View source for Suica

{{Short description|Contactless smart card used in Japan}}
{{About|the contactless smart card used in Japan}}
{{Expand Japanese|date=October 2023|topic=transp}}
{{use mdy dates|date=September 2019}}
{{Infobox electronic payment
| name = Suica
| logo = 
| caption = Suica being tapped in [[Toyama Prefecture|Toyama]], Japan
| location = Nationwide usability, with issuance in: {{Bulleted list
  | [[Kantō region|Kantō]] (Greater Tokyo)
  | [[Sendai]]
  | [[Niigata (city)|Niigata]]
  | [[Nagano (city)|Nagano]]
  | [[Morioka]]
  | [[Aomori]]
  | [[Akita (city)|Akita]]
  | [[Sapporo]]
  }}
| launched = April 8 – July 8, 2001: Pilot at 57 stations<br />November 18, 2001: Official launch at 424 stations
| service_1 = [[JR East]]
| service_2 = [[Tokyo Monorail]]
| service_3 = [[Tokyo Waterfront Area Rapid Transit]]
| service_4 = [[Saitama New Urban Transit]]
| service_5 = [[Izukyu Corporation]]
| service_6 = [[Fuji Kyuko]]
| service_7 = [[Sendai Airport Transit]]
| service_8 = [[Okinawa Urban Monorail]]
| service_9 = [[JR Bus Kanto Company|JR Bus Kanto]]
| service_10 = [[JR Bus Tohoku]]
| service_11 = [[JR Bus Tech]]
| service_12 = [[Nozawa Onsen Kotsu]]
| sales_location_1 = [[Ticket machines]]
| sales_location_2 = [[Midori no Madoguchi|JR East Ticket Offices]]
| currency = [[Japanese yen]]
| stored_value = Pay as you go
| credit_expiry = Ten years after last use<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/suica.html#category07 |title=Suica – Fares & Passes |website=[[JR East]]}}</ref>
| maximum_credit = ¥20,000
| automatic_recharge = Yes
| unlimited_use = 
| variant_1 = Rinkai Suica
| variant_2 = Monorail Suica
| variant_3 = Welcome Suica
| variant_4 = [[Nationwide Mutual Usage Service#Multi-function Cards for Regional Transit|Multi-function Cards for Regional Transit]]
| variant_5 = {{ill|VIEW Suica Card|ja|VIEW Suicaカード}}
| variant_6 = Student/Employee ID Suica<ref>{{Cite web |title=Suica付学生証・社員証のご案内 |url=https://www.jreast.co.jp/suica/suica-id/ |access-date=2025-03-09 |website=[[East Japan Railway Company]] |language=ja}}</ref>
| variant_7 = [[Japan Post Bank|Japan Post IC Cash Card]]
| variant_8 = Suica Light<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-01-12 |title=新たな IC カード「Suica Light」の販売を開始します！ |url=https://www.jreast.co.jp/press/2021/20220112_ho01.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240403065044/https://www.jreast.co.jp/press/2021/20220112_ho01.pdf |archive-date=2024-04-03 |access-date=2024-04-03 |website=[[East Japan Railway Company]] |language=ja}}</ref>
| technology_1 = [[FeliCa]] ([[Near-field communication#ISO/IEC|NFC-F]])
| manager = [[JR East]]
| homepage = {{URL|https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/en/suica/}}
| image = [[File:Suica logo.svg|frameless|class=skin-invert]]<hr />[[File:Suica card tap.jpg|frameless]]
}}

'''Suica''' ({{langx|ja|スイカ|Suika}}) is a prepaid rechargeable [[contactless smart card]] and [[Digital currency|electronic money]] system used as a [[fare card]] on train lines and other [[public transport]] systems in Japan, launched on November 18, 2001, by [[East Japan Railway Company]] (JR East). The card can be used across the nation as part of Japan's [[Nationwide Mutual Usage Service]].<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.jreast.co.jp/press/2009/20091220.pdf| title=Ｓｕｉｃａ、ＳＵＧＯＣＡ、ｎｉｍｏｃａ、はやかけん 相互利用サービス開始日の決定について| language=ja}}</ref><ref name="mutualuse">{{Cite web |last=Ito |first=Etsuro |date=October 2013 |title=Launch of Nationwide Interoperable Transport System IC Cards |url=https://www.ejrcf.or.jp/jrtr/jrtr62/pdf/6-15_web.pdf |access-date=March 7, 2024 |website=East Japan Railway Culture Foundation |publisher=Japan Railway & Transport Review |pages=6–15 |language=en}}</ref> The card is also widely used as [[Digital currency|electronic money]] for purchases at stores and kiosks, especially at [[Convenience store#Japan|convenience stores]] and within train stations. In 2018, JR East reported that Suica was used for 6.6 million daily transactions.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/investor/ar/2018/pdf/ar_2018-all.pdf| website=Japan Railways Group| title=Annual Report in English| page=41}}</ref> As of October 2023, 95.64 million Suica (including [[#Mobile Suica|Mobile Suica]]) have been issued, and 1.63 million stores accept payment via Suica's digital currency.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 2023 |title=INTEGRATED REPORT 2023 |url=https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/environment/pdf_2023/all.pdf |access-date=2024-03-07 |publisher=[[East Japan Railway Company]] |language=en}}</ref>

Since Suica is completely [[#Interoperation|interoperable]] with [[Pasmo]], it is supported on virtually any train, tramway, or bus system in [[Tokyo]] and the [[Greater Tokyo Area]] (excluding various limited and ''[[shinkansen]]'' trains, as well as some local buses).

==Etymology==
Suica is a [[backronym]] for "Super Urban Intelligent Card".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ito |first=Akiko |date=2017 |title=Suica has changed our lifestyle |url=https://www.apta.com/wp-content/uploads/Resources/mc/revenue/presentations/Presentations/Suica%20has%20changed%20our%20lifestyle%20%E2%80%93%20Akiko%20Ito.pdf |access-date=2024-12-12 |website=[[American Public Transportation Association]] |publisher=[[JR East]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=ＩＣカード出改札システム「Ｓｕｉｃａ」 |url=https://www.g-mark.org/gallery/winners/9c459f2c-803d-11ed-862b-0242ac130002 |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=GOOD DESIGN AWARD |language=ja}}</ref> In the logo, the letters "ic" are highlighted, which stand for [[integrated circuit]] and see use in the term "IC card", the common Japanese word for [[smart card]]. An additional meaning comes from the [[Japanese sound symbolism|ideophone]] "''sui sui''" which means "to move smoothly and swiftly", intended to highlight the simplicity of using the card compared with traditional (paper) train tickets, similar to how penguins can swim smoothly through water<ref>{{Cite web |title=Why Are the Cards Called "Suica" and "ICOCA"? |url=https://web-japan.org/kidsweb/hitech/suicaicoca/suicaicoca01.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330114619/https://web-japan.org/kidsweb/hitech/suicaicoca/suicaicoca01.html |archive-date=30 March 2023 |access-date=11 March 2024 |website=[[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Japan)|Ministry of Foreign Affairs]] Kids Web Japan}}</ref><ref name="Suica mascot">{{cite news |last1=Kikuchi |first1=Daisuke |title=Penguin park opens in Shinjuku |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/07/16/national/penguin-park-opens-in-shinjuku/ |access-date=24 May 2020 |work=The Japan Times |date=16 July 2016}}</ref> The motif was also chosen due to the Japanese homonym {{Nihongo|2=スイカ|3=suika|4="watermelon"}}; just like penguins in cold climates have never encountered watermelons, as the first major transportation IC card in Japan, the card was promoted as a never-before-seen item for riders.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2006-05-24 |title=「スイカのペンギン」誕生秘話　作者に聞く モバイル-最新ニュース |url=http://it.nikkei.co.jp/mobile/news/index.aspx?n=MMITfa000024052006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060617215241/http://it.nikkei.co.jp/mobile/news/index.aspx?n=MMITfa000024052006 |archive-date=2006-06-17 |access-date=2025-11-13 |website=NIKKEI NET |language=ja}}</ref>

The {{ill|Suica penguin mascot|ja|Suicaのペンギン}} was designed by illustrator {{Interlanguage link|坂崎千春|lt=Chiharu Sakazaki|ja}} and is licensed for use by JR East and [[Dentsu]], first appearing in a 1998 picture book by Sakazaki.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Suicaのペンギン |url=https://sakazakichiharu.com/cha/cha1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221128154516/https://sakazakichiharu.com/cha/cha1.html |archive-date=28 November 2022 |access-date=10 March 2024 |website=sakazakichiharu.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=How the Suica Penguin Came to Be (Part 1) |url=https://dentsu-ho.com/articles/622 |access-date=2025-11-13 |website=dentsu-ho.com |language=en}}</ref> It is set to be retired in the spring of 2027 and replaced with a new mascot.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-11-11 |title=JR East to retire beloved Suica smartcard penguin mascot in spring 2027 |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/64695 |access-date=2025-11-13 |website=Japan Wire by KYODO NEWS |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Nagata |first=Kazuaki |date=2025-11-12 |title=Penguin-less Suica to take on PayPay in payments with QR codes and higher limits |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2025/11/12/companies/jr-east-suica-qr-code/ |access-date=2025-11-13 |website=The Japan Times |language=en}}</ref>

==Uses==
While Suica's primary usage is as a fare card for public transportation, it can also be used as [[Digital currency|electronic money]] for general purchases. With the exception of archaic, first-generation cards ("Suica IO Card") printed before 2004, all Suica have the [[File:Suica electronic money service Logo.svg|30px]] logo, which indicates that the card can be used for e-money payments.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Suica e-money |url=https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/en/suicamoney/ |access-date=11 March 2024 |website=[[East Japan Railway Company]]}}</ref>

Other components that may also appear alongside the e-money mark include:

* Two dots ("●●") below the logo, indicating support for FeliCa Pocket services such as various [[Loyalty program|reward point]] programs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=FeliCaポケット搭載カード一覧 |url=https://www.sony.co.jp/Products/felica/felicapocket/use_case/casestudy/#fpcard |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240310155011/https://www.sony.co.jp/Products/felica/felicapocket/use_case/casestudy/ |archive-date=10 March 2024 |access-date=11 March 2024 |website=[[Sony]] |language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=「まいポ」を利用できるカード・媒体 |url=https://funabashi.mypl.net/mp/mppoint_funabashi/?sid=16359 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240311020432/https://funabashi.mypl.net/mp/mppoint_funabashi/?sid=16359 |archive-date=11 March 2024 |access-date=11 March 2024 |website=Maipore Funabashi City}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Suicaポケット |url=https://www.jreast.co.jp/mobilesuica/use/sf/chk_status.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240311023225/https://www.jreast.co.jp/mobilesuica/use/sf/chk_status.html |archive-date=11 March 2024 |access-date=11 March 2024 |website=[[East Japan Railway Company]] |language=ja}}</ref>
** This mark formerly indicated support for {{ill|Suica Internet Service|ja|Suicaインターネットサービス}}, a system that allowed users to charge their Suica via the web,<ref>{{Cite web |date= |title=利用方法＞SF（電子マネー）の入金（チャージ） |url=http://www.jreast.co.jp/suicainternetservice/use/charge/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181208234026/http://www.jreast.co.jp/suicainternetservice/use/charge/index.html |archive-date=8 December 2018 |access-date=11 March 2024 |website=[[East Japan Railway Company]] |language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=August 2013 |title=2013 Annual Report - Review of Operations |url=https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/investor/ar/2013/pdf/ar_2013_10.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230506024732/https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/investor/ar/2013/pdf/ar_2013_10.pdf |archive-date=6 May 2023 |access-date=11 March 2024 |website=[[East Japan Railway Company]]}}</ref> as well as using the card for online shopping via a FeliCa NFC reader/writer [[Peripheral|peripheral device]] known as PaSoRi.<ref>{{Cite web |title=個人のお客様 |url=https://www.sony.co.jp/Products/felica/consumer/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240209140017/https://www.sony.co.jp/Products/felica/consumer/ |archive-date=9 February 2024 |access-date=11 March 2024 |website=[[Sony]] |language=ja}}</ref> The service was introduced in July 2009 and retired in February 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 2011 |title=2011 Annual Report - Review of Operations |url=https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/investor/ar/2011/pdf/ar_2011_13.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151229082037/https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/investor/ar/2011/pdf/ar_2011_13.pdf |archive-date=29 December 2015 |access-date=11 March 2024 |website=[[East Japan Railway Company]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=27 May 2019 |title=Suicaインターネットサービスの終了について |url=http://www.jreast.co.jp/suicainternetservice/information/info_20190527serviceend.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127042810/https://www.jreast.co.jp/suicainternetservice/information/info_20190527serviceend.html |archive-date=27 January 2024 |access-date=11 March 2024 |website=[[East Japan Railway Company]] |language=ja}}</ref>
* A plus sign ("'''+'''") to the right of the logo, designating the card as an "affiliate card" with other attached services. This includes Suica integrated with credit cards (see ''[[#Credit card integrations|Credit card integrations]]''), virtual Suica that support recharging via [[mobile payment]] (see ''[[#Mobile Suica|Mobile Suica]]''), and 2-in-1 [[Nationwide Mutual Usage Service#Multi-function Cards for Regional Transit|Multi-function Cards for Regional Transit]].

[[File:Suica electronic money service Logo.svg|thumb|Suica logo, indicating sensor compatibility with the Suica [[Digital currency|electronic money]] system]]Chain stores such as [[FamilyMart]], [[7-Eleven]], [[Lawson (store)|Lawson]], [[Yodobashi Camera]], [[Bic Camera]], [[Doutor Coffee]], [[Ichibanya|CoCo Ichibanya]], and [[MOS Burger]] support transactions with Suica.<ref name=":0" /> Many shops at airports, and taxis throughout Japan, also accept Suica payment.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Welcome Suica (for Short-term Use) |url=https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/downloads/pdf/welcomesuica_e.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117234833/https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/downloads/pdf/welcomesuica_e.pdf |archive-date=17 January 2024 |access-date=11 March 2024 |website=[[East Japan Railway Company]]}}</ref> Stores that accept IC card payment are indicated by displaying the [[Nationwide Mutual Usage Service]] "IC" logo, typically alongside the various card logos.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Stores where Suica is accepted |url=https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/suicamoney/shop.html |access-date=11 March 2024 |website=[[East Japan Railway Company]]}}</ref> Most [[vending machine]]s, kiosks, and baggage lockers within JR stations can also be paid with the card; the card may also be used as an electronic key to open these lockers.<ref name=":1" /><ref name="Suica e-money">{{cite web |title=Suica e-money - JR-EAST |url=https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/suicamoney/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200524093905/https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/suicamoney/index.html |archive-date=24 May 2020 |access-date=24 May 2020 |website=www.jreast.co.jp}}</ref>

As of 2004, JR East employees use the card as an employee ID card.<ref>{{cite news |last=Shimizu |first=Kaho |date=3 April 2004 |title=JR East workers use Suica as ID |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2004/04/03/business/jr-east-workers-use-suica-cards-as-id/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009105530/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2004/04/03/business/jr-east-workers-use-suica-cards-as-id/ |archive-date=9 October 2023 |access-date=11 March 2024 |website=[[The Japan Times]]}}</ref>

==Functions and services==
[[File:Ja JR Ikebukuro Sta. (North entrance).jpg|thumb|Ticket gates at [[Ikebukuro Station]] in 2006. The center lane is exclusive to Suica. Gates have since been replaced to support all major IC cards.]]
[[File:KuzuokaEkiKaisatsuguchi2005-5.jpg|thumb|Simple Suica ticket gates at [[Kuzuoka Station]] in Sendai. There are separate devices for entering and exiting the station.]]
[[File:Keyless locker 001.JPG|thumb|[[Keyless]] [[Locker (cabinet)|locker]] system for Suica and PASMO cards in [[Shibuya Station]]]] 
Usage of the card involves scanning it at a card reader. The card's technology allows for it to be read at a short distance from the reader, so contact is not required,<ref name="Using Suica">{{cite web |title=Suica {{!}} Fares & Passes {{!}} JR-EAST |url=https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/suica.html#category03 |website=www.jreast.co.jp |access-date=24 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200524093552/https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/suica.html |archive-date=24 May 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> despite instructions which often inform users to {{Nihongo|"touch"|タッチ|tacchi}} cards on readers. Many riders{{Who|date=May 2024}} leave IC cards in wallets or pass cases, and pass these objects over reader when entering a ticket gate. The balance on the card is displayed when riders pass through ticket gates. In the JR East area, the minimum fare to ride at least one stop is required to enter, but no fare is charged until the user exits the system, upon which cards must be touched on readers at fare gates again.<ref name="Using Suica" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-01-30 |title=「関西の駅はICOCAチャージ額が足りなくても入場できる」は本当だった 理由は"人情"ではなく…… |url=https://www.itmedia.co.jp/news/articles/1701/30/news139.html |access-date=2025-03-09 |website=ITmedia NEWS |language=ja}}</ref>

A travel record of the past 20 trips is stored on the card, and can be displayed or printed out at ticket machines or some fare adjustment machines.

Along with fare balance, Suica may store commuter passes, pre-purchased fares for one, three, or six month periods along a certain route which make future rides a line between the specified stations free of charge.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Suica定期券の購入 |url=https://www.jreast.co.jp/suica/howtoget/commute01.html |access-date=2025-03-09 |website=[[JR East]] |language=ja}}</ref>

When traveling from a JR East station where Suica is supported to a station outside of the JR East area, purchasing a paper [[Train ticket|ticket]] is required.<ref>{{cite web |title=Riyō kanō eria |script-title=ja:利用可能エリア |trans-title=Available area |url=https://www.jreast.co.jp/suica/area/ |website=www.jreast.co.jp |access-date=September 23, 2023 |language=ja}}</ref> Tickets may be purchased with a Suica's balance.{{Citation needed|date=May 2024}}

==Points of purchase==
Suica are available at [[Ticket machine|ticket vending machines]] or customer service windows in the Suica area, namely at all [[East Japan Railway Company|JR East]] train stations. A new card costs 2,000 [[Japanese yen|yen]], which includes a 500 yen deposit that will be refunded if the card is returned. The remaining 1,500 yen is immediately available for rides on transport, and more money can be charged on to the card (in 500, 1,000, 2,000, 3,000, 4,000, 5,000, and 10,000 yen increments), up to a card maximum of 20,000 yen. Cards may also be charged at fare adjustment machines within any station's ticket gates, i.e. inside the [[Paid area|fare-paid zone]].

Due to the [[2020–2023 global chip shortage]], JR East announced a temporary suspension of sales of unregistered cards on June 8, 2023, with a suspension on registered cards following two months later.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 June 2023 |title=Sales of some IC cards to be halted in Japan due to global chip shortage {{!}} NHK WORLD-JAPAN News |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230602_31/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603062221/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230602_31/ |archive-date=3 June 2023 |access-date=26 June 2023 |website=[[NHK World-Japan]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Sales of Suica and PASMO Transit Cards to be Temporarily Suspended {{!}} Japan National Tourism Organization |url=https://www.japan.travel/en/ca/news/suica-and-pasmo-transit-cards-to-temporarily-halt-sales/ |website=Japan National Tourism Organization |language=en}}</ref> While Welcome Suica remained on sale to inbound tourists at airports and JR East Travel Service Centers throughout Greater Tokyo, residents were instead encouraged to use [[#Mobile Suica|Mobile Suica]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 June 2023 |title=Temporary suspension of sales for non-personalized Suica and PASMO cards |url=https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pdf/press_20230614_suica.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230719131101/https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pdf/press_20230614_suica.pdf |archive-date=19 July 2023 |access-date=11 March 2024 |website=[[East Japan Railway Company]]}}</ref> Standard Suica cards again became available in January 2024 in limited quantities at customer service centers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Suica Cards: Quick Guide to Tokyo's Smart Travel Cards |url=https://tokyocheapo.com/travel/suica-card-guide/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240311005856/https://tokyocheapo.com/travel/suica-card-guide/ |archive-date=11 March 2024 |access-date=11 March 2024 |website=Tokyo Cheapo}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Travel Service Centers & Accessibility |url=https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/en/customer_support/ |access-date=11 March 2024 |website=[[East Japan Railway Company]]}}</ref> Registered Suica (My Suica) sales resumed via station ticket vending machines on September 1, 2024,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Resumption of sales for personalized Suica and PASMO cards |url=https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/press/2024/pdf/20240909.pdf |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250122191611/https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/press/2024/pdf/20240909.pdf |archive-date=2025-01-22 |access-date=2025-03-09 |website=[[JR East]]}}</ref> and unregistered cards returned to public sale on March 1, 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |title=無記名の「Suica」・「PASMO」カード発売の再開に関するお知らせ |url=https://www.tokyometro.jp/news/2025/219936.html |access-date=3 March 2025 |website=Tokyo Metro.jp}}</ref>

==Types of cards==
Suica are sold by JR East and two of its subsidiaries:
*Suica (and My Suica), Welcome Suica, and VIEW Suica are sold directly by JR East
*Rinkai Suica are sold by [[Tokyo Waterfront Area Rapid Transit]] (Rinkai Line)
*Monorail Suica were sold by [[Tokyo Monorail]] – was discontinued on March 15, 2025<ref>{{Cite web |title=交通系 IC カードの発売に関するお知らせ |url=https://www.tokyo-monorail.co.jp/news/pdf/press_20250128_2.pdf |access-date=3 March 2025 |website=東京モノレール}}</ref>

===Credit card integrations===
The {{ill|View Suica|ja|VIEW Suicaカード}} pairs the prepaid Suica with a credit card. Various types of these "affiliate cards" exist, including at least one available through [[Japan Railways|JR]] and View, and others such as the [[Bic Camera]] Suica. These function both as a prepaid Suica as well as a regular credit card, and provide an auto-charge feature to prevent exhausting the Suica balance. The automatically recharged amount is added to the user's credit card bill. Thus, these cards have two balances: a prepaid Suica balance and a credit balance for which monthly bills are sent. Thus, store-related cards like the Bic Suica can include fully three separate functions: serving as a store point card, a general use Suica, and as a credit card. Any credit purchase (restricted, in the case of Bic, to [[JCB (credit card company)|JCB]]) adds a small amount to the available points on the store point card. Yet another type of Suica offered by [[Japan Airlines]] that is called JALCARD Suica. In addition to having Suica and credit card functionalities, a JALCARD Suica can also function as an electronic boarding pass for a JAL-operated domestic flight in Japan at an airport that offers the JAL IC service.

===My Suica===
"My Suica" is JR East's term for a Suica registered in one's name. Riders may input their personal information at the time the card is created which allows for a transfer of balance if the card is lost, stolen, or breaks.<ref name="MySuica">{{cite web |title=My Suica（記名式） |url=https://www.jreast.co.jp/suica/howtoget/mysuica.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200524092914/https://www.jreast.co.jp/suica/howtoget/mysuica.html |archive-date=24 May 2020 |access-date=11 March 2024 |website=[[East Japan Railway Company]] |language=ja}}</ref> Child versions (which charge half fares) are also available.

===Welcome Suica===

In August 2019, JR East unveiled Welcome Suica, a Suica variant designed to be used by international tourists visiting Japan. The card's design features white [[cherry blossoms]] on a red background.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Osumi |first1=Magdalena |title=JR East and Tokyo Metro to debut special IC cards aimed at tourists |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/08/28/national/jr-east-tokyo-metro-tourist-ic-cards/ |access-date=24 May 2020 |work=The Japan Times |date=28 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200524094825/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/08/28/national/jr-east-tokyo-metro-tourist-ic-cards/ |archive-date=24 May 2020}}</ref> Welcome Suica is also reloadable, but unlike regular Suica cards, Welcome Suica does not require the user to make a deposit. However, Welcome Suica can only be used for 28 days from the date of purchase after which it expires permanently. It is also nonrefundable, regardless of the balance or user's activity.<ref name="Welcome Suica usage">{{cite web |title=Welcome Suica - JR-EAST |url=https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/welcomesuica/welcomesuica.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200524095734/https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/welcomesuica/welcomesuica.html |archive-date=24 May 2020 |access-date=24 May 2020 |website=[[JR East]]}}</ref> Child versions are also available. The Welcome Suica app for foreign visitors was released in March 2025.<ref>{{cite news |title=JR East releases Welcome Suica Mobile app for overseas visitors to Japan |url=https://japantoday.com/category/features/travel/jr-east-releases-welcome-suica-mobile-app-for-overseas-visitors-to-japan |access-date=2 July 2025 |work=Japan Today |date=28 March 2025 |language=en}}</ref>

JR East request customers using the card carry with them a reference sheet, printed at the time of purchase.<ref name="Welcome Suica usage" />

==Card stacking==
Ticket gates return an error when the scan encounters more than one compatible card. Although it is intended that each person have only one Suica, many people have more than one, or may carry other IC cards as well.{{Citation needed|date=May 2020}} Consequently, JR East began an awareness campaign in March 2007 to discourage commuters from storing multiple cards together.{{Citation needed|date=May 2020}} Incompatible cards, such as [[Edy]], seem to have an inconsistent effect on a machine's ability to read the card which may depend on the reading device. On the other hand, the [[EX-IC|Express-IC]] (EX-IC) card for [[Tokaido Shinkansen]] reservations is meant to be used in this manner (stacked on top of an IC card to facilitate transfer between Shinkansen and regular lines).{{Citation needed|date=May 2020}}

==Technology==
The card incorporates a contactless [[Near-field communication|Near Field Communication (NFC)]] technology developed by [[Sony]] called [[FeliCa]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.sony.net/Products/felica/NFC/index.html|title=About FeliCa Technology}}</ref> The same technology is also deployed in the [[Edy]] electronic cash cards used in Japan, the [[Octopus card]] in Hong Kong, and the [[EZ-Link]] Card in Singapore.

==Interoperation==
[[File:ICCard_Connection en.svg|thumb|left|180px|Interoperation map]]

On 18 March 2007, the Tokyo-area private railways, bus companies, and subways implemented [[Pasmo|PASMO]], a [[smart card]] solution to replace the existing Passnet magnetic card system. Through collaboration with JR East, passengers can use Suica wherever PASMO cards are accepted to ride any railway or bus in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Monthly passes for JR East lines can only be on Suica, while monthly passes for Tokyo Metro can only be on PASMO cards; besides this caveat, the cards are functionally identical for commuters.

This agreement has since been implemented with other systems across Japan, known as the [[Nationwide Mutual Usage Service]]. As a result, beginning in 2013, Suica has full interoperability with [[Kitaca]], [[PASMO]], [[TOICA]], [[manaca]], [[ICOCA]], [[PiTaPa]], [[SUGOCA]], [[nimoca]], and [[Hayakaken]] IC cards.

On 22 July 2014, [[Nintendo]] added support for Suica and PASMO cards in the [[Nintendo eShop]] through the [[Near field communication|NFC]] function of the [[Wii U GamePad]]<ref name="inside20140722">{{cite web|last=Tsuchimoto|first=Gaku|date=2014-07-22|title=交通系電子マネーを使ってWii Uのチャージに挑戦、手軽さが魅力的|trans-title=Using transport e-money to charge Wii U - convenience is attractive|url=http://www.inside-games.jp/article/2014/07/22/78797.html|access-date=2014-07-22|work=Inside|publisher=IID, Inc.|location=Japan|language=ja}}</ref> and the [[New Nintendo 3DS]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2014-12-09|title=Nintendo Shows Off NFC eShop Payments for New Nintendo 3DS in Japan|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/12/nintendo_shows_off_nfc_eshop_payments_for_new_nintendo_3ds_in_japan|access-date=2021-12-12|website=Nintendo Life|language=en-GB}}</ref> The service was discontinued on January 18, 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 July 2021 |title=ニンテンドー3DSシリーズおよびWii U内のニンテンドーeショップにおけるクレジットカードと交通系電子マネーのご利用取扱い終了について |trans-title=Regarding the termination of use of credit cards and transportation electronic money at the Nintendo 3DS series and the Nintendo eShop in Wii U |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/support/information/2021/0720.html |access-date=15 June 2022 |website=nintendo.co.jp |language=ja}}</ref>

==Mobile devices==
===Mobile Suica===
[[File:IPhone Mobile Suica.jpg|thumb|Mobile Suica running on an iPhone]]Since January 2006, a version called {{nihongo|'''Mobile Suica'''|モバイルSuica|Mobairu Suika}} was incorporated into [[mobile FeliCa]] wallet phones by Japan's mobile operators.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/press/20051101/|title=Mobile Suica Service to Start Saturday, January 28, 2006| website=JR East}}</ref> This system includes Java applications to manage the Suica function in the [[mobile phone]], to recharge the Suica stored in the mobile phone, review the stored value and perform other functions via the mobile phone. An enhancement for 2007 allowed for Suica charges to be added directly to the phone bill, eliminating the requirement to constantly add to and monitor the remaining balance. On May 23, 2011, JR announced<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/press/20110603/|title=Mobile Suica service for Android™ smartphones| access-date=2011-06-16| website=JR East}}</ref> debut of Mobile Suica app for Android Smartphones supporting [[Osaifu-Keitai]]. It was first launched by the carriers [[NTT DoCoMo]] and [[au (mobile phone operator)|au]], and now also offered by [[SoftBank Mobile]] and [[Willcom]].

Like physical cards, Mobile Suica cards can also be charged when the remaining balance gets low. Other features supported by the mobile phone includes the ability to review past Suica transactions via the phone's display. Mobile Suica interacts with the FeliCa chip using [[Java (programming language)|Java]] technology.{{Citation needed|date=May 2020}}

Since October 2006, it is possible to register for Mobile Suica using any major credit card. A limited [[Digital currency|e-money]]-only application called "Easy Mobile Suica" (which does not require a credit card) was also launched in late October 2006.{{Citation needed|date=May 2020}}

=== Apple Pay ===
On September 7, 2016, Apple announced that Suica cards could be added to [[Apple Pay]] in the Wallet app and used in the same way as a physical card.<ref name="Suica Announce">{{cite web |title=Apple Pay coming to Japan with iPhone 7 |url=https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2016/09/apple-pay-coming-to-japan-with-iphone-7/ |website=Apple Newsroom |access-date=24 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200524090644/https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2016/09/apple-pay-coming-to-japan-with-iphone-7/ |archive-date=24 May 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> This functionality was limited to devices purchased in Japan which included FeliCa support: [[iPhone 7]] (model A1779 and A1785) and [[Apple Watch Series 2]].<ref name="Suica Setup">{{cite web |title=Set up a Suica card in Apple Pay |url=https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT207155 |website=Apple Support |publisher=[[Apple Inc.]] |access-date=24 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200524090033/https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT207155 |archive-date=24 May 2020 |language=en |url-status=live}}</ref> With the release of the [[iPhone 8]], [[iPhone X]] and the [[Apple Watch Series 3]], and later, devices purchased anywhere in the world could be used with Apple Pay Suica.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.apple.com/jp/apple-pay/|title=Apple Pay|access-date=2016-09-07| website=Apple}}</ref><ref name="Suica Setup" />

[[iOS 13]] introduced support for creating a virtual Suica card from the Wallet app.<ref name="Suica Setup" />

[[iOS 15]] introduced new Wallet app improvements and a dedicated category for adding Suica and other transit cards regardless of the device region setting.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209494/|title=Add a transit card to Apple Wallet|access-date=2021-09-20| website=Apple}}</ref>

=== Google Pay ===
On May 24, 2018, Google announced that Suica cards could be added to [[Google Pay (2018–2022)|Google Pay]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-05-24|title=Now you can add Suica and WAON to Google Pay in Japan|url=https://blog.google/products/google-pay/add-suica-and-waon-google-pay-japan/|access-date=2020-07-20|website=Google|language=en}}</ref> This functionality is limited to Android devices that have their Google Account's region set to Japan and which support [[Osaifu-Keitai]], i.e. the phone must have been purchased in Japan, or be [[Rooting (Android)|rooted]] (and have a FeliCa chip, as modern [[Google Pixel]] phones do) to enable this feature.

==See also==
*[[Mass transit system]]
*[[Electronic money]]
*[[List of smart cards]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{official website|http://www.jreast.co.jp/suica/}} {{in lang|ja}}
* {{official website|https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/pass/suica.html}} {{in lang|en}}

{{Japanese smartcards}}
{{Japan Railways Group}}
{{Tokyo transit}}
{{Sendai transit}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Digital payment providers}}

[[Category:2001 introductions]]
[[Category:2001 establishments in Japan]]
[[Category:Japanese inventions]]
[[Category:Contactless smart cards]]
[[Category:Fare collection systems in Japan]]
[[Category:East Japan Railway Company]]
[[Category:Rail transport in Tokyo]]
[[Category:Rail transport in Yokohama]]
[[Category:Transport in Tokyo]]
[[Category:Transport in Yokohama]]
[[Category:Transport in Sendai]]