J-Residents - How to Earn Miles in Japan?
May 31, 2016, 9:52 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Tokyo
Posts: 28
J-Residents - How to Earn Miles in Japan?
Hey guys! Background for me is that I'm seriously considering a job offer in Tokyo.
I've looked though ANA and JAL rewards, as well as a slew of other sources. Mileage accumulation seems like a much different (and less fruitful) game on that side of the Pacific. For example, some cards charge 10,000 yen AF just so you can earn 1 mile per 100 yen. With no bonus categories!
Do you guys have any tips or methods, for building miles through JPY? Feel free to mention helpful sites/resources. Thanks!!
I've looked though ANA and JAL rewards, as well as a slew of other sources. Mileage accumulation seems like a much different (and less fruitful) game on that side of the Pacific. For example, some cards charge 10,000 yen AF just so you can earn 1 mile per 100 yen. With no bonus categories!
Do you guys have any tips or methods, for building miles through JPY? Feel free to mention helpful sites/resources. Thanks!!
Jun 1, 2016, 12:33 am
#2
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 256
Never tried it myself and also not sure of the exact mechanics but an easy way would be to link your PASMO to a miles earning credit card like the ANA To Me JCB card.
Japanese link: http://www.to-me-card.jp/campaign/tome_ana/
I say easy in that spending money on trains and charging your PASMO is something that is done frequently. But otherwise the application process, information gathering, and other details can be hard to navigate for non-Japanese speakers.
Simple approach would be to get a no forex fee US issued credit card using your US address.
Japanese link: http://www.to-me-card.jp/campaign/tome_ana/
I say easy in that spending money on trains and charging your PASMO is something that is done frequently. But otherwise the application process, information gathering, and other details can be hard to navigate for non-Japanese speakers.
Simple approach would be to get a no forex fee US issued credit card using your US address.
Jun 1, 2016, 12:35 am
#3
Moderator, All Nippon Airways and Japan
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: TYO
Programs: NH SFC (*G), JL JGP (OWE), AS MVP, WOH E, IHG SE
Posts: 3,908
I suggest you do a search for -- but the short answer is to try and churn US cards using your US address (assuming you have one and have a SSN). Otherwise, prepare to start flying -- most programs outside of the US are not nearly as generous with mileage bonuses and credit card miles.
For more details I suggest you ask in the fora of the respective mileage programs.
For more details I suggest you ask in the fora of the respective mileage programs.
Jun 1, 2016, 9:44 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Tokyo
Posts: 28
Thanks guys, it looks like the situation is basically what I was expecting.
I'll be paid in JPY, so I'll probably just go for a ANA CC slash one with Edy or Suica capabilities. Train costs do add up!
If I was getting paid in USD, I could keep the churn going with no-FX cards. Guess I'll just have to step up to a multinational employer!
I'll be paid in JPY, so I'll probably just go for a ANA CC slash one with Edy or Suica capabilities. Train costs do add up!
If I was getting paid in USD, I could keep the churn going with no-FX cards. Guess I'll just have to step up to a multinational employer!
Jun 2, 2016, 10:29 pm
#5
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Hong Kong
Programs: BA Gold, JGC Sapphire, OZ Diamond, AF Silver, CX GR, Marriott Lifetime SL
Posts: 3,598
I suggest you do a search for -- but the short answer is to try and churn US cards using your US address (assuming you have one and have a SSN). Otherwise, prepare to start flying -- most programs outside of the US are not nearly as generous with mileage bonuses and credit card miles.
For more details I suggest you ask in the fora of the respective mileage programs.
For more details I suggest you ask in the fora of the respective mileage programs.
Jun 3, 2016, 3:50 pm
#6
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA 1K/1MM, Marriott/IHG Ambassador, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 291
One of my Japanese friend went back to Tokyo 2~3 years ago and is on a high paid job. However it took her two years just to get her credit card limit raised from 100,000 yen to 200,000 yen (no more I believe).
So I won't bet on mileage accumulation especially if you are new to Japan.
So I won't bet on mileage accumulation especially if you are new to Japan.
Jun 5, 2016, 9:29 pm
#7
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: HND
Programs: JAL Sapphire
Posts: 542
The game is slightly different here -- you can maintain status, but not get as many signup bonus miles. For example I hold the DL AMEX and that grants me DL Gold while I continue to hold the card, without having actually qualified for DL Gold.
JAL and ANA have the same scheme after qualifying for Sapphire or Platinum respectively.
In some respects, this is a slightly more sustainable system where you actually have to fly, but you get all or most of the perks of the status including the bonus miles. I suppose fewer people are willing to pay the annual fee just to keep their status, and so it's not as bad to have people keep their status around (especially if it's light usage)
JAL and ANA have the same scheme after qualifying for Sapphire or Platinum respectively.
In some respects, this is a slightly more sustainable system where you actually have to fly, but you get all or most of the perks of the status including the bonus miles. I suppose fewer people are willing to pay the annual fee just to keep their status, and so it's not as bad to have people keep their status around (especially if it's light usage)