Japan Airlines (JAL) offers a range of credit cards tailored for travelers based in Japan who want to earn miles through everyday purchases.
Known as JALCARD, these credit cards are integrated with the JAL Mileage Bank (JMB) program and offer exclusive bonuses, travel benefits, and shopping rewards.
This guide explains the card types, benefits, eligibility, and application process, helping you understand how to apply for a JAL credit card in Japan today.
Overview of Japan-Issued JAL Credit Cards
JAL issues several types of credit cards to suit different travel and spending needs. Each card tier offers its own mileage rate and bonus structure.
Japan-issued JALCARDs are available in four primary tiers:
- JALCARD (普通カード / Regular) – Basic mileage-earning card, low fee
- JALCARD Club-A – Enhanced mile accumulation, comes with flight bonus
- JALCARD Club-A Gold – Includes travel insurance and shopping perks
- JALCARD Platinum – Premium benefits, concierge service, and higher limits
Applicants can choose their preferred credit card network: JCB, Visa, Mastercard, or AMEX, depending on the issuing partner.
Most cards are co-issued through Mitsubishi UFJ NICOS, JCB, or other major Japanese card issuers.
| Feature / Card Type | JALCARD (Regular) | Club-A | Club-A Gold | JALCARD Platinum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee (incl. tax) | ¥2,200 | ¥11,000 | ¥17,600 | ¥33,480 |
| First Year Free? | Sometimes (promotions) | Often | Often | Rarely |
| Mileage Earning Rate | 1 mile per ¥200 | 1 mile per ¥200 | 1 mile per ¥200 (or ¥100 with premium) | 1 mile per ¥100 |
| First Flight Bonus | 1,000 miles | 2,000 miles | 2,000 miles | 5,000 miles |
| Flight Sector Bonus | None | +25% | +25% | +35% |
| Annual Renewal Bonus | 1,000 miles | 2,000 miles | 2,000 miles | 2,000 miles |
| Shopping Mile Premium | Optional (¥3,300/year) | Optional (¥3,300/year) | Included | Included |
| Travel Insurance (Overseas) | None | Basic | Up to ¥50 million | Up to ¥100 million |
| Domestic Travel Insurance | None | Included | Included | Included |
| Airport Lounge Access | Not included | Not included | Limited (brand-dependent) | Included |
| Concierge Service | Not included | Not included | Not included | Included |
| Issuing Networks | JCB, Visa, Mastercard | JCB, Visa, Mastercard | JCB, Visa, Mastercard | JCB (also AMEX with other benefits) |
| Income Requirement | Basic income/student OK | Stable income required | Higher income recommended | High income & credit history required |
| Ideal For | Beginners & students | Occasional travelers | Frequent domestic flyers | Business & international travelers |
Key Benefits of JAL Credit Cards
If you’re a frequent JAL passenger—or plan to be—applying for a JALCARD could help turn everyday spending into future travel.
Applying requires meeting basic criteria related to residency and income. The conditions vary slightly depending on the issuer.
Each JALCARD offers core features linked to JAL's frequent flyer program. Bonuses increase based on the card tier.
Mileage Accumulation
Standard rate: 1 mile per ¥200 spent
Shopping Mileage Premium (optional): Earn 1 mile per ¥100 at eligible stores (source)
Double miles with participating partners and campaigns
Flight Bonuses
First flight after card issue: Up to 5,000 bonus miles
Annual renewal bonus: Up to 2,000 miles
Flight sector bonus:
- Club-A: +25%
- Club-A Gold and Platinum: +25% to +35% (source)
Travel Insurance
Club-A Gold and Platinum cards offer international travel insurance (up to ¥50 million coverage)
Domestic insurance available with most cards
AMEX and JCB premium versions may include airport lounge access (source)
Additional Perks
Discounted in-flight shopping
JAL Duty Free and online shopping bonuses
Card-linked promotions at JAL partner retailers and hotels
Annual Fees and Interest
Fees vary depending on card tier and issuing company. Some cards also allow fee waivers for students or low spenders.
Annual Fee (Including Tax):
- JALCARD (regular): ¥2,200
- Club-A: ¥11,000
- Club-A Gold: ¥17,600
- Platinum (e.g., JALCARD AMEX): ¥33,480
Some issuers offer first-year free campaigns or allow family cards at reduced rates.
Interest Rate
- Standard APR: Around 15.0% for purchases
- Revolving payment interest: Up to 18.0%
Late payment charges apply as per the issuer’s terms
How to Apply for a JAL Credit Card Online
The application process is entirely online for most applicants residing in Japan. The process may take up to a few weeks, depending on the card tier.
Visit the official JALCARD website and choose your card tier and preferred payment brand (JCB, Visa, Mastercard, AMEX).
Agree to all terms and conditions, then fill out the form divided into personal info, work info, residential conditions, and more.
Use kanji and hiragana for the most important names and addresses.
JALCARD vs. Competing Travel Credit Cards in Japan
Consider:
| Feature / Card | JALCARD Club-A | ANA VISA Wide Card | Rakuten Premium Card | d CARD GOLD (NTT Docomo) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee (tax incl.) | ¥11,000 | ¥7,975 | ¥11,000 | ¥11,000 |
| Mileage/Point Program | JAL Mileage Bank (JMB) | ANA Mileage Club (AMC) | Rakuten Points (convertible to ANA) | d Points (travel & mobile use) |
| Mile/Point Accumulation Rate | 1 mile/¥200 (or ¥100 with Premium) | 1 mile/¥200 (1.5 with WAON, etc.) | 1 pt/¥100 (1 mile = 2 pts) | 1 pt/¥100 (travel: 10% back on docomo) |
| Flight Bonus | 2,000 miles (first flight) + 25% | 2,000 miles (first flight) + 10% | None | None |
| Travel Insurance | Intl: up to ¥50 million | Intl: up to ¥50 million | Intl: up to ¥30 million | Intl: up to ¥100 million |
| Airport Lounge Access | No (available on Gold tier) | No (only with ANA Gold) | Yes (28 domestic/international) | Limited (docomo lounges only) |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | ~2% (issuer-dependent) | ~2% (issuer-dependent) | 0% (Mastercard only) | ~2% (Visa) |
| Mobile/Shopping Benefits | Shopping Mile Premium (optional) | Edy/WAON compatibility | Rakuten online shop discounts | 10% docomo bill rebate |
| Best For | Frequent JAL flyers in Japan | Frequent ANA flyers | Rakuten ecosystem travelers | Docomo users with travel goals |
Contact and Customer Support
For questions or issues, JALCARD provides phone and online support during business hours. You can also check your application status online.
- JALCARD Customer Service (Japan): 0120-747-907 (Toll-Free, Japanese only)
- Alternate Number: 03-5460-5131 (for mobile or international callers)
- Hours: Weekdays, 9:00–17:00 JST
- Address: 2-7-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8388, Japan
Conclusion: Apply for Your JALCARD with Confidence
JAL credit cards provide a rewarding path to earning JMB miles, along with benefits tailored for travelers based in Japan.
With flexible options like Club-A for occasional flyers and Platinum for luxury perks, there's a card for every need.
The application process is simple and accessible online, provided you meet residency and income requirements.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice or endorsement of any credit product. The details provided here reflect publicly available information from JALCARD’s official website as of June 2025 and may be subject to change. Always refer to the issuer’s terms and conditions before applying. Approval is based on individual screening results. Mileage, fees, and benefits may vary by card type and network provider.
