Suicaスイカ
Written and edited by: JapanLiveNow
A Suica bought in Tokyo also works in Osaka and Fukuoka. For a refund, return it to a counter run by the company that issued it.
Standard Suica has a ¥500 deposit. Welcome Suica has no deposit but has an expiry date and no ordinary balance refund. Make sure you buy the version you want.
Official information checked · Standard adult cards
Sources: JR East and other Suica issuers ↗
Where can you buy it, and how much does it cost?
- Issuer
- JR East and other Suica issuers
- Deposit
- 500 JPY
- Initial purchase amount
- ¥1,000 / 2,000 / 3,000 / 4,000 / 5,000 / 10,000, including deposit
Buy a JR East-issued Suica from a station machine or counter displaying the Suica mark. Suica issued by other companies, such as Tokyo Monorail, has different refund counters. Check the issuer on the back of your card.
The ¥500 deposit is paid when you first buy the card. You cannot spend it on transport or shopping, and you do not pay it again when topping up.
Official purchase and usage guide ↗ · Checked 2026-10-17
How do you add money?
Top up with cash at a station top-up machine or a convenience store offering IC top-ups. Available amounts and accepted banknotes vary by machine. The maximum stored balance is ¥20,000.
- Select 「チャージ」 (top up), then insert your card or place it on the marked reader.
- Choose an amount and insert cash as instructed on screen.
- Check the balance on the completion screen, then collect your card and change.
At a convenience store or counter, tell the staff how much to add. The card insertion order and available amounts vary by machine.
Official top-up and usage guide ↗Checked 2026-10-17
Can you use it nationwide?
Use it on trains and buses displaying the nationwide IC acceptance mark. You need a separate ticket for a journey across different IC service areas or to a station that does not accept IC cards.
On trains and buses
Tap the same card when entering and leaving train gates. With a mobile card, use the same device to exit. Buses may require a tap on boarding, on getting off, or both; follow the signs at the door and on board.
Each train passenger needs a separate card. Buy a ticket for the whole journey before travelling across separate IC service areas or to a station that does not accept the card.
At convenience stores, hotels and shops
Use it at convenience stores, restaurants, vending machines and shops displaying the IC payment mark. Only participating hotels accept it; acceptance for room charges and payment limits vary by hotel.
Say the card name at checkout, then tap when the amount appears on the reader. If your balance is too low, ask whether the shop allows split payment with cash or another card.
Official coverage and exceptions ↗ · Checked 2026-10-17
Where can you get a refund, and what is the fee?
Return a JR East-issued Suica to a JR East station counter handling Suica. The refund is the remaining balance minus the fee, plus the ¥500 deposit. Other JR companies, including JR West and JR Kyushu, cannot refund it.
Remaining balance − refund fee + deposit
If the balance is lower than the fee, only the remaining balance is deducted. Points and commuter passes are handled separately. Rounding rules and identification requirements differ by card.
You can keep the card for another trip. To return it now, check the refund counter’s opening hours and bring your card and any required identification.
Suica Official refund locations and conditions ↗ · Checked 2026-10-17
Can you use it without a physical card?
Add a new Suica in Apple Wallet or transfer the balance from an eligible physical Suica. The physical card stops working after transfer. Mobile refunds use a separate procedure rather than a station counter.
After transferring a card to Wallet, the physical card stops working and refunds follow the mobile procedure. If you plan to return your card at a station, read the mobile refund conditions before transferring it.
Apple Wallet setup and top-up steps →Sources: Apple Support · Checked 2026-10-17