If you are a foreign resident in Japan trying to cut down on monthly phone bills, two names keep coming up: povo2.0 and Rakuten Mobile. Both are low-cost options, both are popular online, and both can feel confusing if you are approaching them from outside the Japanese mobile ecosystem.
This guide breaks down the real differences — pricing, data structure, point rewards, and everyday usability — so you can make a clear decision for 2026.
What Is povo2.0? A Quick Overview
povo2.0 is au’s self-service mobile plan. There is no fixed monthly base fee. Instead, you purchase “topup” data packages as needed — for example, ¥390 for 1GB (7 days) or ¥2,700 for 20GB (30 days). There are also promotional free topups and limited-time offers.
Key characteristics of povo2.0:
- Base fee: ¥0/month
- Data: Pay-as-you-go via topup purchase
- Voice calls: 22 yen/30 seconds (pay-per-use), or optional flat-rate add-on
- SIM only, no physical store support
- App-based management (Japanese interface)
For people who barely use their phone — or who have home Wi-Fi and only need occasional mobile data — povo2.0’s ¥0 base sounds appealing. However, there is a catch: if you do not make any paid topup or call within 180 days, your account may be suspended. This matters for light users who forget to top up.
What Is Rakuten Mobile? A Quick Overview
Rakuten Mobile offers a single unlimited data plan called Rakuten最強プラン (Saikyou Plan). As of 2026, the monthly fee is ¥3,278 (tax included) for unlimited domestic data. There are no tiers, no data caps to worry about, and no per-topup management required.
Key characteristics of Rakuten Mobile:
- Monthly fee: ¥3,278 (tax included), unlimited data
- Calls: Free unlimited domestic calls via Rakuten Link app
- Integrated with Rakuten’s broad ecosystem (points, shopping, travel, etc.)
- Physical stores available across Japan for support
- Works on compatible unlocked or Rakuten-purchased devices
povo2.0 vs Rakuten Mobile: Direct Price Comparison
Let’s look at what you would actually pay each month across different usage patterns.
Light User (under 3GB/month)
| Plan | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| povo2.0 | ~¥990 (3GB topup, 30 days) |
| Rakuten Mobile | ¥3,278 (unlimited) |
For very light users, povo2.0 wins on pure monthly cost. However, you need to actively manage topups, and if you go over your purchased data, you will need to buy more.
Moderate User (10–20GB/month)
| Plan | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| povo2.0 | ~¥2,700 (20GB topup, 30 days) |
| Rakuten Mobile | ¥3,278 (unlimited) |
The gap narrows significantly here. For about ¥578 more per month, Rakuten Mobile gives you unlimited data plus free calls via the Rakuten Link app.
Heavy User (30GB+ or frequent caller)
| Plan | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| povo2.0 | ¥3,740+ (150GB topup ÷ months, plus call costs) |
| Rakuten Mobile | ¥3,278 (unlimited, free calls) |
At this level, Rakuten Mobile becomes the cheaper option — especially once you factor in call costs, which povo2.0 charges per 30 seconds unless you add an optional voice package.
The Point Rewards Difference: This Is Where It Gets Interesting
Here is where Rakuten Mobile has a structural advantage that povo2.0 simply cannot match: Rakuten Points.
Every month you pay your Rakuten Mobile bill, you accumulate points. More importantly, if you switch to Rakuten Mobile via an employee referral link, you receive a significant one-time bonus:
- MNP (carrier switch): 14,000 points
- New number signup: 11,000 points
For comparison, the standard public Rakuten Mobile campaign offers 13,000 points for MNP — meaning the employee referral gives you 1,000 extra points on top.
Important Details About These Points
1. They are limited-period points, not regular points. This is critical. These bonus points are classified as 期間限定ポイント (limited-period points), which means they have a shorter expiration window than standard Rakuten Points. You should use them promptly — for example, on Rakuten Ichiba shopping, Rakuten Travel bookings, or utility bill payments via Rakuten Pay. Do not let them sit unused.
2. Points are paid in 3 installments starting 4 months after the referral login month. For example, if you log in via the referral URL in June 2026, the first installment arrives around October 2026. Plan accordingly.
3. Re-contracts and 2nd/additional lines are eligible. This is an employee referral exclusive benefit not available through the standard friend referral program. If you previously had Rakuten Mobile and cancelled, or if you want to add a second line, you can still receive the full bonus through the employee referral.
4. Applications from March 2, 2026 onward require a qualifying call. To receive the points, you must make at least one call of 10 seconds or more using the Rakuten Link app after signing up. Data-only SIMs do not qualify. This is a simple step — just call a friend or even Rakuten’s customer line — but do not forget it.
5. Login rescue rule: Even if you apply directly and forget to use the referral link first, you can still qualify by logging in via the referral URL within 7 days of your application date.
povo2.0 has no comparable new-user point bonus system. You do earn au PAY points on topup purchases, but the amounts are small and the ecosystem is separate.
If you are already using Rakuten services — Rakuten Ichiba, Rakuten Travel, Rakuten Pay — these bonus points can translate directly into meaningful savings. For practical tips on how to maximize those points with hotel bookings and travel, this article is worth reading: Rakuten Travel × Rakuten Mobile Point Multiplier: Hotel Booking & Travel Savings Tips for Foreign Residents in Japan [2026 Guide].
Usability for Foreign Residents in Japan
Language and Support
povo2.0 is primarily a Japanese-language, app-only service. There is no English customer support and no physical store. For foreign residents who are still navigating Japanese bureaucracy, this can be a real barrier.
Rakuten Mobile also has a Japanese-primary interface, but its physical store presence and wider online English-language community make it easier to troubleshoot. Many foreign residents have documented their switch process in English, which helps.
SIM Compatibility
Both services require compatible SIM-unlocked devices. If you are switching from au to Rakuten Mobile, you may need to go through a SIM unlock process first — this is covered in detail here: How to Switch from au to Rakuten Mobile SIM Unlock Guide [2026 Guide].
Coverage
Rakuten Mobile has expanded its own network significantly and partners with au’s network for areas not yet covered. As of 2026, domestic coverage has improved substantially. povo2.0 uses au’s network directly, which historically has strong coverage across Japan.
Who Should Choose povo2.0?
povo2.0 makes the most sense if:
- You use less than 3GB per month and have reliable Wi-Fi at home and work
- You want a backup SIM with minimal monthly cost
- You are comfortable managing topups in Japanese
- You make very few voice calls
Who Should Choose Rakuten Mobile?
Rakuten Mobile makes more sense if:
- You use 10GB or more per month and want peace of mind with unlimited data
- You make domestic calls regularly (free via Rakuten Link)
- You are already in the Rakuten ecosystem and want to earn and use points efficiently
- You want a single, simple monthly bill with no topup management
- You want to take advantage of the 14,000-point MNP bonus via employee referral
The Real Cost Comparison Over 12 Months
Let’s do a quick 12-month total cost estimate for a moderate-to-heavy user.
povo2.0 (20GB/month):
- ¥2,700 × 12 = ¥32,400
- Plus occasional extra topups and call costs: ~¥35,000–38,000/year
- Point rewards: minimal
Rakuten Mobile (unlimited, via employee referral MNP):
- ¥3,278 × 12 = ¥39,336
- Minus 14,000 points (≈ ¥14,000 usable value): effective annual cost ≈ ¥25,336
- Ongoing monthly points accumulation from payments
Over 12 months, the employee referral bonus alone can flip the cost equation dramatically in Rakuten Mobile’s favor — even compared to povo2.0’s lower base monthly fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use povo2.0 and Rakuten Mobile together?
Yes. Some users keep povo2.0 as a low-cost backup SIM (especially useful for au network coverage) while using Rakuten Mobile as their main line. If you have a dual-SIM phone, this can be a practical setup.
Is Rakuten Mobile reliable enough in 2026?
Coverage has improved substantially. For most urban and suburban areas, day-to-day reliability is comparable to the major carriers. If you are concerned about network quality, checking the latest coverage maps and user reviews for your specific area is always a good step.
What if I switch and regret it?
It’s a fair concern. Understanding the common pitfalls before you switch can save you frustration: Regrets After Switching from SoftBank to Rakuten Mobile: Reasons, Checklist & How to Avoid Failure [2026 Guide] walks through the most common issues and how to avoid them.
Final Verdict
For light users who primarily rely on Wi-Fi and rarely make calls, povo2.0 is a genuinely cost-effective option with its ¥0 base fee structure.
For moderate to heavy users, especially those already embedded in the Rakuten ecosystem, Rakuten Mobile comes out ahead — particularly when you account for the unlimited data, free calls via Rakuten Link, and the substantial point bonus available through the employee referral program.
The 14,000 points for MNP (or 11,000 for new signup) available via the employee referral is a meaningful financial incentive that povo2.0 has no equivalent for. Just remember: these are limited-period points, so use them within the validity window, and make sure to complete a call of 10 seconds or more via the Rakuten Link app to qualify.
How to Apply via Employee Referral
If you have decided Rakuten Mobile is the right move, applying through an employee referral link takes just a few minutes and ensures you receive the maximum bonus points.
You can use the referral link below to start your application:
👉 Apply for Rakuten Mobile via Employee Referral (14,000pt for MNP / 11,000pt for new signup)
Remember: if you apply first and forget the link, you have 7 days to log in via the referral URL and still qualify. And once you are set up, make that first 10-second Rakuten Link call — it is the one step that activates your point eligibility.