#Japan #Tokyo #Credit Card #Consumer Insights #Marketing Research

Credit Card Usage Trends in Japan

In a recent study conducted by Cross Marketing, the average credit card ownership stands at 2.84 cards per person, with free annual fees being the primary motivation for acquiring new cards. The research, which surveyed individuals from 20 to 69 years across Japan, sheds light on current trends in credit card possession and spending habits amid the rising shift towards a cashless society.

Survey Snapshot

With a credit card ownership rate of 78.5%, individuals possess an average of nearly three credit cards, revealing a compelling landscape of consumer behavior surrounding plastic money. Interestingly, over half of those surveyed still have credit cards that are infrequently used, averaging 1.28 cards per person.

When it comes to generational differences, younger individuals tend to hold fewer cards compared to their older counterparts. This discrepancy highlights the evolving attitudes toward credit among different age groups.

Usage Habits

The types of credit cards owned reveal a clear preference, with online banking cards leading the pack. Following closely are traditional banking cards, telecom provider cards, and retail cards, each attracting about 20% of users. Notably, individuals under 40 own fewer retail and supermarket cards, while those over 50 show a significant increase in ownership for these categories.

Reasons for Acquiring Cards

An impressive 45.9% of participants reported that the absence of annual fees was a decisive factor for signing up for a credit card. Other common reasons include the convenience of online shopping and attractive point reward systems, emphasizing the need for financial products to align with consumer purchasing behaviors.

Cards Left Unused

The study also examined the types of unused credit cards. The spectrum remains fairly equal among various categories, notably banking, online banking, and retail cards. Particularly noteworthy is that retail cards show a higher rate of underuse among individuals in their 60s, while those in their 50s favor credit cards from credit card companies that are also underutilized.

Why Are Cards Not Used?

Among the reasons given for not utilizing particular cards, the most common concern was that alternative cards offer better reward points. Others cited a general shift away from certain cards or a desire to reduce the number of cards they manage. This trend is particularly prominent among women in their 50s and 60s.

Preferred Payment Methods

When it comes to payment methods, cash, QR codes, and credit cards round out the top three choices, each holding about 30% of usage share. Among credit card users, the contactless payment option is the most popular, especially among older age groups. Conversely, younger participants showed a higher tendency to use QR code payments.

Conclusion

The findings from this extensive survey reflect the dynamic nature of consumer behavior concerning credit card utilization in Japan. As payment technologies continue to evolve, understanding these trends will be crucial for financial institutions and marketers alike. The time ahead will likely witness further shifts, impacting how credit cards are perceived and used across different demographics.

Additional Resources

For more detailed findings and reports from the survey, visit Cross Marketing Trends.

Research Overview

• - Methodology: Internet research through Cross Marketing’s self-administered survey tool, QiQUMO.
• - Location: Nationwide across all 47 prefectures in Japan.
• - Demographics: Men and women aged 20 to 69.
• - Period: Conducted from February 13 to 15, 2026, with 1,100 valid responses.

To cite this report, please acknowledge Cross Marketing as the source. For media inquiries, contact the marketing department via email at [email protected] or call 03-6859-1192.