Bills, Payment and Overdue Charges
Closing dates, payment dates, direct debit, convenience-store payment, service suspension and forced termination — with the differences between carrier groups.
Closing date, payment date and method
| Carrier group | Closing date | Normal payment date | Methods and failed-debit treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| DOCOMO / ahamo | Calendar month | Last day of the following month; card payments follow the card issuer | Bank direct debit or credit card. A failed debit may be retried on a separately announced date. Invoice/Web Billing can be paid at supported convenience stores; a DOCOMO Shop can accept overdue payment in applicable cases. |
| au / UQ mobile | Calendar month | Usually the 25th of the following month for standalone mobile; some contracts use month-end or the 10th. Card date follows issuer. | Direct debit or card. No automatic re-debit after a failed withdrawal: pay through My au/My UQ, a payment slip, convenience store, Pay-easy ATM or an eligible au shop. UQ counter availability differs. |
| SoftBank | 20th or month-end, depending on the cycle shown in My SoftBank | 16th for the 20th cycle; 26th for month-end; card date follows issuer | Direct debit or card. No re-debit. After failure, pay in My SoftBank, with the slip at a convenience store/ATM/bank, or in cash at a SoftBank shop. |
| Y!mobile / LINEMO | Calendar month | 26th of the following month for direct debit; card date follows issuer | Direct debit or card. A failed payment moves to online payment or a mailed slip. Y!mobile shop payment is available in applicable cases; LINEMO is mainly self-service. |
| Rakuten Mobile | Calendar month | Card/debit around the 11th–13th; bank debit on the 27th | Card, supported debit card or bank debit. A failed payment can be paid in my Rakuten Mobile or by convenience-store slip. A current slip issuance fee of ¥396 and handling charges may apply. |
| povo2.0 | Calls/SMS and recurring toppings: month-end; one-time toppings: immediate | Recurring charges around the 10th–12th; unpaid auto-payment is attempted on the 20th | Credit card or Paidy. Paidy can be settled by direct debit, bank transfer or convenience store. povo does not offer an ordinary paper-bill choice. |
What happens after non-payment?
Important payment-language differences
口座振替 / 口座引き落とし
Both mean automatic debit from a registered bank account. 再振替 means a second attempt; it is not offered by every carrier. After failure, check whether the carrier will retry or requires separate payment.
コンビニ払い
Convenience-store payment is often an overdue route, not a monthly method you may freely select. Bring the valid barcode/slip and keep the receipt until the account shows paid.
ショップ払い
A carrier shop may accept cash for an overdue bill, but online-focused plans and some sub-brands may not. Shop payment cannot extend the due date, and restoration can take time.
Common questions
How do I pay a Japanese mobile bill?
Normally by bank direct debit (口座振替) or a credit card in your name. Convenience-store payment is usually an overdue route, not a monthly method you freely choose. Use the closing and payment dates shown in your own account or notice, since bank holidays and card issuers can shift them.
Can I use a foreign credit card?
Carriers require a card their payment processing accepts, and acceptance of an overseas-issued card is not guaranteed. Bank direct debit from a Japanese account, or a supported debit card, is the more reliable route. Check the carrier's accepted payment methods before you apply.
What happens if a payment fails?
You get an SMS, email, app notice or payment slip with a new deadline. Not every carrier re-attempts the debit. If it stays unpaid, the line is suspended, the contract can be forcibly terminated, and an unpaid termination can affect screening at other carriers later.
Is a suspended line the same as a cancelled one?
No. Base charges and device installments can continue while a line is suspended. Paying after a forced termination does not restore the old contract or number, and debt, late interest and the device balance can remain.
When is my bill due?
It varies by carrier group — for example DOCOMO and ahamo close on the calendar month with payment by the end of the following month, while SoftBank cycles can close on the 20th or month-end. Card payment dates follow the card issuer. Always use the date shown in your own account or notice.