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%.
[Illustration] Total 2.5-3.0% return flow with multi-stage charging
Currently, the most promising route is a three-tiered structure that starts with a high-return credit card, passes through a relay virtual prepaid card, and flows into code payment or electronic money at the final destination.
[起点カード] 三井住友カードやOlive等（0.5%〜1.0%）
↓ チャージ
[中継プリペイド] Kyash / IDARE / JAL Pay 等（0.5%付与）
↓ チャージ
[最終決済] 楽天ペイ / WAON / モバイルSuica（1.0%〜1.5%還元）
Clear the point granting conditions in each layer and maximize the total return rate.
Return rate breakdown by step and monthly upper limit trap
- 1st tier (originating credit card → relay card): Usually secure 1.0% by using a gold card with virtually no annual fee. It is essential to check the terms and conditions to see if prepaid charges are not eligible for points.
- 2nd layer (relay card → final payment): The return rate here is around 0.5%. Please be aware of the monthly charge limit for each relay service (for example, up to 50,000 yen per month).
- Third layer (final payment at store): Set up Rakuten Pay, etc. to make code payment, and add store-specific returns (around 1.0%).
[Estimate] Annual impact based on monthly living expenses of 50,000 yen
This is the effective return if you pay about 50,000 yen in daily variable expenses such as food and daily necessities using these three tier routes.
| Payment method | Redemption rate | Monthly earned points | Annual earned points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct use of general credit card | 0.5% | 250 pt | 3,000 pt |
| High return credit card only | 1.0% | 500 pt | 6,000 pt |
| This charge route (3 layers) | 2.7% | 1,350 pt | 16,200 pt |
This can make a difference of more than 10,000 yen per year.
Important checks before implementation: Blockage risks and fee countermeasures
These refund routes are often subject to revisions to the rules (so-called “blocking”). When using the service at the beginning of the month, check the announcements from each relay company and make sure you are not excluded from the refund. Also, be sure to select only routes that maintain “completely free charging”, as routes that incur charging fees will put the cart before the horse.