How to Use Points Cards in Japan: The Ultimate Guide
When shopping in Japan, you’ve probably been asked, “Pointo kaado wa omochi desu ka?” If you’re like me, you’ve probably shaken your head, said iie (いいえ), and continued with your payment.
The clerk is asking, “Do you have a point card?” And if you don’t have one, you’re missing out on potential rewards anytime you spend money.
Googling “point cards in Japan” will result in various cards you can sign up for, each with its advantages. But which one of them is the best? Today we’re tackling the fun world of point cards in Japan to answer that question.
What is a point card in Japan?
Common physical point cards that Japanese people use
A point card in Japan, pronounced as "pointo kaado" (ポイントカード), is part of the Japanese shopping experience where you can earn points and use them for future purchases. Think of it like a cashback system.
For example, you can earn 1 point for every 100 yen. Once you’ve gathered enough points, you can use these points on your next purchase. Many of these point card systems have campaigns where you can earn double or redeem points for a discounted price.
Additionally, many of these point card brands allow you to earn and use points at most any convenience store (conbini), restaurant, bookstore, drugstore, shopping mall, grocery store, and even flight miles. However, the specific businesses where you can use them will depend on the point card itself.
If you are staying in Japan as a resident, then it’s a good idea to get one of the following point cards.
The most common Japanese points cards to have
1. Rakuten point card
Rakuten is a huge company in Japan that also offers a point card.
With over 700 stores and counting, there seems to be no limit to earning Rakuten points. The most popular stores include Rakuten, McDonald’s, Sukiya, Yoshinoya, Family Mart, and so much more.
Obtaining a Rakuten Point card is simple. If you want to use their app, you can download it on your phone and register as a new member. Once everything is confirmed, you’re ready to use the app as your point card.
If you want a physical card, you can go into a Rakuten or partner shop to sign up.
Overall features:
Conversion: ¥100 = 1 point
Redemption: 1 point = ¥1
Physical card fee: free
Point expiration: within 1 year
2. dPoint card
dPoint club’s physical point card
Despite starting in December 2015, dPoints is popular because of the amount of coupons and specials that are being offered. While Docomo is a mobile phone operator, you don't need to be a Docomo user to use this point card.
You can earn and use dPoints in hundreds of stores such as online shopping, drug stores, supermarkets, transportation, restaurants, etc.
There are two ways to sign up: Download the app, sign up, and use the point card on your phone. Or you can pick up a physical d-Point card and sign up at a Docomo shop.
Overall features:
Conversion: ¥100 = 1 point
Redemption: 1 point = ¥1
Physical card fee: free
Point expiration: within 2 years
3. Nanaco point card
You’ve probably seen this cute colorful giraffe if you’ve shopped at 7-Eleven in Japan. This mascot represents the Nanaco card.
The Nanaco card acts as a prepaid cash card that also has a point card system. This card is extremely useful if you shop at Seven&i Group stores such as 7-Eleven or Ito Yokado, a Japanese grocery and department store. But you can also use them at 200 other businesses in entertainment, food, cosmetics, and other sectors.
Most people apply in a Seven&i Holding store and pay the card fee to get a Nanaco card, but there’s also a mobile version where there is no card fee.
Overall features
Conversion: ¥100 = 1 point
Redemption: 1 point = ¥1
Physical card fee: ¥300
Point expiration: at the end of March 2 years when points are earned. For example, points earned in November 2023, will expire on March 31, 2025.
4. Ponta point card
Original physical Ponta point card design
The Ponta card is a point card for all Lawson stores in Japan with additional bonus discounts, but the card can be used at almost 200 other stores such as HotPepper Beauty, Apollo Station, and AU.
It's easy to register and obtain a Ponta card. You download the app, create a new account, and present the barcode to the staff to earn points. If you want a physical card, you can visit Ponta’s partner company to pick up and register the card with your account.
Overall features:
Conversion: ¥100 = 1 point
Redemption: 1 point = ¥1
Physical card fee: free
Point expiration: 1 year if the card is not being used.
5. T-point card
The T-point card is another versatile point card within Japan. With its bright yellow T in the center, it’s a point card that is hard to miss.
You can earn and use T-points at Family Mart, Welcia, Tsutaya, Enoes, and 200 other locations.
To get a T-point card, download the app and register. Then you can present the barcode when you check out to earn points. If you want a physical card, you would need to visit a store that uses T-Point. There, they can help you with the registration process and issue you a card.
Overall features:
Conversion: depends on the store
Redemption: 1 point = 1 yen
Physical card fee: free
Point expiration: within 1 year
6. WAON POINT card (by AEON)
This point card is distributed by AEON, a major corporate group that has stores and malls that have clothing, fashion, restaurants, household goods, and groceries.
With the WOAN POINT card, you can earn and use the points at AEON as well as in other stores such as MaxValu, Mini Stop, My Basket, etc. Whenever you use your WAON card, you will hear a “WAON” sound meaning your payment is complete.
Just know that it is similar to a prepaid cash card where you need to insert money to use it. To apply, you can download and register on the app to start using it. Or you can go to any AEON store to obtain a physical card for 300 yen.
Overall features:
Conversion: 200 yen = 1 point
Redemption: 1 point = 1 yen
Physical card fee: 300 yen
Point expiration: within 1 year
Which Japanese point card should I get?
If there is a specific store or restaurant that you frequently shop at, consider using their point card system.
While many people would suggest having two or three different point cards, it will be hard to accumulate points that way. Having one point card will help you track, earn, and use points more easily.
Additionally, many of these point cards have overlapping locations, specifically in restaurants. Just remember to use your points before they expire. Some points have an expiry date depending on the point card system you’re using.
How do you get a point card in Japan?
There are two ways to get a Japanese point card.
The easiest way is to download the app and register online. Once that is done, you can pull up the barcode to be scanned to earn or use points. While you won’t get a physical card, this method requires little to no Japanese skills.
If you want a physical card, you can go into any store that uses a point system and the staff will help you from there. Don’t worry about the language barrier as many staff will use simple Japanese or basic English to help you fill out the application.
To conclude
Living in Japan can be expensive, but with point cards everywhere, it's easy to save. Just remember to present your card to be scanned when you’re at the cashier.
Also, remember to check how many points you have every now and then. That way you’ll know how much you’ve earned, which could cover your next grocery bill or a nice meal out.
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