What Is the Rakuten Mobile Employee Referral Campaign?
If you’re a foreign resident in Japan looking for a reliable, affordable mobile plan, you’ve probably come across Rakuten Mobile. But did you know that signing up through an employee referral link can get you significantly more Rakuten Points than the standard campaign?
The Rakuten Saikyou Plan employee referral points campaign is one of the best-kept secrets for saving money when switching to Rakuten Mobile. Instead of just going directly to the website, using a referral link from a Rakuten employee gives you an instant bonus — and the numbers are quite compelling.
How Many Points Can You Actually Get?
Here’s the breakdown of what you can earn:
Via Employee Referral Link
- MNP (switching from another carrier): 14,000 Rakuten Points
- New number signup: 11,000 Rakuten Points
Standard Campaign (No Referral)
- MNP: 13,000 Rakuten Points
That means using a referral link gives you 1,000 extra points on top of the regular MNP campaign bonus — essentially free money, just for clicking the right link.
For foreign residents who are already using Rakuten Ichiba, Rakuten Pay, or other services in the Rakuten ecosystem, these points are genuinely useful. You can spend them on groceries, electronics, travel bookings, and much more.
The Monthly Plan – What You’re Actually Paying
Before diving into the application process, let’s talk about what you’re signing up for.
The Rakuten Saikyou Plan costs ¥3,278 per month (tax included) and includes:
- Unlimited data on Rakuten’s own network
- Tethering included at no extra charge
- Access to the Rakuten Link app for free domestic calls
- No contract period or cancellation fee
For most smartphone users in Japan — especially those who stream video, use navigation apps, or frequently work remotely — unlimited data at this price point is genuinely competitive. Many foreign residents find it especially useful because they can freely use maps and translation apps without worrying about hitting a data cap.
If you’re curious about how to make the most of free calls on Rakuten Mobile, check out this detailed guide: Rakuten Link App Complete Guide – Free Calls for Foreigners in Japan.
When Will You Receive the Points?
This is an important detail that many people overlook. The Rakuten Points from the employee referral campaign are not paid all at once. Here’s how the schedule works:
- Points are distributed in 3 separate installments
- Payments begin 4 months after the month in which you used the referral link to log in
- Each installment arrives roughly one month apart
So if you sign up in May, your first installment of points would arrive around September or October. It’s a staggered system, but the total amount is still the same — and it’s fully worth the wait.
Make sure you log into your Rakuten account using the referral link before completing the application. The timing of that login is what determines when the point distribution schedule starts.
Who Is Eligible? Key Requirements to Check
Before applying, confirm the following:
- You must apply through the employee referral link — going directly to the Rakuten Mobile website will not qualify you for the higher referral bonus.
- You need a Rakuten account — if you don’t have one, you can create one for free before applying.
- The referral link must be used to log in before submitting your application.
- Limit of 5 lines per person — this applies to both the referral campaign and the standard plan.
- This campaign applies to both MNP transfers and new number sign-ups.
For foreign residents, it’s also worth noting that Rakuten Mobile supports applications with a residence card (在留カード), making it one of the more accessible carriers for non-Japanese nationals living in Japan. For a broader comparison of SIM options available to foreigners, this article is worth reading: Best SIM Card for Foreigners Living in Japan – Why Rakuten Mobile Stands Out.
How to Apply – Step by Step
Here’s a simple walkthrough of the application process when using the employee referral link.
Step 1: Access the Referral Link
Click on the employee referral URL: 👉 https://r10.to/henTIE
This will take you to the Rakuten Mobile campaign page. Make sure you’re logged into your Rakuten account on this page before proceeding.
Step 2: Choose Your Plan
Select the Rakuten Saikyou Plan. There is only one main plan, so this step is straightforward.
Step 3: Select MNP or New Number
- If you’re switching from another carrier (SoftBank, au, docomo, etc.), choose MNP to qualify for the 14,000-point bonus.
- If you want a brand-new number, choose new application for the 11,000-point bonus.
Step 4: Prepare Your Documents
For foreign residents, you will typically need:
- Residence card (在留カード)
- Passport (in some cases)
- Credit card or bank account for billing
- MNP reservation number (if transferring your number — request this from your current carrier before applying)
Step 5: Complete the Application
Follow the on-screen instructions to submit your application. The SIM or eSIM will typically arrive within a few business days for physical SIM orders, or can be activated almost immediately if you choose eSIM.
Why the Referral Route Makes Sense
You might wonder whether the extra 1,000 points really matters. On its own, ¥1,000 is modest — but consider the bigger picture:
- You’re already getting 14,000 points just for switching your phone plan
- The points are usable across the entire Rakuten ecosystem
- The monthly plan is already one of the most affordable unlimited options in Japan
- There’s no lock-in contract, so you can leave at any time without a penalty
The referral campaign essentially gives you a free month and more of service just for signing up the right way. For budget-conscious residents — students, working professionals, or anyone watching their monthly expenses — that’s a meaningful benefit.
Final Thoughts
The Rakuten Saikyou Plan employee referral points campaign is a straightforward way to get extra value when switching to Rakuten Mobile. With 14,000 points for MNP and 11,000 points for a new number, the bonus is real and the process is simple — as long as you remember to log in through the referral link first.
If you’ve been thinking about switching for a while, this campaign is a good reason to finally make the move.
To apply and claim your referral bonus, use this link: 👉 Apply via Employee Referral Link
The points will follow in installments over the months ahead — and in the meantime, you’ll be on one of the most flexible mobile plans available in Japan.