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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Making in-store payments with JCB cards is seamless:
For online shopping, JCB credit and debit cards are widely accepted on e-commerce platforms:
JCB debit cards allow users to make real-time purchases, ensuring that spending is limited to available funds in the account.
Since debit card payments deduct funds directly from your bank account, there's no need to worry about accruing interest.
JCB debit cards can be used internationally, making them ideal for frequent travelers who want instant access to their funds.
1. For cardholders:
2. For merchants:
When using JCB cards, take note of the fees and limits that apply to your card or to some types of transactions.
To apply for a JCB card:
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.