Foreigners in Japan find new credit cards just for them

Underserved market takes on new appeal as immigration rises

20200203N Japan store credit card

A supermarket in Tsukuba, a university town northeast of Tokyo: Even in cash-loving Japan, life without a Japanese credit card can be difficult. (Photo by Kento Hirashima)

CHIHIRO UCHIYAMA, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- Mehmet Ciftci, a 28-year-old from Turkey working at a startup here, has struggled to obtain a credit card despite his steady job and bank account.

"I don't know why my application was denied, and they're not telling me the reason," said Ciftci, explaining that he had applied twice for a major bank credit card.

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