1. Overview of AU Bank and Its Credit Cards
AU Bank, officially known as au Jibun Bank, is a Japanese digital bank co-founded by KDDI Corporation and MUFG Bank. The bank stands out for its tech-savvy, mobile-first approach to personal banking, catering to individuals who prefer managing their finances online. One of its flagship offerings is the AU Bank Credit Card, which is designed to provide not just spending flexibility but also a range of features, rewards, and integrations with KDDI’s digital ecosystem.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the AU Bank Credit Card in depth — including its types, benefits, fee structure, how to apply, and how it compares to others in the Japanese market.
2. Background: The Rise of au Jibun Bank
Launched in 2008, au Jibun Bank emerged from a unique collaboration between a telecom giant and a major financial institution. The goal was to offer mobile-first banking at a time when digital transformation in finance was just beginning. Over time, au Jibun Bank extended its services from basic deposit accounts and personal loans to include full-scale credit card offerings.
With the increasing popularity of cashless payments in Japan, AU Bank entered the credit card segment to enhance its product lineup and support users who live a fully digital financial lifestyle.
3. AU Bank Credit Card Types
AU Bank provides a variety of credit card options to suit different user needs. The cards are powered by Visa or Mastercard networks and are accepted both in Japan and globally.
3.1 AU PAY Credit Card (Standard)
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Who it’s for: Everyday consumers seeking a no-fuss credit card.
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Key features:
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Earn 1% AU PAY points on purchases.
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Accepted globally (Visa or Mastercard).
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Integrated with AU PAY mobile wallet.
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Compatible with contactless payments.
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3.2 AU PAY Gold Card
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Who it’s for: Frequent spenders or travelers who want premium perks.
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Enhanced features:
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Higher reward rates (up to 1.5%).
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Complimentary travel insurance.
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Free airport lounge access.
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Priority customer service.
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Exclusive shopping and dining benefits.
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3.3 Co-Branded Cards
AU Bank also collaborates with partner brands and retailers to offer limited-time or co-branded cards that may feature promotional benefits, cashback offers, or targeted rewards.
4. Reward System: AU PAY Points
One of the main draws of AU Bank Credit Cards is the AU PAY Points reward program.
4.1 Earning Points
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Standard Rate: Earn 1 point per ¥100 spent (equal to a 1% return).
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Boosted Categories: Some cards or promotions increase earnings on categories like telecom bills, e-commerce, and travel.
4.2 Redeeming Points
AU PAY Points can be used for:
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Purchases through the AU PAY mobile app.
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Bill payments for AU telecom services.
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Shopping at partner stores or online platforms.
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Converting to other point programs or cashbacks.
Redemption is seamless through the AU PAY app, making it simple for users to access and use their rewards.
5. Fees and Charges
5.1 Annual Fees
| Card Type | Fee | Waiver Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| AU PAY Card | ¥1,250 (tax excluded) | Free for AU mobile users |
| AU PAY Gold Card | ¥10,000 (tax excluded) | Waived with high annual spending |
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Revolving Credit: Typically between 15% and 18% APR.
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Cash Advances: Around 18% APR, plus a small transaction fee.
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Late Payment Charges: Penalty fees and added interest apply.
These rates are in line with Japan's major credit card providers.
5.3 Foreign Transaction Fees
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Roughly 1.6% to 2% per transaction outside Japan.
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Accepted widely across countries due to Visa/Mastercard branding.
6. Eligibility and Application
6.1 Who Can Apply?
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Must be 18 years or older.
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Must reside in Japan and have a valid address.
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Proof of income or financial stability is required.
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Having an AU mobile subscription often boosts approval chances.
6.2 Required Documents
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Government-issued ID (Driver’s License, My Number Card).
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Proof of income (tax certificate, salary slip).
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Address confirmation (utility bill, residence certificate).
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AU ID for linked benefits.
6.3 How to Apply
Applications can be submitted online via:
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The AU Jibun Bank app.
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The AU PAY website.
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KDDI or AU telecom stores (in some cases).
Once submitted, users may receive approval within 1–3 days. A virtual card may be issued instantly for mobile payments, while the physical card usually arrives in about a week.
7. Mobile Integration & Digital Features
7.1 AU PAY Wallet
AU Bank Credit Cards are deeply integrated into the AU PAY Wallet, allowing:
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QR code and NFC payments.
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Easy access to AU PAY Points.
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Budget tracking and spending summaries.
7.2 Real-Time Card Management
From the mobile app, users can:
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Lock/unlock cards instantly.
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View transaction history.
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Set or change credit limits.
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Enable overseas usage.
7.3 Compatibility
Supports:
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Apple Pay
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Google Pay
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Contactless (Visa Touch / Mastercard Contactless)
This integration ensures smooth payment experiences whether online or in stores.
8. Travel & Lifestyle Benefits
Especially with the AU PAY Gold Card, cardholders enjoy:
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Travel Insurance: Covers overseas medical emergencies and trip cancellations.
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Airport Lounge Access: Free entry to select domestic and international lounges.
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Purchase Protection: Coverage for damaged or stolen items within 90 days of purchase.
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Priority Services: Quicker help desk support and concierge assistance.
These benefits are ideal for frequent flyers or individuals making large purchases.
9. Security and Fraud Protection
AU Bank invests in modern fintech security to safeguard its cardholders.
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3D Secure Authentication for online purchases.
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Real-time alerts for unusual spending.
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Card lock features accessible via the app.
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Tokenization and dynamic CVV technology to prevent cloning.
AU Bank customers are also covered under Japanese consumer protection laws for unauthorized transactions.
10. How AU Bank Compares to Other Credit Cards
| Feature | AU Bank Card | Rakuten Card | JCB Original Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | Free (basic tier) | Always free | Some free, some paid |
| Reward Rate | 1% | 1% to 3% | 0.5% to 1.0% |
| Mobile Integration | Excellent | Good | Average |
| Travel Perks | Gold card only | None | Depends on tier |
| Application Ease | High for AU users | Open to all | Requires good credit |
11. Who Should Use AU Bank Credit Cards?
11.1 AU Mobile Customers
If you're already using KDDI services, AU Bank Credit Cards can enhance your reward earnings and potentially eliminate annual fees.
11.2 Digital-First Users
Perfect for those who prefer managing finances entirely from their phone, including applications, bill payments, and expense tracking.
11.3 Frequent Travelers
The Gold Card variant is ideal for those seeking travel insurance, lounge access, and international acceptance.
11.4 Budget-Conscious Spenders
Earn consistent rewards, track spending in real-time, and avoid fees by sticking to automatic full repayments each month.
12. Tips for Maximizing Benefits
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Link the card to AU PAY Wallet to earn additional points.
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Use it to pay AU bills for tier-based reward boosts.
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Watch out for limited-time promotions offering 2x or 3x points.
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Consider upgrading to Gold only if your spending justifies the annual fee.
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Use digital issuance to start shopping instantly after approval.
13. Regulatory Compliance and Environmental Focus
AU Bank complies with all Japanese financial regulations, including:
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Consumer lending disclosures.
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Privacy and data protection.
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Responsible marketing.
Environmentally, AU Bank encourages:
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Digital-first banking to reduce paper waste.
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Recyclable card materials in some premium tiers.
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App-based customer service to reduce carbon footprints tied to physical branches.
14. The Future of AU Bank Credit Cards
AU Bank is continuing to innovate in the digital finance space. Some expected developments include:
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More co-branded and lifestyle-focused cards.
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Enhanced app AI for budgeting and personalized offers.
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Dynamic virtual cards that change numbers for every transaction (anti-fraud).
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More seamless fintech integrations, including crypto wallets or investment products.
15. Final Thoughts
AU Bank Credit Cards are a powerful option for those looking for a balance between rewards, security, and convenience. Whether you’re a casual shopper or a frequent flyer, there’s likely a card that fits your lifestyle. With the ability to manage everything via smartphone, AU Bank delivers on its promise of truly modern, digital-first financial services.
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