Refund-Rate on Guide to Credit Cards, Smartphone Payments, and Rewards in Japan

Best Credit Cards for Summer 2026: Reward Rates and Perks Compared

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 10:00:00 +0900

Choosing a credit card for summer 2026 requires strategic thinking, considering the bonus season and travel demand. This article compares recommended summer credit cards by reward rate and perks.

Sumitomo Mitsui Card Gold (NL)

This popular card offers free annual fees for life when you spend over 1 million yen annually on contactless payments. Enjoy up to 7% rewards at convenience stores and family restaurants with touch payment. In summer 2026, the network of eligible stores has expanded further, increasing opportunities while traveling.

Complete Guide to Summer 2026 Point-Up Campaigns

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 10:00:00 +0900

Summer is the peak season for point-up campaigns across Japan’s major payment platforms. PayPay, Rakuten Pay, d払い, and au PAY all compete with high cashback rates, and savvy users can combine them for multiplied returns. Here is how to maximize your point earnings in summer 2026.

Major Campaigns This Summer

From July through August, each platform rolls out summer bonus campaigns. PayPay’s “Summer PayPay Festival” is expected to offer up to 20% back at eligible stores. Rakuten Pay ties into the Rakuten Super Sale, scoring points both online and in physical stores. d払い prepares exclusive high-return campaigns for docomo subscribers.

Top 5 Credit Cards Ranked by Return Rates: The Ultimate Guide

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0900

When choosing a credit card, the most important factor for many is the point return rate. Using a high-yield card for daily shopping and fixed costs can lead to massive savings. In this article, we rank and compare the top 5 highest-yield credit cards available in Japan.

1. Sumitomo Mitsui Card Gold (NL)

This card has taken the market by storm, offering up to 7.0%+ point returns when using touch payment at designated convenience stores and restaurants.