The EPOS Card is a credit card that's easy to apply for, even if you're new to credit cards. On top of that, there’s no annual fee, and it comes with convenient services like complimentary overseas travel accident insurance, making it a great choice for those who love traveling abroad. Another major perk is that during Marui department store’s special bargain period, "Maruko and Maruo's 7 Days," you can get a 10% discount by using your EPOS Card.
This article will cover the benefits of the EPOS Card as well as how to apply. By the end, you'll know at a glance whether the EPOS Card is right for you. Now that the card’s layout has been redesigned with an even more stylish look, this is the perfect time to check out all of EPOS Card’s unique features.
・3 key features of the EPOS Card
・2 drawbacks of the EPOS Card
・How to apply for the EPOS Card
・Eligibility requirements and screening process
・What to do if your application review takes time
・Who the EPOS Card is recommended for
・Customer reviews and ratings
・Fees and interest rates
・The company behind the EPOS Card
Three Key Features of the EPOS Card
The EPOS Card stands out for three main reasons: it offers complimentary overseas travel insurance despite having no annual fee for life, you can enjoy exclusive discounts at restaurants nationwide, and it can be issued immediately.
Although not covered in detail here, there are several other advantages, such as properties where you can get discounts when paying with your EPOS Card, receiving 2,000 points upon joining, and the user-friendly app—which outperforms those of competitors. Make sure you’re familiar with these key points when considering applying for the EPOS Card.
Lifetime Free Annual Fee and Comes with Overseas Travel Insurance
The EPOS Card with VISA comes with overseas travel accident insurance automatically included. The coverage is impressive, with up to 5 million yen for accidental death or disability, up to 2.7 million yen for medical treatment of illnesses or injuries, and up to 20 million yen for liability coverage (with no deductible), among other benefits.
For example, if you are hospitalized in an emergency during your trip, the insurance can reimburse you up to 2.7 million yen for actual costs like medication, hospital stay, and treatment.
Please note, however, that this insurance only applies to the primary cardholder—family members are not covered. Also, be aware that it covers trips that start after the day following your card enrollment and departure from Japan.
Enjoy Exclusive Discounts at Restaurants Nationwide
With an EPOS Card, you can access a range of exclusive discount offers simply by presenting your card at participating locations. One of the main perks is special deals at thousands of restaurants all over Japan, covering everything from Japanese cuisine to sweets and even delivery services.
You can easily search for participating restaurants using the "Search by Category" feature on the official website, making it simple to find places where you can use your discounts.
In addition to restaurants, you can also get up to 30% off at places like Big Echo karaoke, along with many other everyday discounts designed to save you money.
Same-Day Issuance Available
The EPOS Card offers same-day issuance, which means you might be able to start using your card on the very day you apply. If you want to use the card right away, simply choose in-store pickup.
Being able to get your card issued on the same day is convenient if you suddenly want to make a big purchase or need it for a last-minute trip abroad.
Of course, depending on the individual, the process can sometimes take longer, so keep that in mind. By the way, you can also apply directly at an EPOS Card Center in-store.
The 2 Main Drawbacks of the EPOS Card
The EPOS Card is a convenient credit card, especially if you frequently shop at Marui department stores. However, for those living in areas like Kansai, where Marui stores are less common, its benefits might not be as noticeable.
Another downside some users mention is that there aren't many ways to use the miles you earn as perks. Here, we'll explain the two main drawbacks of the EPOS Card that you should know about before applying.
Lower Status as a Credit Card
The Epos Card is not recommended for those seeking a high-status credit card. This is because it is considered a retail-affiliated card, and as such, is regarded as having a lower status among credit cards.
Retail-affiliated cards are issued by companies in the retail sector, and they generally aim to attract as many users as possible. As a result, they tend to issue credit cards more actively.
Since these cards are designed to be accessible to a broader range of people, their screening process is typically not very strict. Therefore, the status of such cards is considered low.
The Reward Rate is Relatively Low at 0.5%
The base reward rate for the EPOS Card is 0.5%. These days, more and more credit cards with no annual fee offer a base reward rate of 1% or higher.
Because of this, the lower point return can be a drawback for those who care about getting more rewards. Since this card is designed for everyday use, a low rewards rate can make it less appealing.
However, if you make good use of point-boosting services—such as shopping online through "Tamara Market"—you can increase your rewards by 2 to 30 times.
How to Apply for an EPOS Card
Applying for an EPOS Card is simple and can be done online. Start by visiting the official EPOS Card website and accessing the application page. Choose your preferred card design and fill in the required information. Be sure to enter your email address correctly, as you'll receive your application results via email.
After entering your information, if you want to receive your card as soon as possible, choose in-store pickup. Finally, set up your EPOS Net account by creating a password and registering your email—once you complete these simple steps, you’re done!
1. Go to the official EPOS Card website
2. Click on “Apply for EPOS Card”
3. On the application page, select your card design
4. Complete the screening process
5. If approved, receive your card as soon as the same day
Eligibility Requirements and Screening for the EPOS Card
To apply for an EPOS Card, you must be 18 years of age or older and reside in Japan (high school students are not eligible). There are no specific income requirements, so as long as you are 18 or older, even full-time homemakers or students (except high school students) can apply.
However, if you are a minor (under 20) even if you are over 18, you will need parental consent. Unemployed individuals can also apply, but please note that eligibility to apply does not guarantee approval.
That being said, the EPOS Card is a distribution-affiliated card that can be issued the same day, so the screening process is generally not difficult. In fact, the review is typically completed in about 15 minutes.
How to Check Your EPOS Card Application Status If the Review Is Taking a Long Time
If you’re feeling anxious because you haven’t received your EPOS Card screening results yet, don’t worry. You can easily check the status of your application on the official EPOS Card website.
Just go to the EPOS Card Application Status Inquiry page on their official website. You’ll need the "application number" you received when you applied, and you’ll need to enter your date of birth, or your name, date of birth, and phone number.
The process is simple and quick, so if you’re concerned about your application status, be sure to give it a try.
Who Should Get an EPOS Card?
First of all, the EPOS Card is highly recommended for those who travel abroad frequently. That’s because it automatically comes with overseas travel accident insurance, so you don’t need to sign up for insurance every time you go overseas.
It’s also a great choice for credit card beginners. You can easily keep track of your spending by setting up usage notification emails, so even if you’re worried about overspending, you can use the card with peace of mind.
In addition, the EPOS Card is perfect for those who want to earn points when shopping online or want to use their smartphone for payments.
Reviews and Feedback on the Epos Card
Among those who actually use the Epos Card, many say they were drawn to it because it can be issued on the same day and because its overseas travel insurance is automatically included.
There are also comments that the app is easier to use compared to other cards. However, many users were notably dissatisfied with the customer service, describing it as the worst.
The most common negative feedback was that the point rewards rate is low. Certainly, if you plan to use a card regularly, a higher points rate is definitely more beneficial.
Epos Card Fees and Interest Rates
You can apply for an Epos Card for free, and there are no annual fees—ever. While the standard reward rate is a modest 0.5%, you can boost your returns to over 1% by taking advantage of special point-up services.
・Application fee: ¥0
・Annual fee: ¥0
・Reward rate: 0.50%–1.25%
・Installment interest rate: 15.00%
・Cash advance interest rate: 18.0%
・Transaction fee: ¥0
・Late payment penalty: 14.6%
Epos Card Operating Company
The Epos Card is issued by Epos Card Co., Ltd. The company was established in 2004 to further develop the Marui Group’s credit card and financial services business. The head office is located at 4-3-2 Nakano, Nakano-ku, Tokyo.
The Epos Card was first issued two years later, in 2006, as the successor to Marui’s original “Red Card.” In 2021, the designs for the “Epos Card Visa,” “Epos Gold Card,” and “Epos Platinum Card” were all updated.
The phone numbers for the Epos Card Customer Center are 03-3383-0101 (Tokyo) and 06-6630-0101 (Osaka).
Summary
The Epos Card is recommended for people who enjoy traveling abroad or are new to credit cards. However, it does have some drawbacks, so be sure to carefully consider if it's the right fit for you before applying.
Note: Applying for a credit card always carries some risks. Before proceeding, please read the Terms and Conditions carefully and complete the application at your own responsibility.
