MoneyInJapan

Japan premium and platinum cards compared

Compare platinum-class cards on fixed cost, base rewards, lounge access and insurance — from value-oriented to luxury.

For: People weighing a platinum card and wanting the fee justified by services. · Verified: 2026-07-30

Official-fact comparison

CriterionJCB PlatinumMitsubishi UFJ Card Platinum American ExpressSaison Platinum American ExpressSumitomo Mitsui Card Platinum PreferredAmerican Express Platinum
Primary-card fee¥27,500 including tax for the primary card.¥22,000 including tax; one supplementary family card is included.¥33,000 including tax for the primary card.¥33,000 including tax for the primary card.¥165,000 including tax; up to four supplementary family cards are included.
Base earning ruleAround 0.5% base accrual on eligible spend; the card’s value is weighted to services, not the base rate.Around 0.5% base on eligible spend; value is weighted to services, not the base rate.Around 0.75% base accrual; value varies with the selected mileage or redemption choice.Around 1% base accrual on eligible spend, with preferred-merchant uplifts and up to 40,000 bonus points by annual-spend tier.Points accrue under Membership Rewards rules; the card’s value is weighted to travel services, not the base rate.
Airport loungeComplimentary Priority Pass membership is offered under current terms.Priority Pass is offered under current terms.Priority Pass is offered under current terms.Domestic airport lounges and a Priority Pass-style overseas package are offered under current terms.The Global Lounge Collection includes Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass and partner lounges under current terms.
InsuranceComprehensive travel insurance and shopping protection apply under the policy guide with limits and exclusions.Comprehensive travel insurance and shopping protection apply under the guide with limits and exclusions.Comprehensive travel insurance and shopping protection apply under the guide with limits and exclusions.Comprehensive travel insurance and shopping protection apply under the policy guide with limits and exclusions.Extensive travel insurance and protections apply under the policy guide with limits and exclusions.
Overseas processing chargeJCB applies its designated overseas processing charge (published around 1.60%) on foreign-currency use; verify the current rate.Foreign-currency use incurs the issuer-designated overseas processing charge; verify the current percentage before travelling.Foreign-currency use incurs the issuer-designated overseas processing charge; verify the current percentage before travelling.Foreign-currency use incurs the designated overseas processing charge (around 3.63% on mainstream Visa/Mastercard products); verify the current rate.Foreign-currency use includes the conversion/processing charge in the member terms; verify the current percentage.

Methodology and limitations

We compare only current, official-issuer facts stored in each card record. Campaign awards are excluded from base rewards, and an unverified feature is shown as not confirmed rather than inferred.

This is a feature comparison, not a ranking of approval likelihood. Issuers make their own screening decisions. Fees, rewards and terms can change, so check the linked official sources before applying.

Safety check before applying

Does “first card” mean easier approval?

No. Inclusion is based on features and issuer-stated eligibility; we do not assess approval likelihood.

Are campaign rewards included in the base reward?

No. Awards with a period, enrollment or spending condition are kept separate from enduring terms.

Sources