Epos Platinum Card in Japan - Annual Fee and Benefits Explained

The official history of the Marui Group says that Marui issued Japan's first credit card in 1960, after renaming installment sales "credit". In 2006, that card evolved into the Visa-branded Epos Card, usable around the world. The top card of that line is the Epos Platinum Card.

Among platinum cards it sits in the lower part of the fee range, and its fee can go down further when certain conditions are met. This article sorts out that mechanism, the benefits you receive and the points to watch, based on the wording of the official pages.

What to know before you apply

Many benefits depend on conditions, so start with the cautions.

The annual fee takes one of three forms

The annual fee is normally 30,000 yen (tax included). If you apply after an invitation from Epos Card, it is 20,000 yen (tax included). If you spend 1,000,000 yen or more in a year, the fee from the next year is 20,000 yen (tax included). Your burden depends on which case applies to you. The fee is not refunded if you cancel midway.

Annual bonus points depend on spending

The bonus worth "up to 100,000 yen" is granted according to annual spending. To receive the maximum, you need a corresponding level of use. If your everyday spending is small, the bonus will be small as well.

Domestic travel insurance has conditions

Overseas travel accident insurance covers family members according to the official page. Domestic travel accident insurance, however, is marked "conditions apply". Check the terms before relying on it.

What comes back for the fee

Here are the main benefits confirmed on the official page, set against the annual fee.

The platinum annual fee can also be paid with accumulated points, and the points have no expiry date.

History that began with Marui

The history of the Epos Card begins with installment sales at a department store. According to the Marui Group's official history, in 1960 installment sales were renamed credit and Japan's first credit card was issued.

The path from a store-limited card to a Visa-branded Epos Card usable worldwide in 2006 is reflected in the character of the Epos Platinum Card. Because the card grew out of familiar scenes of shopping and daily life, it offers everyday point earning and restaurant privileges as well as travel benefits.

This article uses only the parts of the history that could be confirmed.

Raising the value of daily life with points

The point system of the Epos Platinum Card works as follows.

• Annual bonus points: up to 100,000 yen worth, according to annual spending.
• Double points in your birthday month: for a reward to yourself or a large purchase.
• Eternal points with no expiry: how to use them is up to you, including online shopping payments and exchange for miles.
• Selectable point-up shops: register your monthly payments or favorite shops to earn up to double.
• Double points at all times: at Marui Web Channel, Marui and Modi.

It is a card that builds up points, and its value grows in proportion to annual spending.

Peace of mind when traveling

The travel benefits are as follows.

Priority Pass

Airport lounges at 1,800 or more locations in more than 600 cities across 146 countries are free to use. Guests pay.

Airport lounges in Japan and overseas

Airport lounges in Japan and overseas can be used with one guest free of charge.

Insurance and support

Overseas travel accident insurance covers family members, while domestic cover has conditions. Overseas support desks in more than 38 cities guide you in Japanese. Emergency card issue is free, and the loss report center is open 24 hours. The page states that unauthorized use is fully compensated back to 61 days before the report.

Dining and lifestyle privileges

Dining centers on the Platinum Gourmet Coupon. At about 160 high-class restaurants, the member's own course is free when two or more dine. There are also Visa Platinum Hotel Dining, which offers hotel restaurants at discounted prices, and Visa Platinum Luxury Dining, which offers starred restaurants at discounted prices. Each has a monthly limit on availability.

Other privileges include popular golf courses at special prices and an international baggage cloak with 20 percent off.

Concierge

The Visa Platinum Concierge Center takes requests for special restaurants, accommodations and more, by phone or online, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The official page notes that, depending on when you use it, a response can take some time.

Applying

You can apply after receiving an invitation from Epos Card, or through Epos Net or the Epos app. The page says screening applies and that the result may not meet your wish.

Who the card suits

The Epos Platinum Card leaves room to keep the annual fee low and builds up bonus points according to spending. It also has the benefits expected of a platinum card: Priority Pass, gourmet coupons and a 24-hour concierge.

Three checks help the decision:

1. Do you have an invitation, or will you spend 1,000,000 yen or more a year?
2. How many bonus points would your annual spending earn?
3. Will you actually use the airport lounges and gourmet coupons?

If all three fit, you can draw out the benefits while holding the fee down. If your spending is small and you rarely travel or eat out, it is worth comparing cards with lower fees.