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Go shopping anywhere in Japan, and the first thing they asked when you’re at the checkout will probably be: Do you have a point card? (ポイントカードはお持ちですか? Pointo kaado wa omochi desu ka?)
A lot of times, we might opt for an easy いいえ in hopes that it’s a good-enough reply cut the transaction short, and it’s obvious why: point cards take up a lot of space in your wallet.
However, the next time a staff asked “Pointo kaado wa mochi desu ka”, you might want to raise the question: should I get a point card in Japan? This is because point cards have become a great life hack to save some money and rack up major points at gas stations, restaurants, drug stores and supermarket — all with one card!
When you’ve lived in Japan long enough, these types of communication can be a common experience, but don’t be quick to dismiss point cards. In this article, we’ll guide you to a better understanding of what ポイントカードはよろしいですか (pointo kaado wa yoroshii desuu ka) means and how to reply to it, as well as why you might want to get one (or two) point cards.
Meaning of ポイントカードはよろしいですか (Pointo Kaado wa Yoroshii Desu Ka)
“ポイントカードはよろしいですか” (pointo kaado wa yoroshii desuu ka) literally translates to, “Do you have a point card?”
Pointo kaado is a loanword borrowed from English. In most cases, this is the first thing they will ask you at the cash register.
Other variations of ポイントカードはよろしいですか are:
ポイントカードはお持ちですか
Pointo kaado wa omochi desu ka.
The word お持ち is a Japanese keigo derived from もつ (motsu), which means “to bring”. The お is a suffix, making the sentence even more polite. Sometimes, the store staff can also say:
ポイントカードわお持ちしますか.
Pointo kaado wa omochi shimasu ka.
Do you bring a point card?
Check out: 48 Basic Japanese Phrases You Need to Know
How to Reply to ポイントカードはよろしいですか (Pointo Kaado wa Yoroshii Desu Ka)
When you’ve just arrived in Japan as a student or traveling the country short-term, you might not botter to get a point card. If you don’t have a point card, you can just say “ないで” (nai desu) which means “No.” People also often say:
大丈夫です.
Daijoubu desu.
It’s alright.
いいです.
Ii desu.
It’s okay.
It can be confusing, as these three are a mix of affirmative and negative replies. However, most staff in Japan are used to hearing these default answers, so they know all of them equal to, “No.”
As you adjust to your life in Japan, you might have a few common point cards in your wallet as it’s a great way to save some money in Japan.
If you have a point card, you can simply say “はい” (hai) and give it to the clerk, who will scan it so you can accumulate your points.
If you want to be more polite, you can also say:
はい、持っています。
Hai, motte imasu.
Yes, I bring it.
What is a point card in Japan, anyway?
You might be wondering why point cards are always asked when making a purchase in Japan. That’s because the point card system is a popular culture in Japan. Point cards allow you to earn points every time you buy something from a store at certain amounts.
For example, some stores will add 1 point for every 100 yen purchase you make. Depending on the amount of money spent on shopping, you can accumulate points and use them without needing to reach a certain point.
Some point cards can be used for different stores: bookstores, convenience stores, drugstores and more. Some stores only use one particular chain.
If you are planning to stay in Japan for a while, it might be a good idea to apply for a card, especially if there’s a grocery store in Tokyo or a convenience store that you like to go to.
It might seem like a small thing to gain one point for every ¥100 or ¥200 purchase, but grocery bills and expenses for food can soar depending on how often you eat in and out. If you make a habit of using point cards for these purchases, you can collect hundreds of points! Simply put, you can treat it as a cashback system.
Different Types of Point Cards in Japan
The only problem is that most chain stores almost always have a point-card system. Does this mean you should get all the point cards offered?
The short answer is no. Our advice is to get point cards for a store that you frequently visit. This way, your wallets won’t get fat from all the accumulated cards you don’t use — which might end up being forgotten, too!
Of course, some point cards have an app version where you can simply show your account’s bar code. The staff will scan it, and your points will automatically be accumulated. This is great if you still want to save up some space.
If you are interested in obtaining a point card in Japan or looking to increase your rewards with your current point card, we’ll introduce five popular point card programs.
1. T-Point
The T-point card is used for Family Mart — and so many other stores in Japan. In fact, it’s probably one of the most popular (and used) point cards in Japan. T-Point card can be used (and redeemed) in a massive selection of stores from supermarkets and drug stores to shopping centers and electronic shops — even for travel purposes like Airbnb.
Stores that accept T-Point Card includes the drugstore Welcia, Tsutaya (one of the biggest bookstore chain in Japan), Gusto (a family restaurant), Camera Kitamura (electronic shops) and more.
The design of the T-Point card is pretty iconic: a big, bright “T” on a blue background.
Conversion: ¥200 = 1 point
Redemption: 1 point = ¥1 (may vary for other exchange systems with establishments)
2. Nanaco
Saw a rainbow-looking card with a giraffe mascot? That’s probably Nanaco. Nanaco is used at 7-Eleven, but unlike regular point cards, it’s a bit like an electronic cash card or prepaid credit card. This means you will have to charge your Nanaco card and use it to pay at eligible stores to be able to accumulate points.
Of course, this can be a bit of a hassle if you’re not that much of a loyal customer at 7-11. On the brighter side, Nanaco can be used at other places besides the convenience store chain. Basically, any Seven&iHoldings-operated establishments accept Nanaco. This includes Ito-Yokoda (supermarket), and chain restaurants Denny’s, McDonald’s, and Coco Ichibanya.
Conversion: ¥100 = 1 point
Redemption: 1 point = ¥1
3. Rakuten Point
You’ve probably heard of Rakuten to some degree, from credit cards, and e-commerce to banking. The company also has its own card, the Rakuten Point Card — or Edy. You can use it for shopping, dining, and services at various shops in Japan, and earn points by shopping through the Rakuten website.
Shops and stores that accept the Rakuten Point are almost endless: Sukiya, Mcdonald’s, Family Mart, Mister Donut, and more. You can check the full list of eligible stores here.
Conversion: ¥100 = 1 point
Redemption: 1 point = ¥1
4. D-Point
The D-Point Card is a point scheme affiliated with Docomo, the giant mobile phone operator, but you don’t have to be a Docomo user to register. You can earn and use D-points in a variety of ways including in stores and when shopping online.
While D-Points are relatively new in the point card world (they started in December 2015), it’s widely popular due to their benefits that range from coupons to special bonuses. These bonuses are given based on your stage, which is determined by the number of points you earn in 6 months.
You can earn points through this card by shopping at popular stores, which includes the three famous convenience store, Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Welcia, and more.
To pick up a new D-Point card for free, head to the nearest Docomo shop or Lawson convenience store.
Conversion: Typically ¥100 = 1 point (may vary depending on the stores)
Redemption: 1 point = ¥1
5. Ponta
The Ponta card from Lawson has an adorable orange raccoon as its mascot and offers various benefits such as accumulating points and saving money. When you use the Ponta card at any Lawson store, you can receive additional discounts by using your accumulated points to purchase items at a lower cost than the standard retail price.
Other accepted stores include Shell, KFC, Japan Airlines, 2nd Street, and more.
Conversion: Typically ¥100
Redemption: 1 point = ¥1
Redeeming Your Points in Japan
Now that you’ve collected your hard-earned points, don’t let it go to waste! Make sure that your points aren’t expired yet.
You can usually check your balance through the point card’s app. You can usually download T-Money, Edy, D-Point and other apps on iOS and Android. For local businesses like your nearby grocery stores that don’t use apps, you can confirm your balance somewhere on the receipt.
Locate the word 現在利用可能ポイント (genzai riyou kanou pointo) near the bottom of the receipt. This phrase means, “Current points available for use”. You can also check how many points you earned for your purchase by looking at the amount that’s labeled under 獲得 (kakutoku).
Points you’ve accumulated can’t be switched to cash. Generally, it’s converted to electronic money called 電子マネ (denshi manee).
Usually, your 1 point is equivalent to 1 yen per point, but be on the lookout for campaigns that give you a greater value for points.
Redeeming the points is easy. If you bring your point card and give it to the clerk, they’re inclined to ask if you would like to redeem your points. They’ll usually say:
ポイントはお使いになりますか？
Pointo wa otsukai ni narimasu ka?
Would you like to use your points?
From here, it can go three ways: you’d like to use a certain amount of points, all of the points — or, if you’re a loyal customer, pay for the entire item with just your points.
OO円分のポイントでお願いします。
OO en bun no pointo de onegai shimasu.
I’d like to use OO points.
全部でお願いします。
Zenbu de onegai shimasu.
Please use all of my points.
ポイントでお願いします。
Pointo de onegai shimasu.
(I’d like to pay) with my points, please.
Conclusion
There you have it! Living in Japan can be expensive, but there is a lot of life hacks that people often ignore because of the notion that it’s complicated. Although earning one point for every ¥100 or ¥200 spent may appear insignificant, our suggestion is to develop the practice of using your point cards in Japan every time you go to your favorite store. Although you may lose track of the exact number of points you have accumulated, consider it as a gift to you from you when the time comes to use it!
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