If you shop at BicCamera, commute with Suica, and collect JRE POINT, the BicCamera Suica credit card rolls all those needs into one slim piece of plastic.
The card acts simultaneously as a Bic Point card, a JRE POINT card, a Suica smart‑fare card, and a classic credit card.
Below, we explain how the card works, the online application steps, fees, interest rates, and the practical pros and cons.
Key Features at a Glance
If you frequent BicCamera stores, ride JR East trains, and prefer the tap‑and‑go ease of Suica, you will see:
- Four‑in‑One Convenience – one card functions as
- Bic Point loyalty card (up to 10 % in‑store points)
- JRE POINT card (1 % on everyday JR East purchases)
- Credit (Visa or Mastercard network)
- Suica (pre‑paid IC transit card with Auto‑Charge option)
- Generous Point Returns – Up to 11.5 % equivalent on BicCamera purchases when you pay with the plastic card and show the barcode.atadistance
- Annual Fee – Free in the first year and in every year you make at least one purchase; otherwise ¥524 (incl. tax).
- Auto‑Charge – Automatically tops up your Suica balance at the ticket gate, eliminating ticket machine queues.
- Mobile Compatibility – Add the card to Apple Pay or Google Wallet for contactless payments and in-app Suica recharges.
Detailed Benefits
For travellers or residents who rarely visit the JR East territory, a general rewards card may offer broader perks.
For tech shoppers and commuters in the Kanto area, the BicCamera Suica credit card stands out.
1. Bic Point + JRE POINT Synergy
Every yen you spend at BicCamera earns Bic Point (base 10 %) plus 0.5 % JRE POINT when you pay with credit.
Outside BicCamera, you collect 1 % JRE POINT on JR East trains, stations, and JRE MALL, and 0.5 % on ordinary Visa/Mastercard spending.
Points pool into one online account, making them easier to track and redeem for train fares, BicCamera goods, or e‑vouchers.
2. Travel & Commuting Ease
Because the card’s Suica chip is built in, you can pass through gates, board Shinkansen (with Eki‑net reservations), and pay at stores nationwide.
Setting Auto‑Charge through View’s Net portal means the balance refills in ¥1,000 increments whenever it falls below your chosen threshold.
3. Everyday Discounts
View Card Special Offers give you 5 % off season tickets during periodic JR East campaigns.
BicCamera Member Coupons add an extra 3–5 % point campaigns, sent to the email registered with your Bic Point number.
The ETC Card is an optional highway toll tag issued free of charge when you request it during the application.
4. Security & Mobile Control
Chip‑and‑PIN, contactless tokenisation in Apple Pay/Google Wallet, real‑time spending alerts via View’s Net app, and liability protection on fraudulent transactions.
Fees, Interest Rates, and Limits
Remember:
| Item | Amount / Rate* |
| Annual fee | ¥0 (if used once a year) / ¥524 otherwise |
| Purchase APR (revolving)** | 14.6 % jreast.co |
| Cash advance APR | 18.0 % (standard View Card rate) |
| Late‑payment charge | 14.6 % on outstanding balance |
| Foreign currency fee | 1.6 % of converted amount |
| ETC card fee | Free |
How to Apply to the BicCamera Suica Credit Card
Time needed: 15–20 minutes
Language: Japanese only (use browser translation if necessary)
1. Prepare Your Information
Before starting, have these details ready:
- Personal profile – full name, date of birth, nationality, phone, email, residential address, My Number (if requested).
- Family information – marital status, dependents, co‑resident relatives.
- Employment / School – employer or university name, address, phone, years enrolled/employed, annual income, industry or faculty.
- Financial details – other cards held, outstanding loans, mortgage/rent, and estimated monthly living costs.
- Card preferences – network (Visa or Mastercard), desired PIN, usage purpose (shopping, commuting, both), ETC card request, automatic Suica Auto‑Charge opt‑in, existing Bic Point card number (if you have one).
- Bank account – ordinary account at a Japanese bank that supports the Online Account Transfer Application (口座振替受付サービス).
2. Access the View Card Application Portal
Visit the official BicCamera Suica page. The site redirects to View Card’s encrypted form.
3. Input Personal & Family Data
Enter exactly as on your jūminhyō or residence card. Mistypes trigger verification delays.
4. Enter Income & Employment / School Data
Students may apply if they earn part‑time income or can list a guarantor.
Full‑time employees need employer contact info; self‑employed applicants provide tax return figures.
5. Choose Card Options
Select Visa or Mastercard, set a four‑digit PIN, tick Auto‑Charge, request an ETC card if you drive, and paste your existing Bic Point card number.
6. Complete the Online Account Transfer Application
The system jumps to your bank’s authentication page. Log in with your net‑banking credentials, confirm the View Card mandate, and return to the portal.
This step replaces paper bank seals and speeds up card issuance by several days.
7. Identity Verification
Upload images of your residence card or 運転免許証 through the smartphone link, or wait for a 本人限定受取 letter.
Foreign residents may be asked to send a copy of their 在留カード by post.
8. Review & Submit
Check all fields, accept the View Card Member Agreement, and hit 送信. A confirmation email arrives within minutes.
9. Screening & Delivery
Credit screening typically finishes in 3–5 business days.
On approval, the card ships by registered mail. Activate Suica and Auto‑Charge in JR East’s VIEW’s NET or the Suica app.
Contact Information
When calling from overseas, dial +81‑3‑6685‑7000 (international charges apply).
Written inquiries may be sent to View Card Co., Ltd., 2‑5‑1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda‑ku, Tokyo 100‑0005, Japan.
Pros and Cons Summary
Advantages
- No annual fee with one yearly swipe
- High point return on BicCamera and JR East spending
- Suica Auto‑Charge removes top‑up hassle
- A single card lightens your wallet
- Broad acceptance via Visa/Mastercard
Drawbacks
- Japanese‑only application and customer service
- Revolving APR 14.6 % – avoid carrying a balance
- ¥524 fee if you forget to use the card for 12 months
- Foreign transaction fee are not the lowest in the market
- Requires a domestic bank account for direct debit
Tips to Maximise Value
Follow the same principle: maintain your equipment— or your credit balance— before problems grow costly.
Always use plastic at BicCamera because Apple Pay earns 2 % fewer Bic Points. Also, set auto‑charge at ¥2,000 to prevent gate rejects.
To consolidate points, you can link your Bic Point and JRE POINT IDs in the View portal so all purchases funnel into one balance.
Household members can pool JRE POINT for faster redemptions with VIEW Family+
Conclusion
The BicCamera Suica credit card is best seen as a multi‑tool for urban life in Japan.
The card’s integrated design and high point yield make everyday payments smoother and cheaper.
Just remember that its value hinges on active use: swipe at least once a year, pay your bill on time, and the card remains fee‑free.
Disclaimer: Information in this article is accurate as of April 15 2025 and is provided for general educational purposes only. Card terms, interest rates, fees, and campaign details may change without notice.
