This page contains a Rakuten Mobile employee referral link (PR). Your price is the same whether or not you use it.
Hi — I’m a Rakuten Group employee, and this page explains a program most foreigners in Japan have never heard of: the Rakuten Mobile Employee Referral Campaign. Sign up through an employee’s referral link and you receive up to 14,000 Rakuten Points — about ¥14,000 of spending power at convenience stores, supermarkets, Rakuten Ichiba, or toward your own phone bill.
I wrote this specifically for foreign residents. That means it covers the things that actually decide whether your application succeeds: paying without a credit card, the residence-card exact-match rule, calling your home country for free, and how to cancel cleanly before you leave Japan. Everything here is checked against Rakuten’s official pages, and I update it when the terms change.
⏱ THE 30-SECOND VERSION
- 14,000 points for switching carriers (MNP) / 13,000 points for a new number or re-contract — up to 5 lines per person
- Apply with a Residence Card or Special Permanent Resident Certificate; online eKYC supported
- No credit card required — debit cards and bank direct debit are officially accepted
- One plan: ¥1,078/month (≤3GB) to ¥3,278/month (unlimited), no contract binding, cancel anytime free
- Rakuten Link app: free calls in Japan and free Rakuten Link calls to the countries and regions Rakuten lists including the US, China, Korea and the UK
- After activation: one 10-second call on Rakuten Link (deadline: end of the 2nd month after login) — that’s the condition people miss
MNP: 14,000pt / New or re-contract: 13,000pt — no code to enter
No code to enter — log in with your Rakuten ID first, then apply
1. What the campaign is (and the numbers)
Rakuten Mobile runs a public referral program anyone can use (code 1784: 13,000 points for MNP), and a separate, larger program reserved for Rakuten Group employees (code 2162). The amounts differ as follows:
| How you sign up | Employee referral (this site) | Standard public referral |
|---|---|---|
| Switching carriers (MNP) | 14,000 pt | 13,000 pt |
| New number | 13,000 pt | 12,000 pt |
| Re-contract / 2nd line onward | 13,000 pt | Not eligible |
| Lines per person | Up to 5 (max 70,000 pt) | First contract only |
Referrals are a mainstream way to join Rakuten Mobile, not a fringe trick: Rakuten’s official referral page reports that cumulative referrers passed 1,000,000 (as of the end of July 2026) and states that among users on 20GB or more per month, roughly 1 in 3 joined through a referral. (Source: Rakuten Mobile official referral page, checked September 19, 2026.) Re-contracts — coming back after cancelling — are also eligible, which is rare among Japanese carriers.
2. Is this legitimate? How to verify it yourself
A stranger’s link promising ¥14,000 deserves skepticism, so here is how to check it:
- Check the domain. After opening the referral link, the campaign page and application form are on network.mobile.rakuten.co.jp — Rakuten’s official domain. Look at your address bar before logging in.
- The campaign has an official code (2162) shown in the campaign terms after you log in. You are reading Rakuten’s own terms, not mine.
- The referrer sees none of your personal information. Your name, address, ID documents and payment details go only to Rakuten Mobile. What I can see is only an anonymous count of referrals.
- Nothing is paid to me by you. The referrer may receive a referral reward paid by Rakuten. Your price is identical with or without the link — the only difference is whether you receive the points.
3. Eligibility & documents for foreign residents
Plans, prices and campaign conditions are identical to those for Japanese customers. Two practical notes that decide most foreign applications:
⚠️ The #1 reason foreign applicants fail screening
Your name and address must match your Residence Card exactly, character for character. If the card says「1-1-1-101」, typing「1-1-1-101号室」can fail the review by itself. Copy the address exactly as printed, and enter your name in the same format as the card.
4. Payment: no credit card needed
This is where many English blogs are simply wrong, so here are the official rules:
| Method | Accepted? | Notes (official) |
|---|---|---|
| Credit card (Japan-issued) | ✅ | Smoothest option; required for device installment plans |
| Debit card | ✅ | Officially accepted for monthly fees |
| Bank direct debit（口座振替） | ✅ | Accepted for monthly fees. Rakuten states that a fee applies and that device payments cannot be made by direct debit. The amount of the fee is not shown on the payment page |
| Rakuten Points | ✅ | Can be applied to your monthly bill (with card payment) |
| Card issued outside Japan | — | Not listed on Rakuten Mobile’s payment page. Use a card issued in Japan, or a Japanese bank account |
5. How to apply — 6 steps
Create a free Rakuten ID
If you shop on Rakuten Ichiba you already have one. The referral is tied to your Rakuten ID.
Open the referral link and log in FIRST
This login attaches campaign 2162 to your account — there is no code to type. Do not enter a coupon code for another campaign (for example the Mikitani campaign). The rules of campaign 2798 state that if you enter its coupon code after logging in through the referral link, that campaign is applied and the employee referral becomes ineligible.
Choose plan and SIM type
One plan (Rakuten Saikyo Plan): ¥1,078 ≤3GB / ¥2,178 ≤20GB / ¥3,278 unlimited, tax included. Choose eSIM for same-day activation if your phone supports it.
Verify identity (eKYC)
Photograph your Residence Card and your face with your phone. Remember the exact-match rule from section 3.
Keep your number (MNP) if switching
From docomo, au, SoftBank, ahamo, povo or LINEMO, one-stop MNP completes the port-in inside Rakuten’s form — no reservation number. Some MVNOs still require one (valid 15 days).
Activate — then make the 10-second call the same day
Install Rakuten Link, make one outgoing call of 10+ seconds, done. Details next.
6. The 10-second call condition (don’t skip this)
- Must be outgoing and from the Rakuten Link app — your phone’s standard dialer does not count
- Not counted (as stated in the rules): other carriers’ connection services beginning with (0570), ♯-dial numbers, numbers dialled with a prefix, and some special numbers such as 188
- No one to call? Dial the Rakuten automated line 050-5434-4653 (24h) from Rakuten Link, listen 10+ seconds, hang up
- Then confirm the call shows in Rakuten Link’s history as outgoing, 10+ seconds
Everyday bonus: Rakuten Link makes all domestic Japanese calls free — city hall, clinics, delivery drivers, restaurant reservations.
7. When the points arrive & how to use them
Use them at Rakuten Ichiba, with Rakuten Pay at convenience stores, drugstores and restaurants, or apply them directly to your Rakuten Mobile bill — effectively months of free phone service.
8. Why Rakuten Mobile fits life as a foreigner
- Free international calls between Rakuten Link users. Rakuten states that calls between Rakuten Link users are free of charge; the countries and regions available are listed on its overseas roaming page. Calls from the Rakuten Link app to other Rakuten Link users are free of charge, wherever they are. The countries and regions covered are listed on the overseas roaming page of Rakuten Mobile. For many people this alone replaces a calling app subscription. (An unlimited international option for other cases costs ¥980/month.)
- 2GB of free overseas data every month abroad — Rakuten states that up to 2GB per month of high-speed data is included in the plan fee in its overseas roaming areas (128kbps after that; 1GB top-ups are ¥500). Your Japanese SIM works when you visit home, with no setup fee.
- No lock-in, no cancellation fee. Leaving Japan? Cancel online via my Rakuten Mobile anytime.
- English support exists: dedicated English phone line 0800-805-0805 (9:00–17:00 JST, 365 days), official site pages in English/Chinese/Korean/Vietnamese/Indonesian/Portuguese, and an English UI in the Rakuten Link app.
⚠️ Before you leave Japan: cancel first
Billing continues until you cancel, and the English support line may not be reachable from overseas. Cancel (or MNP out) from my Rakuten Mobile before your departure — unpaid Japanese phone bills can follow you as credit-record damage if you ever return.
9. Honest comparison: ahamo, Mobal, Sakura Mobile
| Rakuten Mobile | ahamo (docomo) | Mobal / Sakura Mobile | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly (light use) | ¥1,078 (≤3GB) | ¥2,970 (30GB). From December 1, 2026 ahamo moves to a tiered plan (¥3,135 up to 40GB, ¥4,125 up to 60GB, ¥5,115 up to 120GB) and the “大盛り” option ends on November 30, 2026 | ~¥1,650–4,000+ |
| Unlimited data | ¥3,278 | — (110GB max, ¥4,950) | — |
| Sign-up bonus | Up to 14,000 pt | Varies, usually smaller | None |
| Support language | EN phone line + multilingual site | Japanese-centric | Full English support |
| Who it suits | Cost + points + calls home | docomo-network stability | Zero-Japanese, just-arrived users |
Honest guidance: if you have just landed with no Rakuten ID and no Japanese payment method, foreigner-first providers like Mobal or Sakura are the easier first step — many people start there, then switch to Rakuten Mobile by MNP once settled, which conveniently earns the full 14,000-point MNP reward.
10. The honest drawbacks
- Points are not instant — they start about 4 months after login. This is a discount on your first year, not cash at sign-up.
- Coverage is weakest indoors/underground in some areas. It has improved with Rakuten’s 700MHz “platinum band,” but if you live deep in the countryside, check the official area map first.
- Support beyond the English line is Japanese-first. Complex issues may take patience.
No contract binding means trying it is low-risk: if the coverage disappoints you, leaving costs nothing.
MNP: 14,000pt / New or re-contract: 13,000pt — up to 5 lines per person
11. FAQ
Can I sign up without a credit card?
Yes — debit cards and bank direct debit are officially accepted (¥110/month fee for non-Rakuten-Bank direct debit; device installments need a card).
Does the referrer see my personal information?
No. Your details go only to Rakuten Mobile. The referrer sees an anonymous count.
I already had Rakuten Mobile before. Am I eligible?
Yes — re-contracts qualify for 13,000 points (14,000 if you MNP in from another carrier).
Can I do everything in English?
The official site has English pages and the Rakuten Link app has an English UI. Some steps of the application flow show Japanese; this page’s step-by-step covers what each step asks for, and the English line 0800-805-0805 can help during business hours.
What if I forget the 10-second call?
Miss the deadline (end of the 2nd month after login) and the points are not granted. Do it the day you activate — 050-5434-4653 takes 15 seconds of your life.
12. What changed on September 17, 2026
| Item | From September 17, 2026 | Changed? |
|---|---|---|
| Switching carriers (MNP) | 14,000 pt | No change |
| New number / re-contract / 2nd line onward | 13,000 pt | Increased |
| Installments (MNP, 14,000 pt) | 5,000 / 5,000 / 4,000 | Re-ordered |
| Installments (13,000 pt case) | 5,000 / 4,000 / 4,000 | Newly stated |
| Validity of each installment | 6 months including the day the points are granted | Now stated in the campaign rules themselves |
The figures before that date are listed on the Japanese guide.
Source: Rakuten Mobile official campaign rules (code 2162) — checked September 29, 2026.
13. How to check where you stand
| What you want to check | Where to look |
|---|---|
| Did my referral login register? | The inbox of the email address registered with your Rakuten account. Rakuten states that a login confirmation email is sent after you log in. |
| Did I complete the 10-second call? | my Rakuten Mobile → Usage → Call tab → Rakuten Link (domestic). 10 seconds or more means the condition is met. |
| Call history between Rakuten Link users | Rakuten states this is not reflected in the Usage screen of my Rakuten Mobile — check inside Rakuten Link instead. |
| Are the points scheduled? | Rakuten PointClub → Points scheduled to be granted. Rakuten states the entry appears by three days before the scheduled grant date. |
| Is campaign code 2162 applied to my line? | Rakuten’s FAQ says to ask the Rakuten employee who referred you. |
⚠️ If you applied before logging in
Rakuten states that logging in through the referral link within 7 days including the day you applied still makes you eligible. It also notes that it may ask for evidence that the login was simply forgotten.
Source: Rakuten Mobile official campaign rules and FAQ (code 2162) — checked September 29, 2026.
14. Three rules about combining campaigns
| Rule | What the official rules say |
|---|---|
| 1. Only one campaign per line | The rules list the campaigns that can be combined and then state that anything not on that list cannot be combined. Using a non-listed campaign on the same line makes that line ineligible for the referral points — the amount is not reduced, it is simply not granted. |
| 2. It is judged line by line | Rakuten’s FAQ on the campaign page answers: “If the line you are newly applying for does not use a non-combinable campaign, it is eligible.” What you used on a different line in the past does not matter. |
| 3. The page you start from decides it | The rules state that if you apply from the campaign page of the Rakuten Card 20,000-point campaign (code 3381), that campaign takes priority over the employee referral (code 2162). Start from the referral link if you want the referral points. |
The campaigns that Rakuten lists as combinable with the employee referral are codes 1977, 2169, 2568, 2926 and 2848 for Rakuten SAIKYO Plan lines. Note that these iPhone-related ones cannot be combined with each other — code 2926 names 2568, 2848 and 2938 as non-combinable (2169 appears with a strikethrough in the list) — so it is one of them per device.
The Rakuten Card campaign (code 3381) ran until 10:00 on October 5, 2026 for web applications and has ended. It is not on the combinable list. Neither is the Mikitani campaign (code 2798) nor the standard public referral (code 1784).
Source: Rakuten Mobile official campaign rules (code 2162) / the Rakuten Card campaign page (code 3381) — checked September 29, 2026.
15. About linking your Rakuten ID
Rakuten had announced that lines not linked to a Rakuten ID would be cancelled automatically. That was withdrawn. The corrected notice states: “even if the linking is not completed by Monday, November 30, 2026, your contract will not be cancelled automatically and your phone number will not be lost.” It also states that data communication and calling can be used as usual from December 1, 2026, while some functions such as checking payment status online and my Rakuten Mobile (Web) may temporarily become unavailable.
This only concerns people who signed up without a Rakuten ID before December 11, 2025. Rakuten stopped accepting applications without a Rakuten ID on that date.
Source: Rakuten Mobile official notice (published August 31, 2026 / updated September 14, 2026) — checked September 29, 2026.
16. Satellite messaging (already available on iPhone)
On March 26, 2026 Rakuten Mobile announced support for Apple’s satellite messaging on iPhone 14 and later, and Apple Watch Ultra 3. It covers satellite iMessage and SMS, plus Emergency SOS and Find My. Rakuten states that the satellite connection “is provided by Globalstar and its affiliates”, and that satellite SMS “is free of charge for the time being” even though the normal SMS rate applies in principle. Apple’s own free period runs two years from activation.
The other one is “Rakuten最強衛星サービス Powered by AST SpaceMobile”, a direct satellite-to-phone service using AST’s low Earth orbit satellites. Rakuten states it is “aiming to start providing the service in Japan in the fourth quarter of 2026” — a target, not a confirmed launch date — and that the frequency bands and the way the service will be offered, including timing and price, are undecided at this point. In April 2025 the two companies completed Japan’s first video call between a low Earth orbit satellite and unmodified smartphones, but that was a pre-test under a preliminary experimental licence. No “earlier than planned” announcement has been made as of September 29, 2026.
Source: Rakuten Mobile press release, March 26, 2026 / the same, April 23, 2025 — checked September 29, 2026.
📝 Summary
- Open the referral link → log in with your Rakuten ID first → apply (code 2162 attaches automatically)
- Residence Card + exact-match name/address; no credit card required
- After activation: one 10-second Rakuten Link call by the end of the 2nd month (050-5434-4653 works)
- 14,000 pt (MNP) / 13,000 pt (new or re-contract), in 3 installments from ~4 months; free calls within Japan, and free Rakuten Link calls to other Rakuten Link users, from day one
- Leaving Japan someday? No binding, no fee — just cancel before you fly
Conditions can change without notice — the campaign page you see after logging in through the referral link is always the final authority. This page reflects Rakuten Mobile’s official terms as checked on September 29, 2026.
日本語版：従業員紹介キャンペーン完全ガイド 中文版：中文指南 Vietnamese: Tiếng Việt
This site is independently run by a current Rakuten employee and is not an official Rakuten Mobile website. Applications through the referral link may earn the author a referral reward paid by Rakuten; your price is unaffected. Applicants’ personal information is handled solely by Rakuten Mobile.