For more than half a century, Sumitomo Mitsui Card Co. (SMCC) has been one of Japan’s benchmark issuers, best known for its green-and-gold VISA.
Today, the portfolio ranges from the annual‑fee‑free Sumitomo Mitsui Card (NL) to the concierge‑equipped Platinum line.
This guide walks you through the main perks, the current interest rates and charges, and the online application flow..
Key Features at a Glance
Look for:
- V Point Rewards. Every ¥200 spent earns one V Point (≈¥1). Tap‑to‑pay in partner convenience stores or fast‑food chains, and the return climbs as high as 7 %.
- Numberless security. The NL series removes card numbers from the plastic; credentials live inside the Vpass app protected by biometrics.
- Global acceptance. Dual‑brand issuance (VISA or Mastercard) and optional ETC and ID modules cover trains, toll roads, and overseas e‑commerce checkouts.
- Contactless and wallets. All cards support Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Garmin Pay, and pair automatically with Sumitomo Mitsui’s Olive multi‑payment account.
- Family and business add‑ons. Unlimited free family cards on most tiers, corporate expense tracking on the Business line, and optional insurance bundles.
Interest Rates and Standard Fees
Because Japanese cards settle in full each month by default, interest only accrues when you actively choose revolving, installment, or cash‑advance options.
Always check the Vpass simulator before opting into a pay‑over‑time plan.
| Category | Typical rate or amount | Notes |
| Revolving / purchase APR | 15.0 % (annual) | Applies to standard one‑shot purchases converted to “My Pay‑Su Revo” 三井住友カード |
| Cash advance APR | 14.4 %–18.0 % depending on credit line | Legal cap of 18 % for advances under ¥100,000 三井住友カード三井住友カード |
| Overseas transaction fee | 3.63 % of the converted yen amount | New rate introduced on 1 Nov 2024 Reddit |
| Annual fee – Basic/NL | ¥0 | Permanent waiver |
| Annual fee – Prime Gold (20s) | ¥5,500; first year free | Upgrades automatically to Gold at age 30 三井住友カード |
| Annual fee – Gold | ¥11,000 (can fall to ¥5,500 with web billing + Revo use) | Half price first year |
| Annual fee – Platinum | ¥33,000 | Includes 24 h concierge and lounge network |
Eligibility and Required Documents
You must comply with:
- Age & residence. Applicants must be at least 18 years old (20 for Gold and above) and hold a Japanese address.
- Income. A stable income is expected, but students may qualify for the Prime Gold or Debit + Credit (Olive) packages with lower limits.
- Identity verification. Japan’s “eKYC” rules mean you photograph both sides of your My Number Card (or Residence Card + My Number notification) and record a quick selfie video inside the app.
- Supplementary proofs. Recent payslip or tax certificate (gensenchoshū‑hyo) for higher limits, plus bank passbook if you set up an automatic transfer account.
How to Apply Online – Step‑by‑Step
Sumitomo Mitsui Card Co. has streamlined everything into a browser‑based flow that takes about 10–15 minutes on a desktop or smartphone.
After each screen, you can save progress, so you don’t have to finish in one sitting.
Step on the website and choose the card.
- About You • Legal name (kanji & romaji) • Date of birth • Nationality & residence status • Mobile number & e‑mail • Current address and years at residence
- Work and Family • Employer name, industry, hire date, annual income • Job title/student status • Number of dependents • Marital status & spouse employment
- About Card Services and Payments • Choose card brand (VISA / Mastercard) and optional ETC or family cards • Select payment method (full, revolving, installments) and withdrawal date (10th or 26th) • Opt in/out of paper statements and insurance bundles
- Application Details • Desired credit limit • Purpose of use (shopping, travel, business, etc.) • Promotional codes (if any) • Upload ID images (My Number Card or Residence Card + My Number notice) and complete the selfie “liveness” check
- Regarding Procedures on Financial‑Institution Sites • You are redirected to your bank’s online transfer setup page to authorise automatic monthly repayments (no need to mail a hanko form). Log in with your internet‑bank credentials, confirm the mandate, and return to the SMCC screen for final submission
Approval and Delivery Timeline
| Stage | NL / Prime Gold | Gold / Platinum |
| Provisional screening | 5–15 min | 1–2 business days |
| Final approval & digital issuance | Same day | Same day |
| Physical card dispatched | Next business day | Next business day |
| Delivery to Kanto address | +2 days | +2 days |
| Delivery to Hokkaidō / Okinawa | +3–4 days | +3–4 days |
Customer Support and Contact Details
All phone menus are bilingual (Japanese/English).
For faster routing, have your 10‑digit card number and four‑digit PIN ready, or tap the chat icon inside Vpass for a secure text session.
- 24 h Lost‑or‑Stolen Hotline (toll‑free in Japan): 03‑5638‑3511 (Tokyo) – 06‑6339‑4082 (Osaka) 三井住友カード
- General inquiries & card activation: 03‑6634‑1700 (Head office switchboard, weekdays 9 a.m.–5 p.m.) 三井住友カード
- Head Office Postal Address: Sumitomo Mitsui Card Co., Ltd. SMBC Toyosu Building, 2‑2‑31 Toyosu, Koto‑ku, Tokyo 135‑0061, Japan 三井住友カード
Pros and Cons of the Sumitomo Mitsui Card
Advantages in Daily Use
- Commuting & travel. Pair the card with Mobile Suica or charge Pasmo, and you earn points on every ride, something plain cash cannot match. Overseas, the Platinum tier unlocks Priority Pass lounges plus travel insurance up to ¥100 million.
- Shopping & dining. Tap to pay at 7‑Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart, McDonald’s, and Saizeriya and receive up to 7 % V Points back—automatically tallied in your next statement.
- Money management. The dashboard breaks down spending by category and merchant, sends push alerts for every transaction, and lets you freeze or unfreeze the card in two taps.
- Eco credentials. Since 2024, SMCC has issued the NL series on recycled ocean‑bound plastic and mails statements in FSC‑certified envelopes.
Potential Drawbacks to Watch
The 3.63 % foreign transaction markup can wipe out rewards on small overseas purchases. Consider a multi‑currency wallet for trips longer than a week.
Revolving credit at 15 % is cheaper than some global peers but still high compared with a personal loan. Pay in full whenever possible.
Platinum’s ¥33,000 annual fee only pays for itself if you travel or dine out frequently; calculate the break‑even before upgrading.
Conclusion
The Sumitomo Mitsui credit card family blends Japan-level security with a points program that finally makes contactless everyday spending worthwhile.
The online application is fast, the NL variant is free for life, and upgrades are seamless as your lifestyle or salary grows.
Apply today through the SMBC’s digital portal and start earning V Points on your very next purchase.
Disclaimer: Card terms, interest rates, and fees quoted above are current as of 16 April 2025 and may change without prior notice. Always review the latest Important Disclosure Statement during the application process and read the cardholder agreement before committing.