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Credit Cards and Airline Programs

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Point Maximization with WAON

The WAON point program is useful for those living close to an AEON store or partners where WAON can be used. 1% returns or more is possible, though purchases not using the WAON card will only receive 0.5% returns.

This requires a credit card to charge a WAON card. Existing WAON card users can transfer credit to new WAON cards.

Here are some points to consider:

  • WAON Points = 0.5% on purchases where WAON can be used (Source).
  • Users can use an autorecharge function or charge online with the WAON netstation using a linked credit card.
  • Purchases requiring more than the available balance will autorecharge (Source).
  • Net charging is only available with select cards: AEON-branded credit cards, WAON-branded credit cards, mobile WAON.
  • The current card partners are JP Bank, VJA Group, Mitsui Sumitomo, JAL (JMB) (Source).
  • Extra points during the 5th, 15th, and 25th days of each month.

Check WAON point usage using this site.

Japan Airlines Mileage Bank and WAON (1% Returns)

Apply for a JAL AEON card and use it to charge the WAON account linked to the card. Alternatively, apply for a JMB Waon (500 yen).

  • Net 1% minimum returns through JMB Miles (0.5%) and WAON Points (0.5%)
  • JAL AEON Card = 0.5% on purchases (Source).
  • Equivalency: 10,000 miles = 10,000 WAON Points (10,000 yen) (Source 1, 2).
  • 1,000 miles minimum per conversion, 500 mile increments.

JP Post Bank and WAON (1% Returns)

  • Net 1% minimum returns through JP Bank Card (0.5%) and WAON Points (0.5%)
  • Requires the purchase of a JP Post Bank WAON card (300 yen) (Source)
  • Extra points for purchases at the JP Point Up Mall.

Point Maximization with AU Points/AU Wallet

AU phone users receive an AU prepaid credit card to link with an AU account. A credit card can be used to charge an AU prepaid card, giving users points on their credit card as well as charge points on their AU account, with 100 yen receiving 1 point.

Here are some points to consider:

  • AU points = 1% on charges (Source).
  • Charging by credit card only works with select credit card companies if using VISA, but works with all MasterCard cards. Those using other VISA cards will need to charge by adding to the monthly bill.
  • AU prepaid cards only have a magnetic stripe. They do not have IC chip functions and may not work with the latest credit card readers.
  • AU prepaid cards use the MasterCard network.
  • AU points can be converted into prepaid card money or for discounts on phone service payments (3000 points for a 500 yen discount for 6 months).
  • Users can use an autorecharge function or charge using a smartphone app or online webpage.

Point Maximization with SoftBank

SoftBank phone users can use a prepaid card similar to the AU card, with the extra points being in the form of T-Points. Users can only exchange T-points for 85% of the original value in cash or they can use the T-points at T-point partner businesses.

Point Maximization with Suica

Programs similar to the WAON program exist for Suica.

Point Maximization with Edy

Programs similar to the WAON program exist for Rakuten Edy.

Airline Mile Programs

JAL Credit Cards / JMB Mileage Program

JAL AEON Card Application

  • Get a JAL AEON card to get a free WAON card and maintain your JMB Miles.

JAL JMB Application

  • JAL is a member of the OneWorld alliance, which includes British Airways and American Airlines.

JAL JMB Family Sharing Application

  • Share JMB Miles between family members (for those not living in Japan).
  • Costs are 1,000 miles every five years and for member registration.

JAL Mileage Redemption

  • 10,000 miles for partner redemption (Amazon, WAON) or 50,000 for flights to the US.

ANA Credit Cards

Mizuho ANA Card and Application

  • Mizuho bank accounts are useful for receiving foreign money (JP Post Bank accounts are more useful for sending money overseas).
  • Mizuho ANA cards have no annual fee compared to regular ANA credit cards.
  • Use the Mizuho ANA Card to maintain ANA miles.

ANA Mileage Club Program Application

  • ANA is a member of the Star Alliance, which includes Air Canada and United Airlines.

ANA Mileage Club Family Sharing Application

  • Share ANA Miles between family members (for those not living in Japan).
  • Costs are 1,000 miles for member registration and any registration changes.

JAL Mileage Redemption

  • 10,000 miles for partner redemption (T-Point, Edy) or 45-55,000 for flights to the US.