MoneyInJapan

nanaco points (Seven & i) program guide

How nanaco points are earned at Seven & i stores, converted to e-money, and how expiry works.

Direct answers

nanaco points are earned at Seven & i merchants, convert into nanaco electronic money at ¥1 each, and points earned April–March generally expire at the end of the following March — a largely closed-loop system.

Key points

  • Operator: Seven & i (Seven Card Service); free nanaco card or app.
  • Earned at participating Seven & i merchants and campaigns.
  • Points convert into nanaco electronic money (¥1 each) after registration.
  • Points earned April–March generally expire at the end of the following March.
  • Primarily a closed-loop Seven & i value system, not an airline-transfer currency.

Earning and converting to e-money

nanaco points are operated within Seven & i Holdings and earned at participating merchants — Seven-Eleven, Ito-Yokado, Denny’s and others — plus campaigns. You get a free nanaco card or mobile app. Accumulated points can be converted into nanaco electronic money at ¥1 each, which you then spend across the Seven & i network. A key caution: never assume that charging nanaco with an arbitrary credit card earns that card’s points — only specifically eligible funding routes qualify.

Expiry and closed-loop nature

Points earned from April through the following March generally expire at the end of the next March, creating a maximum life near two years. nanaco is primarily a closed-loop Seven & i value system rather than an airline-transfer currency, so its value is realised inside the Seven & i network. Foreign residents can use nanaco with little friction (no ID for basic use), though earning base card points requires a specifically eligible card. The best fit is anyone who regularly shops at Seven-Eleven and Ito-Yokado.

Who this is for

  • 7-Eleven and Ito-Yokado shoppers

What this is not

  • People wanting airline-transferable points
Important cautions
  • Do not assume any credit card charge to nanaco earns card points — verify the funding route.

Frequently asked questions

WAON or nanaco — what is the difference?

WAON POINT is AEON’s loyalty currency (earned at AEON-group stores, ~two-year maximum life), while nanaco is Seven & i’s system (earned at Seven-Eleven and Ito-Yokado, points convert to nanaco e-money). Both distinguish the loyalty point from the stored-value electronic money of the same name, and both are largely closed-loop.

What is best for Seven-Eleven shoppers?

Compare nanaco/Seven benefits with the current eligible convenience-store card bonus (such as SMBC NL’s selected-store smartphone-touch route); the best payment can vary by purchase type. Scan the membership, apply coupons, then pay with the best eligible route.

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