Suica

Suica

Suica being tapped in Toyama, Japan
LocationNationwide usability, with issuance in:
LaunchedApril 8 – July 8, 2001: Pilot at 57 stations
November 18, 2001: Official launch at 424 stations
Technology
ManagerJR East
CurrencyJapanese yen (¥20,000 maximum load)
Stored-valuePay as you go
Credit expiryTen years after last use
Auto rechargeYes
Validity
Retailed
Variants
Websitewww.jreast.co.jp/multi/en/suica/

Suica (Japanese: スイカ, romanizedSuika) is a prepaid, rechargeable, contactless smart card and electronic money system used as a fare card on train lines and other public transport systems in Japan, launched on November 18, 2001 by the East Japan Railway Company (JR East). The card can be used across the nation as part of Japan's Nationwide Mutual Usage Service, including support on virtually any train, tramway, or bus system in the Greater Tokyo Area. The card is also widely used as electronic money for purchases at stores and kiosks, especially at convenience stores, chain restaurants, and shops within train stations.

Three years after launch, as of October 2004, over 10 million Suica had been sold. In 2018, JR East reported that Suica was used for 6.6 million daily transactions. As of October 2023, a total of 95.64 million Suica (including Mobile Suica) have been issued, and 1.63 million stores accept payment via Suica's digital currency.