Prepaid Payment Card powered by Mastercard
The only service designed for foreign residents in Japan
100% acceptance for Residence Card holders*
*subject to ID & fraud checks
All profits go to charity
Prepaid Japanese Payment Card
You'll get your MobalPay card within just a few days. There is no monthly fee for the first month! After that, it's just ¥385 each month.
A real payment card for use in Japan powered by Mastercard
If you have a Japanese Residence Card, My Number Card or Driving License, you will be accepted*
Top up instantly using cash at convenience stores
Use it for shopping in-store or online
Customer support from native English-speakers
All profits go to charity
* Subject to ID & fraud checks
Set-up Fee
Use your debit or credit card, or PayPal to pay today
¥2,970
Monthly Fee
deducted from your balance after your free first month
¥385 / month
cancel anytime
All prices include tax
Set-up Fee
¥2,970
Use your debit or credit card, or PayPal to pay today
Monthly Fee
¥385 / month
1st Month FREE!deducted from your balance after your free first month
cancel anytime
* Subject to ID & fraud checks
How to get a MobalPay Card
Pay Online and Upload Your ID
Pay the set-up fee with your debit or credit card, or PayPal and upload your ID at checkout. We'll then verify it to ensure it meets our security requirements.
What happens if my application is rejected?
Japan Delivery
Get your card as fast as 2 days!
Once your ID is approved, we'll send your MobalPay card straight to the address on your ID.
MobalPay, Your Payment Partner in Japan
Easy Setup
Apply online as quick as 10 minutes and get your card as fast as 2 days, delivered anywhere in Japan. No paperwork needed, just your Japanese Residence Card, My Number Card or Driving License for approval.
Prepaid Mastercard®
Pay seamlessly with a Prepaid Mastercard issued by a Japanese bank for online and in-store shopping. No bank account needed.
Expense Tracking and Easy Top-Up
Top-up instantly at convenience stores in Japan and track your expense near-realtime in your online account.
Special Deals and Discount
Enjoy special deals and discounts exclusive to MobalPay members. Save more while spending easily in Japan.
Reliable Customer Support
Get reliable and friendly support from English-speaking experts. No Japanese knowledge required.
Secure Payment Registered in Japan
MobalPay is licensed under Kanto Finance Bureau to issue Prepaid Payment Instruments via the Payment Services Act.
The No-hassle
Japan Payment Card
MobalPay is a real Prepaid Japanese Payment Card that's designed by people from other countries who've moved to Japan. You can use it for buying things in stores or online. Plus, you can add money to your card using cash at convenience stores and ATMs throughout Japan, without needing a bank account. You also get great customer service in English, and the trusted security of a real Mastercard issued in Japan.
What is a prepaid card?
MobalPay is a real Prepaid Japanese Payment Card that's designed by people from other countries who've moved to Japan. You can use it for buying things in stores or online. Plus, you can add money to your card using cash at convenience stores and ATMs throughout Japan, without needing a bank account. You also get great customer service in English, and the trusted security of a real Mastercard issued in Japan.
Why choose MobalPay?
With MobalPay, you can shop online or in stores just like with any prepaid card. It comes with Chip & PIN for secure payments anywhere, and 3DS verification for safe online shopping.
Easy sign up process
After the easy sign up process, I've been using MobalPay to help with my budgeting and with setting up Japanese online shopping accounts. It's a great relief to have all the support and information about my account in English. I highly recommend it if you're looking for a way to manage your finances & do online shopping while in Japan.
J. Mackiewicz, Poland or Tokyo 27 Feb 2024Highly Recommended
Mobal Pay is relatively new in the Japanese market, but it has proven its trustworthiness, reliability, and credibility. Concerns addressed to the customer service team are answered in a timely manner. The language is courteous and the explanation, clear.
Aga B 08 Jun 2024Application is very easy
The application form is very easy to fill and there are no weird requirements or anything. In Japan, when you apply for something, there are usually weird roadblocks that natives don't face. Such as when applying for a rental apartment first they require you to already have a permanent residence address(!) Even getting a debit card from the bank your salary is paid is hard.
ArchangelAurora, April 12, 2024Things To Know
Before You Apply
Ready to apply? Before you do, there are a few things you should check you're happy with.
The setup fee for your MobalPay card is ¥2,970 which you pay today by debit or credit card, or PayPal. After that, your MobalPay account costs ¥385 per month, which will be deducted from your MobalPay balance automatically each month, so make sure your account stays topped up.
Who Can Apply
You must be 18 or over
You must be a mid to long-term resident in Japan with a valid photo ID
You must not have an existing MobalPay account
What You'll Need
A debit or credit card, or PayPal Account
A Japanese address
A valid photo ID document Japan Residence Card or Japanese Driver's License. We'll ask you to upload photos of your ID document when you apply. Your MobalPay card will be sent to the address on your ID once approved.
Important The name and address you provide during checkout must match to your ID.
If your application isn't approved, we'll refund the set-up fee to your original payment method.
Start Using MobalPay
In 4 Easy Steps
Apply and pay the set-up fee online
Complete our quick checkout form and upload a photo of your ID. Pay the set-up fee with your debit or credit card, or Paypal.
We check your ID
We make sure the ID you uploaded meets our security requirements.
What happens if my application is rejected?
We send your card
Once we've checked your ID is okay, we send your new MobalPay card to your address in Japan.
Add money to your card
Since MobalPay is a prepaid card, you need to put money on it before using it. Log-in to your account to activate & top-up with cash at convenience stores nationwide.
That's it! You're ready to start spending!
Start using your MobalPay card in-store and online at major stores!
We'll automatically deduct the monthly fee from your balance - just keep your account topped up to cover that and any purchases.
Use Your MobalPay Card
Anywhere, Safely and Securely
Your MobalPay card works just like any other prepaid card. You can use it for buying things online and in stores. It comes with Chip & PIN technology for secure shopping everywhere. And for online shopping, it has 3DS verification to protect you.
Customer Support in English
We promise you'll always have access to friendly and easy support in English whenever you need help!
Adding Money Is Simple
You can easily add money to your card with cash at convenience stores and ATMs all over Japan.
Shop Online and In Stores
MobalPay offers you a payment card that works for both in-store and online shopping, and for many subscriptions too!
Where can I use it?
You can use your MobalPay card for all sorts of things. Our customers are using their cards to pay for their Mobal service, as well as goods, services and subscriptions like:
Mobile Suica
PayPay
Wise
Rakuten Pay
Mobile Pasmo
AUPay
Amazon
Booking.com
Uniqlo
SHEIN
Mercari
IKEA
Temu
Costco
7-Eleven
Family Mart
Aeon
Gyomu Super
Lawson
MyBasket
Kasumi
Daiso
Netflix
Google Play
YouTube
Disney+
iOS App Store
Amazon Prime
Spotify
Steam
KFC
Starbucks
Wolt
McDonald's
Burger King
Domino's
It's one of the most heavily used cards in my wallet!
Mobalpay has helped me to truly live like a resident of Japan, with access to all of the platforms and conveniences someone with a Japan-issued payment card would have. Getting set up was seamless, as is topping up and making payments in stores or online. It's one of the most heavily used cards in my wallet!
Hanna. L, Hiroshima Feb 2024What Can MobalPay
Do For You
Uncertain if MobalPay is the perfect fit for you? Explore our table below, browse through our FAQs, and feel free to reach out with any questions by sending us a message.
Set-up Fee
(tax included)
¥2,970
Monthly Fee
(tax included)
¥385
MobalPay Card
FREE
English Support
In-store Use
Online Use
3D Secure
Top-up (ATM)
Top-up (convenience stores)
ATM Withdrawals
Balance Limit
¥500,000
Member Rewards
Your MobalPay
Account
When your application has been approved, we'll set up your online account. From there, you'll have full control of your MobalPay card - manage everything easily, anytime, online.
Track, Manage, and
Stay Informed
View your latest transactions anytime, anywhere. Easily track spending, download statements.
Quick Top-Ups,
Unlimited Convenience
Top up with your preferred method and enjoy instant access to your funds. Simple, fast, and secure.
Exclusive Deals,
More Savings for You
Unlock special discounts and exclusive offers at top retailers in Japan.
Track, Manage, and
Stay Informed
View your latest transactions anytime, anywhere. Easily track spending, download statements.
Quick Top-Ups,
Unlimited Convenience
Top up with your preferred method and enjoy instant access to your funds. Simple, fast, and secure.
Exclusive Deals,
More Savings for You
Unlock special discounts and exclusive offers at top retailers in Japan.
MobalPay
Customer Reviews
Hear from real MobalPay users - reviews and short videos from people using MobalPay in Japan, sharing their honest experiences.
It a very easy process to apply
It a very easy process to apply. I will definitely introduce my friends. The application process is so simple to fill out.
Obi Herbert 30 Jan 2024Highly Recommended
Mobal Pay is relatively new in the Japanese market, but it has proven its trustworthiness, reliability, and credibility. Concerns addressed to the customer service team are answered in a timely manner. The language is courteous and the explanation, clear.
Aga B 08 Jun 2024Thumbs up!
The application process, thus far, has been seamless. Form was short and ID upload process easy.
Nicardo McLean 08 Feb 2024Why Is There a Monthly Fee?
Our Commitment to Charity
MobalPay, just like Mobal, is built on the idea that businesses should help make the world a better place. The monthly fees we charge are used to support our charity projects. You can learn more about our charity work here. Mobal has been helping expats in Japan for more than 30 years.
With Mobal, you don't just travel the world, you make it a better place!
Mobal
Awards and Recognition
We're proud to be recognised for our service and impact - these achievements reflect our commitment to our customers and our mission to give back with every purchase.
We're thrilled that Mobal has won the 2025 King's Award for Enterprise in International Trade - the UK's most prestigious business award! This celebrates the fact that our parent company, Mobell Communications Ltd, alongside our sister brands MobalPay and Hanacell, has grown to become one of the world's most trusted providers of crucial services for travellers, students, expats, and long-term residents in Japan.
We're proud and honoured that Mobal has been awarded the 2025 Social Product Award. It recognises the dedication of our international team and the trust of our customers over the years. This award not only reflects our commercial growth, but also our commitment to doing good through business. To be acknowledged amongst other amazing organisations that share the same mission to create a better world was truly an honour!
MobalPay
FAQs
No, MobalPay is not a credit card. It's a prepaid card. This means you need to add money to it before you can use it to buy things or pay for services.
Many foreign-issued cards are often not accepted in Japanese stores or on Japanese websites. Even on the rare occasion they are accepted, they often incur high fees.
Your MobalPay card is different. It's a Japanese-issued Mastercard with few limitations. You can use it almost anywhere in Japan. However, since it's a prepaid card, you can't deposit your salary or withdraw cash from an ATM. Otherwise, you can use it like your Mastercard from home.
The initial set-up fee is ¥2,970. After that, it costs ¥385 per month. This monthly fee will be taken from your account balance each month.
Since MobalPay is a prepaid card, you can't deposit your salary or withdraw cash from an ATM. Otherwise, you can use it like your Mastercard from home.
Many foreign-issued cards are often not accepted in Japanese stores or on Japanese websites. Even on the rare occasion they are accepted, they often incur high fees.
Your MobalPay card is different. It's a Japanese-issued Mastercard with few limitations. You can use it almost anywhere in Japan. However, since it's a prepaid card, you can't deposit your salary or withdraw cash from an ATM. Otherwise, you can use it like your Mastercard from home.
Yes, you can get MobalPay if you have a Japan Residence Card, Japanese Driver's License, My Number Card, or Diplomatic ID card. Acceptance is guaranteed!*
*Subject to ID and fraud checks.
No! We don't have the residency requirements that traditional Japanese banks do, and we don't need your credit history. You'll be accepted if your ID passes our secure verification system.
Unfortunately, you cannot have your wages paid directly into your MobalPay Account.