The AC MasterCard is a credit card issued by ACOM Co., Ltd. It’s a card loan card with added credit card features, making it easy for those who already have a card loan-only card to switch over using their My Page or an automatic contract machine.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the AC MasterCard—from basic info, advantages and disadvantages, screening process, to who it’s best suited for. If you’re thinking about getting an AC MasterCard, be sure to read this article first to avoid any regrets after signing up.
・What is the AC MasterCard?
・3 advantages of the AC MasterCard
・3 disadvantages of the AC MasterCard
・Eligibility requirements for the AC MasterCard
・How to apply for the AC MasterCard
・AC MasterCard screening process
・Fees and interest rates for the AC MasterCard
・Issuing company and contact information
・Who is the AC MasterCard recommended for?
What is the AC Mastercard?
The AC Mastercard is a credit card from Acom that can be issued as quickly as the same day. There’s no annual fee, and you can apply even if you’re not a full-time employee, as long as you have a steady income. The only payment option is revolving payments (revolving credit), and you can also use it as a card loan.
Your credit limit may vary depending on the screening results, but you can borrow up to 3 million yen for shopping, and up to a combined total of 8 million yen for both card loans and shopping. Since it's accepted at Mastercard merchants worldwide, it's convenient for use when traveling overseas.
If there’s a dedicated automatic contract machine nearby, you can complete the application, screening, and card issuance process right there, making it ideal if you urgently need a credit card. You can also issue a virtual card through the app if you prefer.
3 Key Benefits of the AC Mastercard
The AC Mastercard is often praised for allowing even those with a poor credit history—sometimes referred to as 'financial blacklists'—to pass the screening process. Many users are happy to be able to get a card even when they expected it would be years before they'd qualify for one. This is because ACOM places a strong emphasis on your current repayment ability, giving more people a chance to get approved.
Additionally, some users who were unable to pass the screening for any credit cards due to a lack of credit history ("kurehisu") found that getting an AC Mastercard helped them start building a credit record, making it easier to get approved for other credit cards in the future.
Same-Day Issuance Available
You can get your AC Mastercard issued as soon as the same day if you apply online, by phone (until 6 PM), at a branch, or via a self-service kiosk, and choose to pick it up at a branch or kiosk. As long as you have the necessary ID and proof of income, the review process can be completed in as little as 30 minutes.
0.25% Cashback Automatically Applied
When you use your AC Mastercard for payments, 0.25% of your purchase amount is automatically discounted—no extra steps or applications needed.
For example, on a 50,000 yen purchase, you’ll get 125 yen back, so the actual amount you pay is 49,875 yen.
The cashback amount is deducted up front, so you never have to worry about losing out due to points expiring, like with other companies’ reward programs.
Withdraw Cash from ATMs Worldwide with Card Loan Functionality
The AC Mastercard is a credit card that also includes the features of the original Acom card loan. This means you can use the card loan service with your AC Mastercard.
While a review process determines your credit limit and may vary for each person, one consistent benefit is the ability to withdraw cash from ATMs overseas that accept the AC Mastercard.
Three Drawbacks of the AC Mastercard
While the AC Mastercard has its advantages, it also comes with some drawbacks. For instance, although people have signed up because there’s no annual fee, there’s no rewards point system, which makes it less appealing to use. This is because you can’t convert your spending into miles or other benefits.
For those who want to get more value compared to paying with cash, the lack of a rewards program and special perks is a major downside.
Some people have even commented that it seems more suitable for those who aren’t confident they can get approved for other cards.
Only Revolving Payments Are Available
With the AC Mastercard, revolving payment is the only payment option available. Revolving payment means you pay off your balance in fixed monthly installments that you set in advance. While your monthly payments may be smaller, you will end up paying more overall because of the additional fees that apply compared to regular payments.
Employment Verification Required When Applying for the Card
When you apply for the AC MasterCard, Acom will conduct an employment verification.
This means they will call your workplace to confirm that you really work there, just as you indicated on your application.
You don't need to answer the phone yourself; as long as someone at your workplace can confirm, for example, “Yes, [Your Name] works here,” the verification is considered complete.
However, this can be a drawback for those who want to keep their application private.
No Insurance Benefits Included
Many credit cards come with shopping insurance or travel accident insurance. However, the AC Mastercard does not offer any such insurance coverage.
So, if you plan to use a credit card for overseas travel, it's a good idea to purchase separate travel insurance.
AC Mastercard Application Requirements
You can apply for an AC Mastercard if you are 18 years or older (excluding high school students) and have a stable income.
A stable income doesn’t mean you need a high salary—it simply means you receive a regular income each month. This means even part-time or temporary workers can easily apply.
As long as you have a steady annual income, even students above high school age who have part-time jobs are eligible to apply. In fact, since there’s no option for “student” when selecting your occupation, as long as you have a monthly income, your chances of passing the screening are quite high.
However, if you have no income and are unemployed, you cannot apply. Even if you submit an application, you’re unlikely to pass the screening process, so please keep this in mind. That said, homemakers can still apply if their spouse has an income.
How to Apply for the AC Mastercard
You can apply for the AC Mastercard using several methods, including online or at a branch.
If you apply at an in-store location or through an automated contract machine, you may be able to get your card issued on the spot as quickly as the same day. Even if you apply online, you can set your pickup location and receive your card that day.
In any case, you’ll need to submit the required documents, so make sure to have them ready in advance. Once your application is complete, you’ll move on to submitting documents and proceeding to screening.
After the review is complete and you agree to the terms, your contract is finalized. Once the contract is done, go to a branch to pick up your card.
Of course, you can also receive it by mail, but in that case, delivery takes time, so you won’t be able to get it the same day.
If you’re already an Acom user, you may see an option on your My Page to “add credit card functionality” if switching is possible. You can easily start the process from there. Procedures can also be completed using an in-store automated contract machine.
・Open the official website
・From "Apply", go to the application page
・Fill in the necessary details
・Go through the screening process
・If approved, your card will be issued
AC Mastercard Screening Process
When it comes to credit card screening difficulty, the general order is: bank-affiliated & independent cards > finance company cards > retail/distribution cards > consumer finance cards.
The AC Mastercard falls into the finance company category, so it’s considered more difficult to get than cards issued by shopping malls or retail chains, but easier than bank-affiliated cards.
Because it’s right below bank-affiliated cards in terms of difficulty, you might think it’s still pretty tough to get approved.
But actually, the basic application requirements are just that you’re over 18 and have a stable income, which means the standards are fairly relaxed. Since the company wants more people to use their services in the first place, you’re likely to be approved as long as there aren’t any major issues.
However, that doesn’t mean everyone will be approved. If you don’t have a stable income—the core requirement for applying—there’s a good chance you won’t pass the screening.
Also, applying and being screened are separate processes, so even if you meet the application criteria, it doesn’t guarantee approval. For example, if you only have a part-time job and your income is very low, it may still be difficult to get approved.
AC Mastercard Fees and Interest Rates
The AC Mastercard is a credit card that can be issued with no application or annual fees.
It has a cashback rate of 0.25%, which is automatically deducted from your monthly payments. Payment is only available through revolving payments (revolving credit), with an interest rate ranging from 10.0% to 14.6%.
If you are late on a payment, a late fee of 14.6% per year will be charged based on the overdue amount and the number of days delayed.
・Application fee: ¥0
・Annual fee: ¥0
・Cashback rate: 0.25%
・Revolving payment interest rate: 10.0%–14.6%
・Cash advance interest rate: 18.0%
・Late fee: 14.6% per year
・Credit limit: Up to ¥500,000 (when the card loan contract limit and shopping limit are the same)
AC Mastercard: Operating Company and Contact Information
The AC Mastercard is operated by ACOM Co., Ltd. (1-1, Marunouchi 2-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Meiji Yasuda Life Building), a consumer finance and credit company.
ACOM is part of the Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group and is the only consumer finance company in Japan licensed by Mastercard.
For inquiries, call the toll-free number 0120-07-1000. You can consult about applications or get answers to various questions. Since the hours of operation are not specified, it can be assumed that support is available 24 hours a day.
Who Should Consider the AC Mastercard?
The AC Mastercard is a great choice for people who need a credit card as soon as possible, since it can be issued on the same day you apply.
For example, if you suddenly need to travel abroad and require a credit card before your trip, this card could be the perfect solution.
It’s also ideal for those who plan to use their credit card frequently. With the AC Mastercard, you’ll automatically get 0.25% cash back on your monthly spending, so it can be especially worthwhile for larger purchases.
Finally, this card is recommended for individuals who have no prior credit card history. A history of credit card use, known as a “credit history,” is sometimes a screening factor for some card issuers.
However, since AC Mastercard focuses mainly on your current repayment ability during the application review, it's easier to get approved even if you don’t have an established credit history.
Summary
The AC Mastercard is a unique credit card that only allows revolving payments. If you're 18 or older with a stable income, it's easy to get approved—and you can even receive your card as quickly as the same day. If you need a credit card fast, the AC Mastercard is definitely worth considering.
Note: Applying for a credit card always comes with risks. Be sure to review the terms and conditions carefully before applying.
