Japan has a reputation for being cash-heavy, but once you actually live here, you’ll notice QR code payment apps are everywhere — from convenience stores to tiny neighborhood restaurants. The challenge is knowing which app to actually use. Here’s a 2026 rundown for foreign residents.
⚠️ If you’ve read older expat guides mentioning “LINE Pay,” note that LINE Pay shut down in Japan in April 2025 and was merged into PayPay. If you’re setting up mobile payments for the first time now, PayPay is the one to install — not LINE Pay.
Japan’s Big 4 QR Payment Apps
| App | Strength | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| PayPay | Roughly 5 million merchants, down to tiny local shops; accepts Residence Card for identity verification | New arrivals in Japan, anyone who wants the broadest merchant coverage |
| Rakuten Pay | Up to 1.5% back when funded via Rakuten Cash | Anyone already using Rakuten Ichiba, Mobile, or Bank |
| d Payment | Up to 1.0% back with a d Card, plus rotating day-of-week bonuses | NTT Docomo mobile subscribers |
| au PAY | Broad coverage at convenience stores, supermarkets, and drugstores | Frequent shoppers at Lawson, FamilyMart, or 7-Eleven |
Can Foreign Residents Actually Use These From Day One?
Since 2024, PayPay has accepted a Residence Card (在留カード) alone for identity verification, which meaningfully lowers the barrier to entry before you’ve even opened a Japanese bank account. That said, topping up your balance usually still requires a Japanese bank account or a registered card, so your funding options may be limited in the very early days after arrival.
Most of the other apps generally require a Japanese bank account or similar identity confirmation, which makes PayPay the most practical starting point while you’re still getting settled.
💡 Run your own numbers — try the Japan Overtime Pay Calculator (2026).
Quick Summary
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Key change to know | LINE Pay shut down in April 2025 → merged into PayPay |
| Widest merchant coverage | PayPay (~5 million merchants) |
| Highest reward rate | Rakuten Pay (up to 1.5% via Rakuten Cash top-up) |
| Easiest for newcomers | PayPay (Residence Card accepted for verification) |
This article is for general informational purposes only. Reward rates, promotions, and merchant policies change frequently. Always check each app’s official announcements before relying on these figures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is LINE Pay still usable in Japan?
A. No. LINE Pay shut down in Japan in April 2025 and was merged into PayPay — new users should install PayPay, not LINE Pay.
Q. Which app has the widest merchant coverage?
A. PayPay, with roughly 5 million merchants, down to tiny local shops.
Q. Which app offers the highest reward rate?
A. Rakuten Pay, offering up to 1.5% back when funded via Rakuten Cash.
Q. Can I use these apps before opening a Japanese bank account?
A. PayPay has accepted a Residence Card alone for identity verification since 2024, lowering the barrier to entry, though topping up your balance usually still requires a Japanese bank account or registered card.
Key Takeaways
- LINE Pay shut down in April 2025 and merged into PayPay.
- Widest merchant coverage: PayPay (~5 million merchants).
- Highest reward rate: Rakuten Pay (up to 1.5% via Rakuten Cash top-up).
- PayPay is the most practical starting point for newcomers, accepting Residence Card verification.