Last verified: August 16, 2025 (JST)
Quick version: Rakuten lets you pay your monthly bill by credit/debit card or bank account transfer. If you want to use Rakuten Points to lower the bill (1 point = ¥1), set card as your payment method; points aren't available with bank transfer. This is all spelled out on Rakuten's English plan page and shop checklist. (SAIKYO Plan page → "Use points to reduce your bill"; Shop guide → "Credit Card/Bank Account Information").
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Payment Methods Overview
Rakuten Mobile offers two primary payment methods for your monthly bill:
1. Credit/Debit Card Payment
- Best for: Users who want to use Rakuten Points
- Points eligible: ✅ Yes - can use 1-30,000 points per transaction (Diamond members up to 500,000)
- Points earning: ✅ Yes - earn points on your bill even when paying with points
2. Bank Account Transfer (Direct Debit)
- Best for: Users who prefer automatic bank payments
- Points eligible: ❌ No - points cannot be used with bank transfer
- Points earning: ✅ Yes - still earn points on usage
Using Rakuten Points: The Smart Strategy
What Actually Works (and What Doesn't)
On the SAIKYO Plan page, Rakuten confirms you can earn points on your bill even when you pay with points and lists the rules: you can apply 1–30,000 points per transaction (Diamond members up to 500,000), but not if your payment method is account transfer. (Plan page → "Using Rakuten Point").
Points Usage Rules
- Regular members: 1-30,000 points per transaction
- Diamond members: Up to 500,000 points per transaction
- Rate: 1 point = ¥1
- Requirement: Credit/debit card must be set as payment method
- Bonus: You still earn points even when paying with points
Pro Tip: Limited-Time Points First
Pay attention to limited-time points: burn those first. Rakuten's pages note that campaign points are often time-limited, so use them before they expire to maximize your savings.
Setting Up Your Payment Method
If you're setting this up from scratch, here's the smooth path:
Step 1: Register Your Payment Method
In my Rakuten Mobile, register a credit/debit card for monthly billing (again, card is required if you want to use points against the bill). The "Before Your Shop Visit" checklist also calls out credit card/bank account information for monthly payments/direct debits. (Shop guide).
Step 2: Review Points Usage Rules
On the plan page, review the points usage rules so you know your limit and caveats (e.g., points apply to the first installment on device installments). (SAIKYO Plan page).
Step 3: Optimize Your Points Strategy
- Use limited-time points first
- Set up automatic point usage if available
- Monitor your points balance regularly
The Rakuten Ecosystem Advantage
A small but nice detail from the same official page: even if you zero out your bill with points, you still earn points on that month's usage. That's rare, and it adds up fast if you're deep in the Rakuten ecosystem.
This means:
- Pay with points → Still earn points on usage
- Zero bill → Still accumulate rewards
- Compound benefits → Points earn more points
Payment Method Comparison
| Payment Method | Points Usage | Points Earning | Automatic Payment | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit/Debit Card | ✅ 1-30,000 points | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Points enthusiasts |
| Bank Transfer | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Simple automation |
Getting Started
Ready to maximize your Rakuten Mobile payments? Here's your action plan:
- Set up credit card payment in my Rakuten Mobile app
- Review your points balance and expiration dates
- Enable point usage for monthly bills
- Use limited-time points first before they expire
- Enjoy earning points even when paying with points
The beauty of Rakuten's system is that you can have your cake and eat it too - use points to reduce your bill while still earning new points on your usage.
Want the English-first sign-up plus the points perks?
Apply with referral benefits → https://www.japanmobileguide.com/referral
Sources
- Rakuten Mobile - SAIKYO Plan (points can reduce bill; card vs. account transfer; limits; you still earn points): https://network.mobile.rakuten.co.jp/en/fee/saikyo-plan/
- Rakuten Mobile - Before Your Shop Visit (credit card/bank account info for monthly payments/direct debits): https://network.mobile.rakuten.co.jp/en/shop/guide/