The merchant guide to JCB Cards (Credit and Debit)

JCB (Japan Credit Bureau) is a globally recognised credit card company headquartered in Japan. Founded in Tokyo in 1961, JCB has grown into a major international payment brand with 164 million card members and 53 million merchants in its global merchant network. It offers a variety of credit cards, debit cards, and even prepaid cards tailored to meet the diverse needs of cardholders in Japan and the world beyond.

Whether you're a consumer looking for a reliable payment method or a business owner aiming to cater to global customers, JCB offers a seamless way to handle financial transactions. This guide will explore the features, benefits, and payment processes of JCB debit cards and credit cards, helping you better understand how to use them for a variety of purchases and transactions.

What are JCB cards?

JCB offers a full range of payment products to meet different financial needs. This includes debit, credit, and prepaid cards issued across Asia, primarily in Japan. In Japan, JCB also offers other types of cards, such as gift cards.

JCB credit cards allow cardholders to make purchases and cash advances up to a certain credit limit, with repayment flexibility and a wide variety of privileges and loyalty programs. JCB debit cards, on the other hand, allow cardholders greater control over their expenses, as funds are directly linked to their bank account. Additionally, JCB prepaid cards are reloadable and non-personalised stored value cards, ideal for customers who prefer greater control over their spending.

JCB also offers contactless payment solutions and an authentication programme that merchants can integrate into their checkout process.

Features of JCB credit and debit cards

1. Global acceptance

JCB cards are accepted by 53 million merchants in over 190 countries, including major retailers, restaurants, and travel-related businesses. JCB is particularly strong in Asian markets, including Japan, Hong Kong, China, South Korea, and Taiwan, but it also has a growing footprint in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), where it is accepted in countries such as Germany, Russia, Austria, and Spain. Through partnerships with the Discover Global Network, American Express, Union Pay and other financial institutions, JCB continues to expand its acceptance worldwide.

2. Flexibility across payment types, including contactless payments

JCB credit cards support a variety of transactions, including online shopping, in-person payments, and contactless transactions. Debit cards, on the other hand, provide instant access to funds in your linked bank account.

With JCB Contactless technology, JCB cardholders can simply tap their card on a reader to make payments without using a PIN or their signature. They can also tap their mobile phone or wearable device on the reader to make payments by linking their JCB card to their Apple Pay or Google Pay wallet. JCB Contactless works at participating stores globally.

Within Japan, JCB also developed QUICPay, a touchless, signature-free payment method for small purchases at convenience stores, gas stations, supermarkets, and the like. Customers can use either their QUICPay card or their QUICPay-linked mobile phone.

3. Merchant support

JCB's Poichi service allows merchants to offer points and miles perks to their customers. JCB also offers customer acquisition software to restaurant merchants, and advertises' JCB merchants' products and services to their cardmembers through direct mail and email.

4. Enhanced security

JCB provides advanced security features to protect its cardholders, including:

● J/Smart™ EMV-compliant chip card application: Anti-counterfeiting technology to protect against fraud during in-person transactions. It is applicable to smart cards — cards with multiple functionalities beyond payments, such as cash advances, public transport payment, loyalty programmes, and e-purses.

● J/Secure: Additional security check via one-time passwords or biometric data, particularly for 'card not present' transactions. This authentication programme can be integrated into online shopping websites.

5. Rewards and perks

JCB credit cards offer rewards programs that let cardholders earn points, cashback, or miles for purchases. Premium JCB cards, such as JCB Platinum and J-Premier, provide exclusive benefits like airport lounge access, discounts on international travel, and concierge services.

6. ATM withdrawals

JCB debit cards allow cardholders to withdraw cash directly from linked bank accounts, while some JCB credit cards provide a cash advance facility at ATMs.

How to use JCB debit and credit cards

1. In-store payments

Making in-store payments with JCB cards is seamless:

1. Hand over the card to the merchant.
2. The card will either be swiped, inserted into an EMV reader, or tapped for contactless payments.
3. If required, verify the transaction by signing or entering your PIN.

2. Online transactions

For online shopping, JCB credit and debit cards are widely accepted on e-commerce platforms:

1. Enter your card details (card number, expiry date, and security code).
2. If J/Secure is enabled, an OTP (One-Time Password) will be sent for additional authentication.
3. Confirm the transaction to complete your payment.

Advantages of JCB Debit Cards

1. Real-time transactions

JCB debit cards allow users to make real-time purchases, ensuring that spending is limited to available funds in the account.

2. No interest fees

Since debit card payments deduct funds directly from your bank account, there's no need to worry about accruing interest.

3. International access

JCB debit cards can be used internationally, making them ideal for frequent travelers who want instant access to their funds.

Why choose JCB Cards?

1. For cardholders:

• Rewards: Generous rewards programs for purchases, giving cardholders exclusive benefits like airport lounge access, discounts on international travel, and concierge services
• Mobile wallet integration: Many JCB cards can be linked to digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay for added convenience.
• Enhanced security: state-of-the-art technology to prevent fraud.

2. For merchants:

• Increased sales: Accepting JCB cards allows merchants to tap into 164 million cardholders worldwide, especially in Asian markets.
• Seamless integration:Merchants can easily integrate JCB payment services into their existing point-of-sale systems via IC Terminals.
• Wide partnership network: With JCB's merchant acquirer support, businesses are ensured smooth payment processing, technical and security assistance, and promotional support to help with expanding their reach.

Payment limitations and considerations

When using JCB cards, take note of the fees and limits that apply to your card or to some types of transactions.

• Transaction fees: Some merchants may apply additional transaction fees for international transactions, especially outside JCB's core regions.
• Daily limits: JCB cards often have daily spending or withdrawal limits set by the issuing bank.
• Acceptance: While JCB has broad coverage in Japan and Asia, acceptance in smaller markets may still be limited.

How to apply for a JCB debit or credit cards

To apply for a JCB card:

1. Choose a Bank or Card Issuer: Select an institution offering JCB credit or debit cards in your region.
2. Provide Documentation: Submit required documents such as proof of identity, address, and income details (for credit cards).
3. Wait for Approval: Your application will be reviewed, and a decision will be provided. If approved, you'll receive your card by mail.
4. Activate Your Card: Follow the activation instructions provided by your issuer.

Start accepting JCB card payments with Antom

JCB credit and debit cards offer a unique combination of security, flexibility, and rewards for both individual cardholders and businesses. With global acceptance, especially in Japan and Asian markets, these cards provide seamless payment solutions for everyday spending and international travel.

Whether you're looking for the convenience of debit cards or the flexibility and perks of credit cards, JCB offers reliable options tailored to your financial needs. By adopting JCB as your preferred payment method, you'll enjoy not only efficient transactions but also access to exclusive benefits that enhance your overall financial experience.

Contact us to learn how to start accepting JCB cards today.