Have you ever been asked by a cashier at the register, "Do you have a point card?"
The point card system is a popular culture in Japan. It is a system where customers or consumers earn points every time they purchase something from a store. Depending on the amount spent on shopping, the points accumulate and can be used after a while. Most retailers have implemented this system, but the problem is that each card needs to be kept separate. Have you ever seen someone trying to take their card out of their wallet in front of the cashier?
This time, we will introduce the various point card systems used in Japanese convenience stores and drugstores (pharmacies).
1. Nanako <Seven-Eleven7/11>
Nanacois a card that can be used at 7-Eleven. It is different from other cards because it can be used not only as a points card but also as an electronic cash card, i.e., a prepaid credit card. Also, when you charge your Nanaco card, you can accumulate points, which can be used later, making it very convenient. Also, if you shop at 7-Eleven frequently,you can earn double points.
- Card issuance fee:300yen
However,if you charge at 7-Eleven, you will also receive300 points.
- Point redemption rate:1pointfor every100 yen
Accumulated pointscan be exchanged for electronic money at a rate of1yenper point.
- Available stores: 7-Eleven, Ito-Yokado, Seibu, Sogo, Denny's,LOFT, Bic Camera, Mister Donut, Round One, Yamato Transport, etc.
Reference:Introducing IC cards, shopping-basedhttps://www.nanaco-net.jp/point/charge.html(Japanese)
2. Ponta<Lawson>
Ponta Card is the name of the points card used at all Lawson Japan branches andalso by partner companies such asGEOandHIS.
- Annual fee, issuance fee: Free
- Point redemption rate:1pointfor every100 yen
1point can be used for 1yen.
- Retailers: Lawson,GEO,HIS, stores listed on Hot Pepper Gourmet and Hot Pepper Beauty,AOKI, Showa Shell
Reference:http://lawson.jp/en/product_service/loyalty_program/(English)
3. T-Points <Family Mart/Three F/ TSUTAYA＞
The T-Point Cardwas originally issued byTSUTAYA. It can be used at FamilyMart and Three F convenience stores. FamilyMart T-Card members can also use this card to receive discounts on products, sohaving this T-Card is a great deal.
- Membership and annual fees: Free
- Point redemption rate:1pointfor every200 yen
You can use 1point for 1 yen when shopping.
- Available stores:Family Mart,Three F,TSUTAYA,Yahoo!Shopping, Maruetsu, Fujisio, Mitsukoshi, Isetan, Gusto, Eneos, Drug Eleven, etc.
reference:
http://www.family.co.jp/ft/t_point/get/index.html(FamilyMart)
http://tsite.jp/pc/r/al/tsutaya.pl(TSUTAYA)
4. Matsumotokiyoshi Card <Matsumotokiyoshi>
The Matsumotokiyoshi Card is a points card that can only be used at Matsumotokiyoshi.
- Admission and annual fees: Free
- Point redemption rate:1pointfor every100 yen
Cash andEdy(electronic money) only. No credit cards other than MatsuKiyo Credit Card accepted.
reference:
https://www.matsukiyo.co.jp/point/pointcard
Introducing IC cards, shopping-based
Starting from 200points,you can use the system where1point is worth 1 yen. On the 1stand2ndof each month, you will receive10 times the points.
So, why do Japanese people use this point card system? The fact is, in a consumer-driven country like Japan, especially Tokyo, more and more people shop every day. So, these systems are in place to give back, take advantage, and save money. Related to this is the famous Japanese proverb, "A little bit of everything adds up to a lot." So, the next time you visit your favorite convenience store, get a point card and start earning points.
This article has been partially re-edited by KARUTA from an article originally published in "Guidable."
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