Getting to Know the JAL USA Card

The JAL USA Card is a airline rewards card targeted to frequent Japan Airlines travelers. The card provides an initial 5,000  JMB bonus miles after the first international flight on JAL after card approval. It also offers 1X miles after that for premium rewards members. That reduces to 1 mile for every $2 spent for basic rewards members. Premium rewards membership incurs an additional fee of $50 per year. This card is great for those relocating to the United States and hoping to build a positive credit history.

How It Works

Cardholders can expect the following from the JAL USA Card:

How to Earn Rewards:

• Qualifying Purchases: Cardholders can earn 1 mile for every dollar spent on ticket purchases with Japan Airlines as a premium member, or 1 mile for every $2 spent as a basic rewards member.
• Bonus Miles Boosts: Cardholders receive a 10% sector boost on miles earned when flying with JAL
• Expiration: Miles earned do not expire for 36 months.

How to Redeem Miles:

• Travel: JMB members can redeem their miles for international flights with Japan Airlines
• Seat Upgrades: JMB members can use miles to upgrade seating on international flights.

Today’s Bonus Offer

Earn 5,000 bonus JMB miles when you make your first fly internationally with Japan Airlines after you are approved for your JAL USA card. New members also enjoy an introductory purchase APR of 1.9% for the first 6 months.

The Plane Facts

Can you expect a smooth flight from the JAL USA Card, or will there be turbulence?

• Annual Fee: The JAL CARD U.S.A. VISA® Credit has an annual fee of $20. That fee increases to $70 per year if the cardholder also enrolls in the premium rewards plan. That plan has a value of $50. It only offers any real value, however, to dedicated JAL fliers.

Airline and Airport Perks:

• Priority Check-In: JAL USA Cardholders receive priority check-in on JAL-operated international flights.
• In-Flight Discounts: JAL USA Cardholders receive 10% discounts on in-flight purchases. This bonus extends to JAL and international flights when you use your card.
• Duty-Free Savings: Cardholders save 10% on duty-free purchases at JAL Group duty-free stores in Japan.
• Discounts at Airport Shops: JAL USA Cardholders receive 5% savings when using their card at JAL partner shops at Japanese airports.

Cardholder Protections:

• Fraud Monitoring: Cardholders have complete protection from any fraudulent or unauthorized purchases made on their account.
• Account Alerts: Visa account alerts allow cardholders to know if there is suspicious activity on their account.
• Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance: collision damage for rental cars is covered when you pay the total cost of your rental car with the JAL USA Card and waive additional collision protection while at the rental counter.

Additional Benefits:

• No Penalty APR
• Entirely US dollar-based card

The Perks That Make the JAL USA Card Worthwhile

What are some of the Pros that set this card ahead of the rest?

• US Dollar-Based Card: For those relocating to the US, the JAL US Card is 100% US dollar-based. This makes it a good choice for those looking to establish a US credit history.
• No Blackout Dates: There are currently no blackout dates with JAL international routes, meaning JMB members don’t have to worry about where they can sue their miles.
• No Additional Fees for Extra Authorized Users: The JAL USA Card charges no fee for additional authorized users on the account.

Potential Turbulence with the JAL USA Card:

What are some drawbacks that take the wind from under this card’s wings?

• Limited Access for Those in the United States: While the JAL USA Card is geared towards Japanese citizens that have relocated to the US, the perks of this card are minimal for everyone else in the United States. Savings are exclusive to JAL flights, while access to US-based partner savings are much more limited.
• Additional Charges: Flight bookings with Japan Airlines additional fees, such as fuel surcharges, which are not covered by miles.
• Better Rewards Exist Elsewhere: If you are a Japanese citizen who has relocated to the US, or if you frequently travel to Japan for work, this may be your ideal card. If not, however, there might be better cards out there that offer significantly better introductory bonus miles and rewards-earning potential.

Thoughts Before Takeoff

The JAL USA Card offers some compelling perks for those who either travel frequently to Japan for work or who have recently relocated to the US and are looking for a rewards card to help them earn miles with Japan Airlines while establishing credit in the United States.

The sign-up bonus of 1.9% APR for 6 months and 5,000 bonus miles, however, is relatively low consider other options that are available. The case against the JAL USA Card worsens with the $70 annual fee – sure, this isn’t higher than other business cards (in fact it is lower than many), but for the rewards on offer, it isn’t great.

Overall, the JAL US Card is a good choice for those that either frequently fly Japan Airlines, are JMB  member, travel with Oneworld airlines, or are recently relocated to the US and want to establish good credit while earning rewards. If not, however, there may be better options available.