Everything there is to know about Japan’s point cards

If you have spent any amount of time in Japan, you will quickly notice that point card culture here is on another level. Japanese point cards are a big deal—almost every shop has its own point card!

Whether at the convenience store, department store or the local neighborhood cafe, the first question you will likely be asked by the cashier is ポイントカードはおもちですか? (pointo ka-do wa omochidesuka?; “Do you have a point card?”)

You may wonder if you need a Japanese point card for every shop you visit. While it is tempting to collect them all for those “just in case” moments, there are a few popular point cards that will be your key to extra savings.

Don’t worry if you are unsure how to sign up, we will cover everything you need to know about Japanese point cards.

• Japan’s Point Card History
• Types Of Japanese Point Cards
• How Can I Make A Japanese Point Card?
• Most Popular Japanese Point Cards
• Are Japanese Point Cards Worth It?
• Regular Point Cards vs Payment Cards with Loyalty Points
• Online App Cards

Japan’s Point Card History

In essence, a point card is a rewards system that allows customers to earn points for every yen they spend at a particular store or list of retailers. To understand Japan’s love of point cards, we need to look back at past promotions. 

Japanese point cards date back to a Kitakyushu City clothier in 1916. The popular stamp cards that we know today were introduced in the 1960s, but point cards began to gain momentum after the rise of cash cards and credit cards promoted rewards programs in the 1980s. Soon after, department stores, convenience stores and service providers entered the point card market.

Point cards benefit shoppers with redeemable cash rewards but are ultimately useful for companies to track sales and campaigns. You will often see 貯まる (tamaru; “to save”) and 使える (tsukaeru; “can be used”) on promotional point card posters throughout shops and stations.

Types Of Japanese Point Cards

Before stuffing your wallet with the endless number of point cards in Japan, there are a few different types to be aware of and which provide the most benefits when redeemed.

Big names in the point card world include Rakuten, dPoint, and T-Point. These cards are popular because they offer a long list of shops and restaurants from which you can earn points. It’s a fast and easy way to earn points and discover new promotions and sales.

If you see its logo at the checkout area, you will know if a shop is compatible with your Japanese point card.

Single Shop Use Point Cards

It’s common to see supermarkets, drugstores and chain retail shops offering their own point cards. Matsumoto Kiyoshi, the largest chain pharmacy, has a point card that is eligible to earn points on the majority of purchases and often runs point multiplier promotions.

Redeeming points at single shops will lead to discounts at the register, a win if you are a frequent shopper.

Japanese Stamp Cards

Sometimes this can be confusing, as some stores use the term interchangeably. The main difference between Japanese point cards and stamp cards is the reward systems.

Stamp cards will receive a physical stamp every time an eligible purchase is made, such as a cup of coffee from your favorite cafe. When the card is full, it can be redeemed for a free item or yen off the next time you stop in.

How Can I Make A Japanese Point Card?

Click here to read more.

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