How to Charge your PASMO or SUICA in 2022

What is PASMO and SUICA?

PASMO and SUICA (PS) are physical or electronic Transportation Cards which use Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to allow for cashless use of the Japanese transportation system. In addition to transportation, PS can be used for various other purchases, such as, but not limited to, vending machines, convenience stores, supermarkets, and much more. You are able to “charge” your physical PS with Cash (Japanese Yen) at the train stations and some convenience stores or the electronic version stored on your phone with credit card/debit card/ or cash at train stations or some convenience stores.

The BIG ISSUE.

Since August of 2022 there have been issues with using foreign (from the perspective of a US Chase issued Visa card holder) issued Visa cards, through Apple Pay, to charge PS. Although there are no clear answers as to why Visa cards are not working, there may be some issues Visa 3D Secure implementation. PS upgraded their Visa 3D secure from Version 1 to Version 2; however, Chase Bank has not yet updated to the latest Visa 3D Secure which causes errors when trying to charge either the PS, either by adding your credit card in the app or through apple pay. This means if you have a Visa Card, you are no longer able to “charge” your PS for your travel and everyday purchases. You will now need to use a currency exchange to obtain Yen and charge your PS in a physical location.

Why does this matter?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve (Visa Card issued by Chase Bank) [CSR] is an extremely popular credit card for travel spend because it provides 3X points on every $1 spent on travel. The CSR was one of the best ways to “charge” your PS because it reduced your need to exchange foreign currency to Yen (save the money exchange fee), provided you with 3X points for every $1 spent, no foreign transaction fees, and allowed you to “charge” your PS anywhere. Using the CSR to charge your PS and using your PS everywhere you could, you were basically able to receive 3X points on all of your spending in Japan (and if you saved your $300 travel credit, you could charge it all to your PS and use it for wherever the PS is accepted). It is a little complicated, but until August of 2022, PASMO was coding as Travel and SUICA was not (3X points when charged on PASMO and 1X points when charging on SUICA).

The SOLUTION!

AMEX - The Green Card and SUICA

The American Express uses a different virtual validation method for transactions, AMEX Safekey, than VISA. As a result, you are able to use your AMEX cards to charge your PS through Apple Pay.

SUICA > PASMO

As of December 2022, SUICA codes as Travel/Transit and PASMO codes as general spend [Spend categories are “coded” by the Merchant for the type of purchase]; however, this may change in the future [In July 2022, PASMO coded as Travel and SUICA did not].

The Green Card

The Green Card offers 3X points on Restaurants/Travel/Transit and 1X points on other purchases.

Suggested Use

Use the Green Card at Restaurants and charge/use SUICA for all other eligible spend.

Take advantage of transfer partners to make the best use of earned points.

Note: Mastercard may also work. Check your card multipliers to see what works best for you.