Posts on Guide to Credit Cards, Smartphone Payments, and Rewards in Japan

Credit card automatic debit arrangement method that directly leads to fixed cost reduction

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900

Neglected subscriptions and inefficient payments: Preventing losses of tens of thousands of yen per year

When reviewing your monthly household budget, rather than cutting your food expenses by a few hundred yen, it is far more effective to reconsider your fixed expense payment method, which is automatically deducted once you set it up.

Eliminate “ghost subscriptions” such as video streaming services that you haven’t used for several months, and practice these four steps to optimize the return rate on your utility bills.

Double/triple points technique for QR code payment

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0900

Basic rules for “multiple picking” so you don’t get sluggish at the cash register

Do you casually tap a single QR code at the cash register at a convenience store or drug store to make a payment? In fact, by simply combining presenting a common point card'' and devising a payment method,’’ the points earned on a single purchase can double or triple. In this article, we will explain in a Q&A format the steps to achieve the triple without hesitation.

Tips for paying hometown tax with a credit card

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900

Is the rush in December a loss? “Hometown Tax Calendar” to be prepared from autumn

Are you donating your hometown tax in bulk at the end of the year in December? At the end of the year, not only do servers become congested and gift items run out of stock, credit card slots tend to be squeezed and campaigns are often missed.

The golden schedule for completing donations in the most economical way is a diversification strategy that uses 70-80% of the donation limit during the ``large return period from September to October’’ and leaves December as a fine-adjustment limit after annual income is determined.

Thorough comparison and acquisition conditions for gold cards with no annual fee

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900

Current status of “Gold with virtually no annual fee”: 1 million yen training trend

Gold cards used to be a symbol of status, but in recent years, cards that are virtually free of charge have become mainstream, with ``if you spend 1 million yen a year, the annual fee from the following year onward is waived forever.’’ It is a must-have card for cashless people as it allows you to enjoy free airport lounge access, generous travel accident insurance, and maintain a high return rate at no cost.

The strongest return rate route for fall 2026! How to use credit cards and electronic money

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900

Fall 2026 reduction power map: Surviving golden route

While the point award rates for various prepaid and electronic money programs have been revised one after another, there is a charge hub route that still maintains high returns as of fall 2026. By properly establishing “multiple returns” that cannot be obtained by paying directly from a credit card, it is possible to constantly raise the daily payment return rate to around 2.5% to 3.0%.

How to use cashless payments: How to maximize the return rate

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900

Nowadays, payment methods are diversifying, and if you just pay with cash or a single card without realizing it, you may end up losing a lot of money. The point redemption rate provided by each payment service varies greatly depending on how you use it. Here, we will explain practical “steps to use points” to maximize the point return rate in your daily life and help with your household finances.

Tips for using new membership campaigns wisely

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0900

When you open a new credit card, there’s not a day that goes by that you don’t see a flashy advertisement that says, “You can get up to 〇〇〇〇〇〇 points by signing up and using the card!” It’s very attractive because you can get points worth tens of thousands of yen, but this word “maximum” has a tricky pitfall. We have summarized the “Do’s” and “Don’ts” in an easy-to-understand comparison list format to ensure that you receive 100% of the benefits of the campaign and avoid any losses.

A credit card that lets you earn points when traveling in autumn

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0900

Autumn is the season when a slightly cooler wind begins to blow and the leaves begin to change color in various places. Just planning a trip to see hot springs, gourmet food, and spectacular views can be exciting. This time, I will talk about specific ways to use credit cards, including my own experiences, that have made my autumn travels even richer and smarter from the perspective of points.

Last month, I went on a three-day, two-night trip to Kyoto, which is famous for its autumn leaves. For this trip, I was able to receive tens of thousands of yen worth of refunds and discounts by making full use of my credit card, from preparations in advance to how I spent my time there.

Smart use of transportation IC cards and smartphone payments

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0900

Transportation IC cards such as Suica, PASMO, and ICOCA. Don’t you think of it as just a tool to get through the ticket gate on your daily commute to work or school? In fact, by properly linking it with smartphone payments and specific credit cards, it can evolve into the ``strongest payment tool’’ that will dramatically change your daily shopping experience.

The mechanism is simple, but the effect is tremendous. Let’s take a look at the benefits of this collaboration and how to set it up.

Household budget management and app linkage in the cashless era

Sat, 22 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0900

“If we shift to cashless payments, we won’t be able to see bills and change, so won’t we end up spending too much money?” This is a common concern faced by many people who are hesitant about going cashless. Indeed, precisely because we live in an era where invisible digital numbers are used as money, ``visualization (digitization) of household finances’’ has become an essential skill more than ever.

Do you no longer have to open up your receipts, hit your calculator, and handwrite in your notebook every night? By leaving it to the latest household account book app, you will be able to manage your money surprisingly easily.

Gold card screening criteria and reasons why you should have one

Sun, 16 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0900

A gold card is something that many people aspire to own someday. In addition to the status, there are also great practical benefits, such as being able to use airport lounges for free and getting one course meal at a restaurant for free. It used to be a symbol of the wealthy, but now it has become much more affordable, from cheap ones for people in their 20s to ones where annual membership fees are waived forever if you meet certain conditions. However, it is true that the screening hurdles are higher than for regular cards. Here, let’s take a deep dive into the “reality” behind the screening and the reasons why people fail the screening.

Tips for using multiple credit cards

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0900

When using credit cards, the question is, Should I simply limit myself to one card?'' or Should I use multiple cards for different purposes?’’ There is no one correct answer to this eternal theme. This time, we will propose the optimal approach and card structure for two completely different personalities and lifestyles (personas). Which type are you closer to?

Type A: “Minimalist” who wants to reduce management effort as much as possible

👉 Optimal solution: 1 main card with a high return rate + 1 sub-card with a different international brand (stored at home)

Advantages of touch payment and stores where it can be used

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0900

“Touch payment (contactless payment)” allows you to complete payment at the cash register in an instant. In recent years, it has become more common to see it in TV commercials and store logos, but there are probably many people who have never used it. This time, we will explain its charm and practicality in the form of answers to common questions that beginners tend to have.

Q1. What is so good about touch payments in the first place?

**A. Overwhelming speed, safety and hygiene. ** Compared to traditional credit cards, where you have to insert your card into a terminal, enter a PIN number, or sign your name, payments can be completed by simply holding your card or smartphone over a dedicated terminal. The payment process completes in less than one second with a beeping sound, so there is no need to rush even if there are people waiting in line behind you. Additionally, since there is no need to hand over your card to a store clerk, the risk of your card number being intercepted or skimmed is greatly reduced, and hygiene concerns are also alleviated.

Credit card supplementary insurance: What you need to know about coverage

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900

Credit cards not only make shopping more convenient by allowing you to pay later, but they also often come with additional insurance to protect you from unexpected situations. However, few people carefully read the thick terms and conditions that are included when the card arrives, and if you do not understand the contents correctly, it may be completely useless in an emergency.

Here, we will explain in detail the ``three traps and precautions’’ that you should never overlook when it comes to credit card supplementary insurance.

First photo recommended for students and new members of society

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900

Many people are thinking about getting their first credit card when they go to university or get a job as a new member of society. Your first purchase will become a very important partner in building your future credit history. Here, we will explain tips on how to choose and use cards wisely, focusing on the ``Three Bad Things You Should Avoid’’ to avoid making mistakes in managing your money in your new life.

How to choose the credit card you should bring when traveling abroad

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900

A long-awaited overseas trip. When you go to a destination, your credit card is the most important item that controls your fate next to your passport. We will provide you with a complete chronological preparation guide from before departure to after you return, so that you don’t run into troubles such as “I can’t use my credit card!” or “I lost a lot of money due to exorbitant fees!” while you’re there.

How to use advantageous campaigns of QR code payment apps

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900

“PayPay 20% return in 〇〇 city!” “Divide points by paying with d!” “Coupons are being distributed with au PAY!” When you walk around town, you’ll see posters, and when you open social media, you’ll be flooded with information on great deals on QR code payments almost every day. However, if you try to keep up with all of this, you will get tired from the information overload. This time, I will introduce ``my own routine and tricks’’ to skillfully sift through a large amount of campaign information and benefit from it effortlessly and efficiently.

2026 edition: 5 credit cards with high point return rates

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900

In 2026, the credit card industry’s point redemption competition will enter an unprecedented new phase. We are now in an era where just having a basic return rate of 1% is no longer attractive as a main card. The current trend is to make full use of ``specialized cards’’ that keep the basic return rate to a reasonable level but generate explosive returns when using specific stores or services.

We will introduce this year’s trends in credit card selection in detail in a ranking format by lifestyle and purpose.