#Japan #Tokyo #Credit Card #Touch Payment #Rakuten Card

2026 Credit Card Usage Survey: Key Insights and Trends

The landscape of credit card usage is ever-evolving, and understanding consumer preferences is essential. Recently, a comprehensive survey was undertaken with 400 credit cardholders in Japan to explore what factors influence card selection, the most favored brands, and the services that users appreciate the most. Here’s a summary of the noteworthy findings.

Survey Overview

The focus of this survey was to gauge the priorities of consumers when selecting a credit card. Given that there are multiple aspects to consider—annual fees, reward rates, and international brands—it can be challenging for users to make informed decisions. The survey was conducted online in August 2026, yielding insights from participants who actively hold credit cards.

Key Findings

1. Importance of Annual Fee: The most critical criterion for users when choosing a credit card is the annual fee, emphasized by 52.5% of respondents. This figure highlights the financial burden associated with credit cards, as consumers prioritize cards with lower or no annual fees over other features.
2. Dominance of Rakuten Card: The survey indicated that the most frequently used main card among participants is the Rakuten Card, which is favored by 37.5% of respondents. This rate far surpasses the second-place card, Mitsui Sumitomo Card (NL), used by only 10.25% of users. The Rakuten Card’s popularity extends to its use as a secondary card, further solidifying its position in the market.
3. Preferred Features: When asked about services that users found beneficial, touch payment emerged at the top of the list, with 39.75% of respondents expressing satisfaction with this feature. A close second was specific rewards and cashback offers at select stores, appreciated by 37% of participants.

Detailed Insights

Annual Fee as a Prioritizing Factor

Despite the variety of benefits credit cards offer, users rank annual fees as paramount. This finding suggests that many consumers are budget-conscious and seek financial products that have minimal costs associated with them. For example, while 21.75% of users consider reward points important, the stark contrast in priority indicates a clear trend towards cost efficiency. Other factors, like alignment with commonly used stores (8.25%) and the nature of perks offered (5.75%), remain secondary.

Rakuten Card’s Market Presence

The survey results reflect a strong consumer bias towards the Rakuten Card, both as a primary and secondary option. With its extensive rewards system and affiliations with various merchants, the Rakuten Card has clearly established itself as the go-to choice for many users. This will likely influence future marketing strategies within the credit card industry, as brands may seek to either partner with or diversify their offerings to better compete.

Touch Payment: Appreciated Features

Touch payment technology has gained traction due to its convenience and speed. A considerable percentage of users expressed that having this feature has significantly improved their purchasing experiences. Coupled with ongoing promotions or enhanced cashback opportunities at specific merchants, cards incorporating these elements seem to resonate strongly with users.

Survey Methodology

This research was conducted via an online survey platform, Freeasy, which allowed respondents to provide their insights conveniently. A total of 400 valid responses were collected from individuals possessing credit cards. Key questions addressed elements such as card ownership, selection criteria, and overall satisfaction with their main and secondary cards.

Conclusion

The findings from the 2026 credit card usage survey underscore important trends in consumer behavior and preferences regarding credit cards. As cost continues to dominate decision-making processes, brands like Rakuten Card are setting benchmarks for user satisfaction through leveraging useful technologies like touch payment systems. As these patterns unfold, they will likely shape the credit card landscape further and influence the offerings available to consumers in the future.

For a more in-depth look at the complete findings and methodology, interested individuals are encouraged to explore the original survey results available at CocoMoola.