Aeon Credit Card: Earning Points, Features, and How to Apply

The Aeon Card: A Convenient Japanese Credit Card

Credit cards are usually used for shopping online and making payments for mobile phones, electricity, and gas. While a credit card has become essential today, students and foreign nationals in Japan may be wary of the screening process necessary for application.

The Aeon Card, issued by the Aeon Group (*1), has very simple screening process.

Additionally, affiliate stores such as Aeon, Aeon Mall, Daiei, and MaxValu offer discount prices and points when shopping with this card. Moreover, there is no annual fee! Read on to learn about the features of the Aeon card, card types, and how to earn points.

*1: The Aeon Card is issued by Aeon Bank.

Apply for the Aeon Card Using your Smartphone

Contents

• 1. Features and How to Apply for the Aeon Card
• 2. Two Popular Card Types
• 3. How to Acquire Points
• 4. How to Use Points
• 5. Great Campaign Deals

Aeon Card: Features and How to Apply for a Card

If you're wondering what sets this credit card apart, the top features of the Aeon Card are listed below.

Feature 1: A Simple Screening Process

The top feature is the simple credit screening process. The forms can be completed online. You also don't need to visit any offices or put your seal on paperwork like other credit cards.

With a smartphone, the application process can be done at home.

How to Apply for the Aeon Card
1. Fill in your name, address, and e-mail address in the application form on their official site.
2. Choose a card type (see below) and submit your form.
3. After the screening process is finished, the card will arrive in about two weeks.

The applicant must be at least 18 years old. The Aeon Card is used by people of all ages and occupations, from students to senior citizens.

Feature 2: No Annual Fees

Some Japanese credit cards have an annual fee from 1,000 to 10,000 yen. Fortunately, the Aeon Card does not charge such a fee.

This applies to all regular credit cards and the Aeon Gold Card, which offers special benefits.

Feature 3: Waon Points

Similar to other credit cards, users can earn points by using an Aeon Card. These points are called Waon Points and can be used for shopping at affiliated Aeon Group facilities listed below.

The normal rate is one point per 200 yen (after tax). However, shopping at Aeon Group facilities earns users two points per 200 yen (after tax), which is twice the normal rate.

This applies to Aeon, Aeon Mall, Daiei, and MaxValu located all over Japan. Buying perishable products and clothing is an easy way to acquire points. Those who shop at Aeon and Daiei should consider applying for this card.

Feature 4: Various Perks

In addition to earning Waon Points, the Aeon Card offers a wide variety of perks for cardholders.

5% Discount on the 20th and 30th of Every Month!

These two days are designated as "days to thank customers." There will be a 5% discount at Aeon, Vivre, and MaxValu stores nationwide.

Movie Discounts!

Aeon Cinema, located in Aeon shopping malls, also offers discounts. When purchasing movie tickets with an Aeon Card, 300 yen will be deducted from the original price. This also applies to anyone accompanying you.

Also, movie tickets can be purchased for 1,100 yen on the 20th and 30th of every month.

Travel Discounts!

Aeon Card also supports budget-friendly trips.

For example, 3,000 yen will be deducted from the tour price at HIS, a major travel agency, when using this credit card. Certain hotel reservations at Expedia and Hotels.com will come with an 8% discount, too.

Use the Aeon Card to enjoy good deals on movies and travels.

Two Popular Aeon Card Types

There are more than 50 types of Aeon Cards available. The two types listed below are highly recommended.

Type 1: Waon All-in-One Card

The Waon All-in-One is a regular type card. It works like a credit card with Waon E-cash, which can be used at Aeon Group facilities. Waon Points can also be charged on this card and utilized when shopping.

Additionally, users can choose their card design among various themes, such as Mickey Mouse, Minions, and Toy Story.

For details, please check the official site, which is available in various languages such as English, original/simplified Chinese characters, and Korean.

Type 2: Aeon Card Select

The Aeon Card Select is a card for those with an Aeon Bank account.

It works like a credit card and has a Waon E-cash function, just like the Waon All-in-One. This card also doubles as an Aeon Bank cash card.

Aeon Bank ATMs are located nationwide at Aeon facilities and Ministop, a convenience store. Aeon Bank is free of charge 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

Those who frequently visit Aeon Group facilities can use the ATM while shopping, so these customers should consider applying for this card.

Apply for an Aeon Card Using your Smartphone

How to Acquire Points with the Aeon Card

The following are ways to earn points with Aeon Card.

1. Double Points: Shopping at Aeon Subsidiary Supermarkets

By shopping at supermarkets, convenience stores, and shopping malls affiliated with Aeon, users can acquire twice as many points (two points per 200 yen after tax).

2. Double Points: Shopping on the 10th of Every Month

There may be times when you prefer shopping at non-AEON affiliated stores. In this case, choose the 10th of every month to shop.

At Aeon Group, the 10th of each month is nicknamed the "thank you day." Shoppers are awarded double points (two points per 200 yen after tax) at Aeon and non-Aeon stores.

3. Shopping at the Aeon Card Point Mall

This is an exclusive site for Aeon Card users to acquire extra points.

For example, shopping at Rakuten through Aeon Card Point Mall earns customers 0.5 points for shopping via the site. That's a total of 1%, including credit card usage (0.5%, except for AEON Group) and shopping through the site (0.5%)!

The rate of point redemption on the AEON Card Point Mall differs by store.

The mall also holds time-limited campaigns offering higher point percentages. Additionally, other campaigns award users points by answering questionnaires.

Take a look at the official site to load up on points.

Official website: https://pointmall.aeon.co.jp/ (Japanese link)

How to Use the Aeon Points

The acquired points can be used for shopping or obtaining gift certificates and Waon points (electronic money).

1. Shopping

At Waon Point member stores, the points can be used at the rate of one yen per point. Be sure to notify the sales clerk that you will be using the points.

In addition to the Aeon Group, affiliated stores include various companies such as The Body Shop, Sakai Moving Service, and Cosmo Oil.

For more details, please check the following site. Waon Point Member Stores: https://www.smartwaon.com/ext/001/partner_b/store.html (Japanese link)

2. Catalogue Items and Gift Certificates

Waon Points can be used to obtain various items or gift certificates. The minimum amount required is 1,000 yen.

The items are listed on the search page of "Kurashi no Money Site," a members-only platform for Aeon Card users. After choosing the item, log in and click the exchange button.

The same process applies to gift certificates. Please note that an additional 250 points will be required as an exchange fee. Waon Points can also be used as E-cash or shopping at Aeon stores.

Kurashi no Money Site Search Page: https://www.aeon.co.jp/app/point/gifts/list/ (Japanese link)

3. E-Cash

Accumulated points can be used as E-cash at Aeon Group stores. You can charge Waon Points into E-cash at Waon Station, located at Aeon stores, or an Aeon Bank ATM.

The rate is one yen per one Waon Point. Those who shop frequently at Aeon should use this system.

Great Campaign Deals

The application process for an Aeon Card is easy. Additionally, the card can truly be handy. There are also various campaigns for new applicants.

New users will receive a 10% cashback on the amount spent with your card. This offer is limited to those who submit their applications by October 10, 2021.

For additional campaigns, please take a look at the official site. (Japanese link)

Apply for an Aeon Card Using your Smartphone


Read also

• 

  Credit Cards in Japan: Complete Guide for Expats 2024

• 

  Using Credit Cards in Japan: A Guide to Money During Your Trip

• 

  Opening A Bank Account In Japan: Types Of Banks, Fees, And Procedures

All Photos by PIXTA