I'm in Japan now and I wanted to test the SmartEX ticket reservation system for the Tokaido and Sanyo shinkansen. I tried to sign up with three different foreign (Canadian) credit cards and each time I failed. From what I can tell from Googling on the issue, the 1-yen charge that SmartEX uses to confirm that your card is valid is too low for most foreign banks to accept. Not sure if this is correct, but one thing is certain: it didn't work with three different (and valid) North American credit cards. So, I pulled out my Japan-issued credit card (I used to live in Japan) and it worked immediately. And, I added my digital Icoca card to my SmartEX account, and it works perfectly. So, I can book a shinkansen ticket on my phone with SmartEX and then just tap my phone on the turnstile and board the shinkansen. It's brilliant. But, I'm afraid that this is unavailable to most foreign tourists. My questions:

1) Has anyone been able to sign up for and use SmartEX with a non-Japanese credit card?

2) Can anyone figure out a workaround for those who do not have a Japanese credit card?

I sure hope that SmartEx gets up to speed and figures out a way for foreigners to use SmartEX to book shinkansen tickets, because if you've seen the lines at JR ticket counters and even ticket machines recently, you'll understand why buying tickets online is crucial.

I've used Chase VISA and AMEX successfully

I booked Shinkansen tickets in advance on a website requiring also a credit card check with a 1 yen charge and this went fine. German issued Amex Gold.

Not able to use my Hyatt visa card

I was able to register with (American) Amex. I just tried to change the credit card registered with my SmartEx account and I was NOT able to register with (Canadian) TD First Class VISA nor (American) Chase Sapphire Preferred VISA using the SmartEx app. I can try to do the same with my desktop browser etc.

SmartEX uses 3D Secure technology to validate the credit cards and It's also possible that the banks are automatically blocking foreign transactions they think are fraudulent so might need to give the banks a call to see if they see anything on their side.

I don't see the option for 3D.
I couldn't change the credit card either

I just signed up two days ago and had the $1 authorization on my AmEx card show up immediately.

No luck with my chase Hyatt, want to put the spending requirements on this card.

Doesn't really help you but yes, I have booked several tickets with a Citi SG credit card this year.

Used a Canadian world elite Mastercard. No problems purchasing both inside and outside of Japan.

Just tried to register an account with smartex...

Costco Citi Visa... Failed...
Amazon Chase Visa... Failed...
Bilt Wells Fargo MasterCard... Failed...

Gonna try my Debit Cards, maybe one will work...

Just curious, which Chase VISA you used? I tried using my Chase Reserve VISA and Costco VISA yesterday and both failed. I tried to set up account both on my PC and iphone! I found using Japanese technology very frustrating! When I register with the Visit Japan Web when it first came out, I could not make it work on my PC with any browser it only worked when I registered on my iphone.

Chase Sapphire Reserve in May 2023. But hasn't worked since then.

My discover seemed to work for registering! Tried it recently.

3D Secure 2.0 https://www.cardservice.co.jp/servic...ard/3d_en.html from Atadistance

My understanding is that most US cards which do actually implement this without having to call in first send a validation sms or e-mail (Mastercard option?). Chase used to be able to process 3DS via phone call with Chase fraud/Verified by Visa agent AND send an sms, so purchases made within Japan would may need sms receive for the number on file.

The process
What to do if US issued card blocks international/overseas transaction
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/36092303-post121.html

Amex issued card might be the best to try first for least hassle if people have one https://thepointsguy.com/credit-card...card-security/ I've read Discover tends to work like JCB in Japan so that might be more compatible, too.