SUGOCAスゴカ
Written and edited by: JapanLiveNow
SUGOCA is sold in JR Kyushu's supported areas, including Fukuoka. Use it on participating subways and buses and at shops, as well as on JR trains.
Some JR Kyushu stations and sections do not accept SUGOCA. Buy a ticket for the whole journey before boarding if you are leaving the IC card area or crossing separate areas.
Official information checked · Standard adult cards
Sources: JR Kyushu and other SUGOCA issuers ↗
Where can you buy it, and what does it cost?
- Issuer
- JR Kyushu and other SUGOCA issuers
- Deposit
- 500 yen
- Initial purchase price
- JPY 2,000 = JPY 1,500 usable balance + JPY 500 deposit
Use SUGOCA-selling machines or Midori-no-madoguchi counters within JR Kyushu's SUGOCA areas. Apply at a counter for a registered card or a child's card.
The JPY 500 deposit is paid when you first buy the card. You cannot spend it on travel or shopping, and you do not pay it again when topping up.
Official purchase and usage guide ↗ · Checked 2026-10-17
How do you top up?
Add cash at a station top-up machine or a convenience store offering IC card top-ups. Accepted amounts and banknotes vary by machine. The maximum balance is JPY 20,000.
- Select チャージ (Charge), then insert the card or place it on the marked reader.
- Choose an amount and insert cash as instructed on screen.
- Check the final balance, then collect your card and change.
At a convenience store or counter, tell the staff how much to add. The order of steps 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 card interoperability mark. Buy a separate ticket for journeys crossing separate IC card areas or continuing to a station that does not accept IC cards.
On trains and buses
Tap the same card at entry and exit gates. With a mobile card, leave using the device you tapped in with. Buses may require a tap on boarding, on exit, or both; follow the door and onboard instructions.
Each train passenger needs a separate card. Buy a ticket for the whole journey before boarding if you are crossing separate IC card areas or going 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 card payment mark. Only participating hotels accept it; ask each hotel about room-charge payments and limits.
Name the card at checkout and tap when the amount appears on the reader. If the balance is short, ask whether you can 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 Kyushu SUGOCA to a Midori-no-madoguchi counter within a SUGOCA area. Ticket gates and fare-adjustment counters do not handle refunds. Other regional JR companies cannot refund it.
Remaining balance − refund fee + deposit
If your balance is below the fee, only the remaining balance is deducted. Points and commuter passes are handled separately. Rounding rules and identification requirements depend on the card.
Keep the card if you plan to use it on another trip. To return it now, find the refund counter's opening hours and bring the card and any required identification.
SUGOCA Official refund counters and conditions ↗ · Checked 2026-10-17
Can you use it without a physical card?
This card cannot be added to Apple Wallet. For a mobile alternative, add Suica, PASMO or ICOCA in Wallet and tap your device on routes accepting that mobile card.
How to add and fund a card in Apple Wallet →Sources: Apple Support · Checked 2026-10-17