au PAY Card and Gold profile
The no-fee Ponta card, and the capped high rates of the Gold version.
The no-fee au PAY Card earns about 1% in Ponta; the au PAY Gold Card (¥11,000) can earn up to 5% on eligible au PAY auto-charging plus mobile benefits, but the high rates are capped and conditional.
Key points
- Issuer: au Financial Service; au PAY Card no fee, ~1% Ponta.
- au PAY Gold Card ¥11,000: eligible au PAY autocharge up to 5% (capped).
- eSmart Securities investing: standard ~0.5%, Gold ~1% (monthly limit).
- Good no-fee choice for Ponta/au users.
- Compare the capped autocharge bonus directly with the fee.
No-fee Ponta card and the Gold caps
The au PAY Card has no annual fee and an ordinary eligible return around 1% in Ponta, a good no-fee choice for Ponta and au users. The au PAY Gold Card (¥11,000 annually) can earn up to five percent on eligible au PAY auto-charging plus the wallet’s ordinary 0.5%, with conditions and a monthly bonus cap, and adds eligible mobile benefits. The published high rates are capped and conditional, so compare the autocharge bonus’s maximum directly with the fee. For card-funded investing, the standard card generally earns 0.5% and Gold one percent at eSmart Securities, up to the stated monthly limit.
Who this is for
- Ponta and au/UQ users
What this is not
- People outside the au ecosystem considering Gold
- Gold’s high rates are capped — the autocharge bonus maximum must be compared with the fee.
Frequently asked questions
Is the au PAY Gold Card worth the fee?
Its high published rates (up to 5% on eligible au PAY auto-charging) are capped and conditional, so compare the autocharge bonus maximum directly with the ¥11,000 fee, plus any eligible mobile benefits. It is best for Ponta and au/UQ users who will actually hit the capped bonus.
Can Ponta transfer to JAL miles?
Yes, ordinarily at two Ponta points to one JAL mile, which makes Ponta a natural fit for JAL flyers. A standard Ponta balance generally expires after one year without an earning or use transaction, so keep it active.