What revolving payment is, why it costs so much, and how to switch it off.
リボ払い spreads your balance at high effective interest (often ~15%/yr); choose 一括払い (pay in full) each month to avoid interest entirely.
Revolving payment keeps your monthly payment small and fixed, but the unpaid balance carries interest — commonly around 15% a year. Because the balance shrinks slowly, interest accumulates and a modest purchase can cost far more over time. Some cards enable revolving by default or promote it with extra points, so people end up in it without realizing.
Choose 一括払い (pay in full) at checkout and set your card’s default payment method to full payment in the app or member site. Review your statement for any リボ or “automatic revolving” setting and turn it off. If you already carry a revolving balance, paying it down faster than the minimum reduces the interest you pay.
No-annual-fee credit card · Rakuten Card
A widely held no-annual-fee card known for accessible approval and strong Rakuten point earning, often chosen as a first card.
Fees: No annual fee; interest applies only if you use revolving or installment payments.
No-annual-fee credit card · Marui (Epos)
A no-annual-fee card from Marui, known for instant in-store issuance and useful discounts, and often accessible for newer residents.
Fees: No annual fee for the base card; interest only on revolving/installment use.
リボ払い (revolving payment) spreads your balance into small monthly payments while charging high effective interest — often around 15% a year. It is sometimes on by default or promoted with point bonuses. For most people it is best avoided: choose 一括払い (pay in full) each month so you pay no interest. Check your card’s payment setting and switch off automatic revolving if you did not intend it.
Only if you actually use the benefits. Annual-fee cards can pay for themselves through travel insurance, airport-lounge access, higher point multipliers, or concierge services — but if you would not otherwise use those, a no-annual-fee card is better. Add up the concrete value you will use in a year and compare it to the fee.