Suica Card in 2026: Buy, Top Up & Use (Physical + Mobile Guide)

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What Is Suica?

Suica is a rechargeable prepaid IC card issued by JR East. Originally a train and bus pass, it also works at participating convenience stores, vending machines, restaurants, and coin lockers. Check for the transit IC card symbol before using it.

Tap through a train gate, get off at your destination, buy a coffee at the station convenience store — all without entering a PIN or signing anything. If you’re still deciding how to pay for things in Tokyo, see our full payment methods guide.

Suica is part of Japan’s 10-card interoperable IC network, so a card purchased in Tokyo works on participating routes in Osaka, Kyoto, and Fukuoka too. However, you cannot travel across separate IC service areas using stored balance alone. Arrange a separate ticket or reservation for a train journey from Tokyo to Kansai.

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Comparing Suica Types

For your first trip, choose a type here, buy or issue it, and check the balance. Then tap at both your boarding and destination stations. When your balance runs low, see how to top up.

The table compares two physical cards and Welcome Suica Mobile for international visitors. On iPhone, you can also issue a regular Suica directly in Apple Wallet.

	Welcome Suica Mobile	Welcome Suica (Physical)	Regular Suica (Physical)
For	International visitors aged 13+ with a compatible iPhone	Short-term tourists	Adult and child cards available
Where to get it	App Store	Airports & major station Travel Service Centers	JR East multi-function ticket machines and ticket offices (child cards: see below)
Initial cost	Top-up amount only	Top-up amount only	From ¥1,000 (includes ¥500 deposit)
Top-up method	Supported Apple Pay cards or cash at supported locations	Cash at machines	Cash at machines
Validity	180 days	28 days including the purchase date	10 years from last use
Deposit	None	None	¥500 (refunded on return)
Balance refund	No	No	Yes (¥220 fee)

How to choose: Welcome Suica Mobile suits visitors who want guidance in an English-language app; regular Suica is another option if you want to issue a card in Apple Wallet. For a physical card, choose Welcome Suica for a trip of up to 28 days with no return procedure, or regular Suica if you want to get a refund before leaving or keep it for another trip. Child card purchases are explained in the station purchase section below.

Using Regular Suica in Apple Wallet

You can issue a new Suica in Apple Wallet. Tap “+” → “Transit Card” → “Suica” → “Add a New Card,” choose an amount, and pay with a supported Apple Pay payment card. Check Apple’s guide for compatible devices, operating systems, and other requirements.

You can also transfer a compatible physical Suica, but the original card stops working after the transfer. Its balance moves across, and the ¥500 deposit is added as stored value. If you want to keep using the physical card, issue a separate new Suica instead of transferring it. Physical Welcome Suica cards cannot be transferred.

To refund a regular mobile Suica’s balance, you need to register in the Suica app and have a bank account in Japan. Simply deleting the card from Wallet does not refund it. If you do not have a Japanese bank account, adding small amounts makes it easier to use up the balance.

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iPhone: Welcome Suica Mobile

Welcome Suica Mobile is JR East’s app for international visitors, launched on March 6, 2025. You can use it in English. Users must be at least 13 and have a supported Apple Pay payment card in their own name, among other conditions. You can top up through Apple Pay with a supported card issued outside Japan, even while riding a train.

Setup Steps

1. Search for “Welcome Suica Mobile” on the App Store and download it
2. Open the app and set a “secret keyword” (no account registration required)
3. Choose a top-up amount and pay with a supported payment card in your own name registered in Apple Pay
4. Your Suica is issued and ready to use

Compatible devices: iPhone XR/XS or later (iOS 17.2+) and Apple Watch Series 3 or later. Transfer it to your Apple Watch and you can tap through gates with your wrist — no need to pull out your phone.

Pre-Arrival Setup Countries

If you are in South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, or Vietnam, you can download the app and issue your Suica before arriving in Japan. From all other countries, complete the setup after arrival. Airport Wi-Fi is one option for connecting.

Ticketless Shinkansen Boarding

Welcome Suica Mobile supports ticketless boarding on JR East Shinkansen and limited express trains since October 2025. Book your Shinkansen e-ticket on JR-EAST Train Reservation, register your Suica, and board by tapping your Suica at the gate — no paper ticket needed.

Green Car Tickets on Local Trains

Since March 1, 2026, Welcome Suica Mobile also lets you buy Green Car tickets for local trains in the Tokyo metropolitan area. On the day of travel, select your boarding and alighting stations in the app and pay with Apple Pay before boarding. You cannot pay with your Suica balance, and each device can hold a ticket for only one person. The Green Car charge is separate from the ordinary fare; on board, tap your device on the reader above your seat. All seats are unreserved, so buying a ticket does not reserve a seat. Check the official purchase guide for conditions such as journeys to or from Kannami, Mishima, or Numazu.

Things to Know

• Valid for 180 days from issuance. After that, the balance expires with no refund. You can issue a new Suica within the same app
• Location services must be enabled for issuance and top-ups
• If your iPhone battery dies completely, Suica stops working too. However, iPhone XS/XS Max/XR and later have power reserve for cards set to Express Mode, allowing use for up to 5 hours after the phone needs charging. This does not work if you turn the phone off manually, or on Apple Watch. If battery life is a concern, carry a portable charger

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Buying a Physical Card at the Station (Regular Suica)

Unregistered Suica cards were temporarily unavailable due to a global chip shortage starting in 2023, but sales resumed on March 1, 2025. Cards are available at JR East station ticket machines. Cash only unless you use a View Card — have some ¥1,000 or ¥5,000 bills ready.

How to Buy

1. Find a multi-function ticket machine (多機能券売機 / takinō kenbaiki) that sells adult Suica cards at a JR East station. This is different from an ordinary reserved-seat ticket machine
2. Tap “English” if you want to switch languages
3. Select “Purchase new Suica”
4. Choose an amount (¥1,000, ¥2,000, ¥3,000, ¥4,000, ¥5,000, or ¥10,000)
5. Insert cash (bills and coins both accepted)
6. Your Suica card is dispensed

The amount you choose includes a ¥500 deposit, so a ¥1,000 card gives you ¥500 of usable balance. The deposit is refunded when you return the card.

Registered, Unregistered, and Child Cards

Regular Suica comes as an unregistered card or My Suica, a registered card that only its named holder can use. A lost My Suica can be reissued, but an unregistered card cannot. Enter your name, date of birth, and other details accurately if you want to be able to request a replacement.

Child cards are only available as registered My Suica. Buy one at a Midori-no-Madoguchi ticket office or through the operator service on an assisted reserved-seat ticket machine, bringing official identification such as the child’s passport to confirm their age. A family member can buy it on the child’s behalf. The multi-function machines used for adult cards cannot sell child cards. Welcome Suica Mobile is for ages 13 and over, so it is a separate choice from a child card.

Returning Your Card

When you no longer need your Suica, return it at a JR East Midori-no-Madoguchi (みどりの窓口 / “Green Window” ticket office). Narita Airport stations have these offices, so you can handle it before you fly out.

These refund procedures apply to Suica cards issued by JR East. Stations operated by other JR companies, such as those in Osaka and Kyoto, cannot refund them. Registered My Suica holders also need identification.

• Balance remaining: deposit ¥500 + balance − ¥220 handling fee returned
• Zero balance: full ¥500 deposit returned (no fee)
• Balance under ¥220: fee is capped at your remaining balance

To get the full ¥500 back, spend down your balance at an airport convenience store or vending machine before heading to the ticket office. You can also choose to keep the card — it expires if unused for 10 years. Even before 10 years, ask station staff to check a long-unused card if it does not respond. If you plan to visit Japan again, taking it home is a practical option.

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Tourist Card at the Airport (Welcome Suica)

For short stays, there’s a deposit-free option: Welcome Suica, a cherry blossom-themed IC card designed for tourists. You can keep it as a souvenir when you’re done. The main difference from a regular Suica is that there’s no ¥500 deposit and no need to return it.

Where to Buy

• Narita Airport: JR East Travel Service Centers and dedicated ticket machines at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 stations
• Haneda Airport: Dedicated ticket machines in the Tokyo Monorail Terminal 3 station; cards are also sold at the JR EAST Travel Service Center
• Central Tokyo stations: Travel Service Centers at Tokyo, Shinjuku, Ueno, Ikebukuro, and Shibuya stations

You’ll need to show a passport or other identification when purchasing a child card. At the airport, you can buy a card after clearing immigration, baggage claim, and customs.

Key Features

No deposit, no return hassle, and the cherry blossom design makes a nice keepsake. Valid for 28 days, including the purchase date with no balance refund. Maximum balance is the same ¥20,000 as a regular Suica.

Carry the reference paper issued at purchase with the card. The “GOOD THRU” printed on the back of the card is not its usage expiry date.

Since it expires after 28 days, start with ¥1,000–¥2,000 at the airport and top up as needed along the way.

PASMO Also Has a Tourist Card

The former PASMO PASSPORT has been discontinued. A separate product, TOURIST PASMO, is now available at designated counters at Haneda and Narita airports and other sales locations. It requires no deposit and is valid for 28 days from purchase, but unused balance is normally nonrefundable. Regular PASMO cards are also still available.

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For Android Users

Android phones without Osaifu-Keitai support cannot use mobile Suica.

Adding Suica through Google Wallet requires a device with Osaifu-Keitai (FeliCa) support. On Android phones without Osaifu-Keitai support, the Suica option simply does not appear in Google Wallet.

For users of unsupported Android phones, the option is a physical card. Buy a regular Suica at a station ticket machine, or pick up a Welcome Suica at the airport or a Travel Service Center. A physical card works regardless of your phone model or OS, and you don’t have to worry about battery life.

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How to Top Up

The maximum Suica balance is ¥20,000. JR East ticket machines offer top-ups of ¥500, ¥1,000, ¥2,000, ¥3,000, ¥5,000, or ¥10,000. Available amounts vary by top-up method. Your remaining balance appears on the gate display every time you tap through, so it’s easy to keep track.

At Station Ticket Machines (Cash)

1. Insert your Suica into the ticket machine or place it on the card reader
2. Select 「チャージ」 (chāji / “Charge”) — or “Charge” if in English mode
3. Choose the amount
4. Insert cash
5. Remove your card

Ticket machines at non-JR stations (Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway, private railways) also accept Suica top-ups, so you’re never limited to JR stations. During the morning rush, machines can get crowded — top up while your balance still has room to spare.

At Convenience Store Registers (Cash Only)

7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson support Suica top-ups.

You: “Suica no chāji o onegai shimasu” (Suicaのチャージをお願いします / “I’d like to top up my Suica, please”) Clerk: Points to the card reader → Place your Suica on the reader → Select the amount on the screen → Pay with cash → Pick up your card Clerk: “Arigatō gozaimashita” (ありがとうございました / “Thank you”)

If the full phrase feels like a lot, just hold up your Suica and say “chāji” (チャージ / “charge”). The staff will understand.

Seven Bank ATMs and Cash Top-Ups for Smartphones

Seven Bank ATMs let you add cash to both cards and smartphones. Choose electronic money top-up, place your Suica card or phone on the reader, select an amount, and insert banknotes. Top-ups are in ¥1,000 increments and are not debited from a bank account. Keep your card or phone on the reader until the transaction finishes.

Welcome Suica Mobile also accepts cash top-ups once the Suica has been issued. Use convenience store registers, supported ATMs, or ticket machines with a tray for your device. Some shops and machines are not supported, and machines that require you to insert a card cannot accept a smartphone.

Welcome Suica Mobile (Apple Pay)

Welcome Suica Mobile can be topped up from 04:00 to 02:00 the next day, Japan time, through the app using a supported payment card in your own name registered in Apple Pay. With a working card and internet connection, you can add balance even while riding the train, including when you notice a shortfall before reaching the exit gate.

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Where Suica Works

Suica goes far beyond trains.

• Trains & buses — JR, Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway, private railways, city buses. Works on participating transit systems nationwide. On buses, tap when boarding and again when getting off (on flat-fare Toei buses, tap only when boarding)
• Convenience stores — 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson. Even for a small purchase, just tap and go — no fumbling for coins
• Vending machines — Most drink and food vending machines accept Suica (look for the IC card symbol). On touchscreen vending machines, hold your card to the reader first to see your balance, then select your drink
• Coin lockers — IC-compatible station lockers use your Suica as the key. Lock your bags, go sightseeing, and unlock with the same card when you return — no coins or physical key needed
• Restaurants & shops — Widely accepted at station buildings, beef bowl chains, and coffee chains. Smaller independent restaurants may not accept IC cards, so check for the IC card logo near the register before ordering

Look for the Suica penguin logo or the IC card symbol on the payment terminal. Within Tokyo, an increasing number of taxis also have IC card readers installed in the back seat.

On March 14, 2026, Suica became available at Shinano-Omachi and Hakuba stations and all stations on Shinano Railway lines. However, you cannot board or alight with Suica at stations in the Ariake–Minami-Omachi and Kita-Omachi–Iimori sections of the Oito Line.

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Using Suica on Trains

Boarding

1. Tap your Suica on the card reader at the ticket gate (the blue glowing panel on top of the gate)
2. You hear a “pip” sound and the gate opens
3. Walk through

Your card can be read through a wallet or phone case in most cases, but if it doesn’t respond, take it out and tap directly. The sensor is the circular area on top of the gate machine.

Exiting

1. Tap your Suica at the exit gate of your destination station
2. The fare is automatically deducted
3. Your remaining balance appears on the display

IC fares are a few yen cheaper than paper tickets and calculated to the exact yen. A small difference per ride, but it adds up over a trip.

JR East revised its fares on March 14, 2026. For example, the adult one-way IC fare from Tokyo to Shinjuku rose from ¥208 to ¥253. A paper ticket for the same journey costs ¥260.

Transfers

When transferring between different railway companies (e.g., JR to Tokyo Metro), just tap your Suica at each gate. For detailed transfer tips at major stations, see our station navigation guide. At stations with transfer gates (like Ichigaya Station), a single tap handles both the JR exit and the Metro entry simultaneously. At stations without transfer gates, you exit through one set of gates and enter through another — but with Suica, you never need to buy a new ticket for each leg.

If the Gate Closes on You

Don’t panic. Find the fare adjustment machine (精算機 / seisanki — labeled 「のりこし精算」 / norikoshi seisan) near the gates, insert your Suica, add cash for the shortfall, and you’re through. If you can’t find the machine, head to the staffed gate window — the attendant will sort it out.

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Using Suica for Shopping

Clerk: “O-kaikei, ¥350 desu. O-shiharai hōhō wa?” (お会計、¥350です。お支払い方法は? / “That’ll be ¥350. How would you like to pay?”) You: “Suica de” (Suicaで / “By Suica”) Clerk: “Dōzo” (どうぞ / “Go ahead”) → Tap your Suica on the card reader → “Pip” sound → Your remaining balance appears on the display Clerk: “Arigatō gozaimashita” (ありがとうございました / “Thank you”)

No PIN, no signature — the smaller the purchase, the more you’ll appreciate how quick Suica is.

Useful phrases:

• 「Suicaで」 (Suica de) — shortest
• 「Suicaでお願いします」 (Suica de onegai shimasu) — more polite
• 「交通系ICで」 (kōtsūkei IC de) — works for any transit IC card (Suica, PASMO, ICOCA, etc.)

At self-checkout machines, select 「交通系IC」 (kōtsūkei IC / “Transit IC”) on screen, then tap the reader. If a convenience store self-checkout has this option and you’re not confident with Japanese, self-checkout is a stress-free alternative.

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Troubleshooting

If you entered with a smartphone and cannot top up or exit, show your device to staff at the staffed gate and explain where you boarded and what happened. If a flat battery makes the device unusable, pay the fare in cash and ask station staff to clear the entry record after you recharge. If you can recharge and restore the device before paying in cash, the entry record remains and you can exit using that device.

Problem	Cause	Solution
Gate closes at ticket barrier	Insufficient balance	Use the fare adjustment machine (精算機 / seisanki) near the gates to add cash
Error beep at gate	No entry record (missed tap at boarding station)	Go to the staffed gate window and show your Suica
No response at store register	Card not positioned correctly	Tap firmly at the center of the reader. Remove thick phone cases
Cannot top up	Balance is near the ¥20,000 limit	Spend some balance first, then top up
Card payment fails when topping up a smartphone	Check the payment card, service hours, and connection	If Suica has already been issued, use cash at a convenience store or supported ATM
Welcome Suica stopped working	28-day validity expired	Buy a new card or switch to Welcome Suica Mobile
Lost your Suica inside the station	—	Tell the station attendant.

If something goes wrong at the gate, head to the staffed gate window — the attendant will sort it out. Show your Suica card or device and explain your boarding station and any error displayed. Major tourist stations (Tokyo, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno, Shinagawa) often have English-speaking staff.

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Suica vs. PASMO

Suica is issued by JR East, while PASMO is issued by PASMO Co., Ltd.. Both work on transport services and at shops that support the shared IC card network, so you don’t need separate cards for JR and subway trips. Neither works on routes that do not accept IC cards, and you cannot use stored balance alone for a journey across separate IC service areas, such as from Tokyo to Kansai.

Tourist options include physical Welcome Suica cards, Welcome Suica Mobile, and TOURIST PASMO. Choose based on where you can buy one and how long you plan to stay. For commuting, also check which operators sell your commuter pass and which routes are eligible.

For PASMO purchase locations, TOURIST PASMO, and commuter passes, see our guide to buying and using PASMO.

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FAQ

What is the difference between Suica and PASMO?

Suica is issued by JR East, while PASMO is issued by PASMO Co., Ltd. Both work on trains, buses, and at shops that support the shared IC card network, but purchase and refund locations and eligible commuter pass routes differ. Tourist options include Welcome Suica and TOURIST PASMO.

Can I use Suica on my Android phone?

Only if your Android phone supports Osaifu-Keitai. Android phones without Osaifu-Keitai support cannot use mobile Suica. If your phone is unsupported, use a physical regular Suica or Welcome Suica card.

How do I get a refund for my Suica card?

Suica cards issued by JR East can be refunded at JR East Midori-no-Madoguchi ticket offices. Registered My Suica holders also need identification. They’ll refund your remaining balance minus a ¥220 processing fee, plus the ¥500 deposit. If the balance is under ¥220, you’ll get back only the deposit. Welcome Suica cards have no deposit and no balance refund.

What is the maximum balance I can put on a Suica card?

The maximum Suica balance is ¥20,000. You can top up at ticket machines, convenience stores, supported ATMs, or through mobile apps. JR East ticket machines offer ¥500, ¥1,000, ¥2,000, ¥3,000, ¥5,000, and ¥10,000 amounts, but top-up increments vary by method.

Does Suica work outside Tokyo?

Yes, Suica works on trains and buses in major metropolitan areas across Japan, including Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, and Fukuoka. It also works at convenience stores and many shops nationwide. However, some rural bus lines and local railways may not accept IC cards.

Where can I buy a regular Suica card?

Adult regular Suica cards are sold at JR East multi-function ticket machines, Midori-no-Madoguchi ticket offices, and operator-assisted reserved-seat ticket machines. Child cards are registered cards only: use a ticket office or an operator-assisted machine and bring official identification confirming the child’s age.

Can I still use my physical Suica after transferring it to my iPhone?

No. Transferring a compatible physical Suica to Apple Wallet moves its balance and ¥500 deposit, and the original card becomes unusable. If you want to keep the physical card, issue a separate new Suica in Wallet. Physical Welcome Suica cards cannot be transferred.

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Related Articles

• How Payments Work in Japan — How Suica fits alongside credit cards, PayPay, and Apple Pay
• Tokyo Travel Pitfalls — Common mistakes tourists make, including train navigation and cash preparation
• Tokyo Last Train Guide — Line-by-line last train times and what to do if you miss yours
• Tokyo Etiquette Guide — Train manners, queuing rules, and social customs

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Sources:

• JR East “Resumption of Suica and PASMO Card Sales” https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/press/pdf/0225_suica_en.pdf (accessed: 2026-02-26)
• JR East “Welcome Suica Mobile Launch Press Release” https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000001058.000017557.html (accessed: 2026-02-27)
• JR East “Welcome Suica Mobile Ticketless Service Expansion” https://www.jreast.co.jp/press/2025/20250917_ho03.pdf (accessed: 2026-02-27)
• JR East “Welcome Suica Mobile” https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/wsmlp/ (accessed: 2026-02-26)
• JR East “Welcome Suica Purchase Locations” https://www.jreast.co.jp/en/multi/welcomesuica/purchase.html (accessed: 2026-02-26)
• JR East “Welcome Suica Mobile Pre-Arrival Setup FAQ” https://apfaq.mobilesuica.com/faq/show/6945?site_domain=wsm (accessed: 2026-02-26)
• JR East “Welcome Suica Mobile Validity FAQ” https://apfaq.mobilesuica.com/faq/show/6979?category_id=116&site_domain=wsm (accessed: 2026-02-27)
• JR East “Welcome Suica Mobile Location Services FAQ” https://apfaq.mobilesuica.com/faq/show/6849?site_domain=wsm (accessed: 2026-02-27)
• JR East “How to Top Up Suica” https://www.jreast.co.jp/en/suica/ic/use/chrg/index.html/ (accessed: 2026-02-27)
• JR East “Suica Refund Procedures” https://www.jreast.co.jp/en/suica/ic/procedure/repayment.html/ (accessed: 2026-02-27)
• JR East “Unused Suica FAQ (10-Year Expiry)” https://jreastfaq.jreast.co.jp/faq/show/1048?category_id=27&site_domain=default (accessed: 2026-02-27)
• JR East “2026 Fare Revision” https://www.jreast.co.jp/2026unchin-kaitei/ (accessed: 2026-02-27)
• Apple “Express Cards with power reserve” https://support.apple.com/guide/security/express-cards-with-power-reserve-sec90cd29d1f/web (accessed: 2026-02-27)
• Google “Add e-money cards to Google Wallet (Japan)” https://support.google.com/wallet/answer/13314575?hl=en (accessed: 2026-02-26)
• Apple “Add a Suica card to Apple Wallet” https://support.apple.com/en-us/108772 (accessed: 2026-02-26)
• PASMO Council “History” https://www.pasmo.co.jp/corporate/history/ (accessed: 2026-09-17)
• PASMO Council “TOURIST PASMO” https://www.pasmo.co.jp/tourist-pasmo/ (accessed: 2026-09-17)
• PASMO Council “Nationwide IC Card Interoperability” https://www.pasmo.co.jp/about/sharing/ (accessed: 2026-09-17)
• PASMO Council “PASMO Terms of Use” https://www.pasmo.co.jp/condition/ (accessed: 2026-09-17)
• Apple: Add Suica to Apple Wallet https://support.apple.com/ja-jp/108772 (accessed: 2026-09-27)
• JR East: Welcome Suica Mobile terms https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/welcomesuicamobile/kiyaku/wsm_kiyaku.html (accessed: 2026-09-27)
• JR East: Buying Suica https://www.jreast.co.jp/suica/ic/howtoget/mysuica.html/ (accessed: 2026-09-27)
• JR East: Reissuing Suica https://www.jreast.co.jp/suica/ic/procedure/reissue.html/ (accessed: 2026-09-27)
• JR East: Welcome Suica purchase and use https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/welcomesuica/purchase.html (accessed: 2026-09-27)
• JR East: Apple Pay Suica refunds FAQ https://apfaq.mobilesuica.com/faq/show/1545?site_domain=default (accessed: 2026-09-27)
• JR East: Welcome Suica Mobile cash top-ups FAQ https://apfaq.mobilesuica.com/faq/show/6917?site_domain=wsm (accessed: 2026-09-27)
• Seven Bank: Electronic money top-ups at ATMs https://www.sevenbank.co.jp/personal/atm/electronicmoney/electronicmoney_howto.html (accessed: 2026-09-27)
• JR East: Suica service areas https://www.jreast.co.jp/suica/area/ (accessed: 2026-09-27)
• JR East: Suica power reserve FAQ https://apfaq.mobilesuica.com/faq/show/5578?site_domain=default (accessed: 2026-09-27)