Rakuten Mobile's Chotoku (Super Trade-in) Program — Everything You Need to Know
"Chotoku" (超トク) literally translates to "super bargain" in Japanese. Think of it as Rakuten Mobile's take on programs like Apple's iPhone Upgrade Program — a device financing scheme that spreads the cost over installments, but with meaningfully lower fees and some genuinely competitive monthly payments.
What Is the Chotoku Program?
You buy an eligible device and pay it off over 48 monthly installments charged to your Rakuten Card. Once you hit month 25, you get to choose what happens next:
- Return the device: The remaining unpaid balance — roughly half the original price — gets completely waived. You're done paying.
- Keep the device: Pay off that remaining balance in one lump sum and the phone is yours outright.
In practice, you pay for about two years of use and then you're free to jump to the latest model on the same terms — it's essentially a subscription-style setup, but with real flexibility built in.
Eligible Android Devices (Examples)
- CMF Phone 2 Pro
- Nothing Phone (3) — 256 GB / 512 GB
- Google Pixel 9a / Pixel 10 / Pixel 10 Pro
- Samsung Galaxy S26 / Galaxy S26+ / Galaxy S26 Ultra
The device lineup gets refreshed regularly. Head to the official Rakuten Mobile website to see what's currently eligible.
Why This Program Makes Sense
Benefit 1: Low Monthly Cost
Spreading payments across 48 installments keeps the monthly hit surprisingly manageable. With MNP, the CMF Phone 2 Pro comes in at just ¥550/month — which is honestly one of the cheapest ways to get into a 5G smartphone in Japan right now.
| Device | Monthly (MNP, months 1–24) |
|---|---|
| CMF Phone 2 Pro | from ¥550 |
| Google Pixel 10 | varies |
| Galaxy S26 | ¥1,990 |
| Galaxy S26 Ultra | ¥3,990 |
Benefit 2: Ideal for Long-Term Residents
If you're sticking around in Japan for two or more years, this setup works out nicely. Use the phone for 24 months, return it, and you've only paid roughly half of retail. Then just start the whole cycle again with a new device.
Benefit 3: Low Processing Fee
The return or exit fee is just ¥3,300 — a fraction of what you'd pay at other carriers, where similar programs can hit ¥20,000 or more.
Full Terms and Conditions
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Processing fee (return/cancel) | ¥3,300 |
| Early termination (before month 25) | Full remaining balance due immediately |
| Physical damage at return | Damage fee may be assessed before balance waiver |
| Minimum age | 18 years old and above only |
| Payment method | Rakuten Card required (no other cards or bank transfer) |
Tip for damage protection: Slap on a screen protector and a decent case from day one. If the phone comes back with significant damage, the assessment fee can add up fast and push your real total cost much higher than expected.
For residents planning to leave Japan: If there's a chance you'll be heading out before month 25, either buy the phone outright at full price, or factor in the lump-sum remaining balance you'll need to pay when you cancel. Do the math on your remaining balance before you book that flight.