example: You earn JPY 10,000,000/year salary and realize JPY 500,000 in crypto gains from card spending. The gains are added to your income, pushing the total to JPY 10,500,000. At this bracket, the marginal rate is approximately 33% (national 23% + local 10%), costing JPY 165,000 in tax on the crypto gains alone.

No holding period exemption exists. No special crypto rate exists. Every card transaction is a taxable disposition.

At 30-55% effective rates, stablecoin spending is not optional, it is mandatory. USDC generates near-zero gains, effectively making the tax rate 0%. There is ongoing political discussion about a 20% flat crypto rate (matching securities), but as of 2026 it has not been implemented.

Japanese crypto card applications require a My Number Card (maina-nba- ka-do) or a combination of passport plus zairyu card (residence card for foreign residents). Japanese driver's license (unten menkyo-sho) is accepted by most platforms. Proof of Japanese address (utility bill, juminhyo, or bank statement) is required.

Japan's strict KYC requirements mean verification can take 3-7 business days, longer than in Singapore or Hong Kong. Some issuers send verification letters via post (hagaki), adding additional days.

Stablecoin-Only Strategy (Non-Negotiable)

Japan's tax rates (15-55%) make stablecoin spending the only rational approach. At a 33% rate (common for tech workers earning JPY 7-9M), a JPY 100,000 gain on a card transaction costs JPY 33,000 in tax. With USDC spending, that same transaction costs approximately JPY 0. The math is unambiguous: never spend appreciated crypto through a card in Japan.

Card Selection by Use Case

• Bitget (8% cashback, free): Best all-around card, zero FX fee critical for JPY users
• Crypto.com (up to 5%): Best for metal card tiers, established Japanese operations
• Bybit (up to 10% VIP): Best for high-volume Bybit traders
• KAST (2% cashback, free): Best no-fee starter for crypto newcomers

Spending Scenario: JPY 200,000/month (USDC Only)

USDC spending saves JPY 63,360/year at the 33% bracket. At the 55% top rate, the savings would be JPY 105,600/year.

Monitor the 20% Flat Rate Proposal

Japanese lawmakers have discussed introducing a 20% flat rate for crypto (matching the bunri kazei rate for securities). If passed, this would dramatically change the calculus: spending appreciated BTC would cost a fixed 20% instead of up to 55%. Monitor NTA (National Tax Agency) announcements.

Local Payment Infrastructure

Japan has excellent contactless infrastructure at major retailers, konbini (Seven-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson), and restaurants. However, Japan remains more cash-dependent than other developed nations, particularly at smaller shops, izakaya, and rural establishments. Suica/PASMO handle transit (JR, metro); crypto cards complement these for larger purchases. Apple Pay works at FeliCa terminals alongside iD and QUICPay.

APAC exchange cards: Bybit (up to 10% VIP), OKX (5%), and Bitget (8%) may serve Japanese residents through their APAC entities. Crypto.com (up to 5%) has historically operated in Japan with FSA compliance.

Globally available: KAST, RedotPay, xPlace, and Wirex may be accessible under their worldwide coverage.

Who is restricted: Japan's strict FSA registration limits many international issuers. Card availability is narrower than in Singapore or Hong Kong. Always verify FSA compliance before applying.

Domestic exchanges: bitFlyer, Coincheck (Monex Group), GMO Coin, and SBI VC Trade are the major FSA-registered platforms but focus on trading rather than card products. bitFlyer has experimented with Bitcoin payment integrations at retail partners but does not offer a standard Visa/Mastercard spending card.