
Discover cards are not as widely accepted in Japan as other major credit cards, such as Visa or Mastercard.
In Japan, Discover cards are accepted at some major retailers, including department stores and larger supermarkets, but not at all smaller shops or restaurants.
It's also worth noting that some Discover card holders have reported being able to use their cards at major hotel chains in Japan.
To minimize the risk of your Discover card being declined, it's a good idea to have a backup credit card, such as a Visa or Mastercard, when traveling to Japan.
Expand your knowledge: Where Is Master Card Not Accepted
Discover Card Acceptance in Japan
Discover card is widely accepted in Japan, and it can be used anywhere that accepts JCB.
You can check for acceptance in a specific country by visiting the Discover international credit card acceptance page.
To use your Discover card in Japan, you don't need to use Visa instead, but it's a good idea to be aware that the Discover card placard might not be displayed.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Master Card in Japan
Some merchants might not realize that they take Discover, even though they do take JCB, so don't be discouraged if they say they don't accept Discover - it's worth trying to persuade them to at least try.
One of the benefits of using Discover in Japan is that they don't charge a foreign transaction fee, which can save you money.
You can find most merchants accepting Discover cards in Japan, and they are also widely accepted at ATMs.
Here's a summary of credit card acceptance in Japan:
Credit Card Usability in Japan
Discover cards are widely accepted in Japan, but you might not see the Discover logo displayed. This is because Discover has a partnership with JCB, a Japanese credit card company, and JCB logos are more common in Japan.
In 2012, a traveler named DennisP asked about using a Discover card in Kyoto and Tokyo, and a user named yllwsmrf replied that Discover cards are widely accepted in Japan, and can be used anywhere that accepts JCB.
A different take: Japan Cash or Card
One of the benefits of using a Discover card in Japan is that you won't be charged a foreign transaction fee, which can be up to 3% with other credit cards like Visa.
If you're planning to use your Discover card in Japan, you can check the Discover international credit card acceptance page to see if it's accepted in the specific country you're visiting. You can also notify Discover to ensure uninterrupted use of your card.
According to a travel guide, you can usually use credit cards at hotels, department stores, and some shops and restaurants in Japan. However, you may need to use cash at smaller establishments like neighborhood restaurants, local markets, and in the Japanese countryside.
Here's a breakdown of credit card acceptance in Japan:
Accepted Credit Card Issuers in Japan
In Japan, you'll find that Discover is widely accepted, although the Discover logo may not be displayed. This is because Discover has a tie-up with JCB, which is a well-established credit card brand in Japan.

You can check the Discover international credit card acceptance page to review acceptance and ATM availability in a specific country. This is a great resource to ensure you'll be able to use your Discover card abroad.
Here's a breakdown of the credit card issuers that are accepted in Japan:
Keep in mind that while Discover is widely accepted, some merchants may not be aware that they take Discover, even if they take JCB. If this happens, don't be afraid to politely ask them to try your card.
List of Credit Card Issuers Accepted in Japan
Discover cards are widely accepted in Japan, and can be used anywhere that accepts JCB. This means you can use your Discover card in most places, even if the Discover logo isn't displayed.
In fact, it's worth noting that Discover has a tie-up with JCB, which is very well established in Japan. This partnership makes it possible for Discover cardholders to use their cards in a wide range of merchants.
A unique perspective: How to Use a Discover Credit Card
To determine whether Discover is accepted in a specific country, you can visit the Discover international credit card acceptance page. This will give you a clear idea of where your card can be used.
Here's a list of credit card issuers that are accepted in Japan:
If you're planning to use your Discover card in Japan, it's worth noting that you won't be charged a foreign transaction fee, which is a common fee that can add up quickly when traveling abroad.
Notable Credit Card Issuers Not Accepted in Japan
If you're planning a trip to Japan, it's essential to know which credit card issuers are not accepted in the country. Some notable credit card issuers not accepted in Japan include American Express.
Many travelers have reported difficulties using their American Express cards in Japan, so it's best to avoid them altogether.
Diners Club International is another credit card issuer that is not widely accepted in Japan. This can make it difficult to use your card for everyday expenses, such as meals and transportation.
Some credit card issuers, like American Express and Diners Club International, are not accepted at many ATMs in Japan, so be prepared for potential issues.
Not all credit card issuers are created equal, and some are more widely accepted in Japan than others.
For more insights, see: Discover Card Outage
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Card_reciprocal_agreements
- https://www.japan-guide.com/forum/quereadisplay.html
- https://www.discover.com/credit-cards/card-smarts/discover-cards-acceptance/
- https://www.finder.com/travel-money/japan
- https://wallethub.com/answers/cc/are-credit-cards-widely-accepted-in-japan-2140795040/
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