Which Japan IC Card to Get? Suica, ICOCA, Welcome Suica and iPhone Wallet
Can you buy Suica now, how much is the deposit, how Welcome Suica differs, whether iPhone can add one, and how refunds work. About 6 min read · Updated 2026-11-01
One IC card handles trains, buses and convenience stores in Japan. Here is how to choose.
Note: IC card sales and rules change. This is from public sources (updated mid-2026); check JR East, JR West and station notices before buying.
Quick answer
- iPhone: add Suica in Apple Wallet. No deposit and no queue.
- No iPhone and a short trip: Welcome Suica, no deposit.
- Want a physical card for future trips: regular Suica, ICOCA or PASMO; know the refund terms.
- Most overseas Android phones cannot add Suica because they lack a Japanese-spec chip.
The cards
| Card | Features | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Suica / PASMO / ICOCA | 500 yen deposit; about 2,000 yen including it | Refundable with a fee |
| Welcome Suica | No deposit; valid 28 days from first use; 20,000 yen cap | Non-refundable |
| Mobile Suica (iPhone) | In Apple Wallet; top up with an overseas Visa or Mastercard | Top-up needs internet; balance does not expire |
Availability
Anonymous Suica and PASMO sales were paused in 2023 because of a chip shortage and have resumed, but check stock at the station.
Refunds
Regular cards return the 500 yen deposit plus balance minus a 220 yen fee (waived if the balance is under 220). Refund in the issuer's region. Welcome Suica cannot be refunded, so spend it before leaving.
Nationwide use
Ten major IC cards work across Japan for trains, buses, convenience stores and vending machines, with a few local exceptions where buses or trams have stopped accepting them.
Tips
Balance cap 20,000 yen. Children aged 6–11 should use a child card for half fare. JR lines do not accept contactless credit cards; some subways and private railways do.
Our take
iPhone: add Suica. Otherwise Welcome Suica. Knowing the cap, expiry and refund rules matters more than saving a few hundred yen.
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