Kudos has partnered with CardRatings and Red Ventures for our coverage of credit card products. Kudos, CardRatings, and Red Ventures may receive a commission from card issuers. Kudos may receive commission from card issuers. Some of the card offers that appear on Kudos are from advertisers and may impact how and where card products appear on the site. Kudos tries to include as many card companies and offers as we are aware of, including offers from issuers that don't pay us, but we may not cover all card companies or all available card offers. You don't have to use our links, but we're grateful when you do!
Can You Purchase Shinkansen Tickets with A Credit Card?
July 1, 2025
Quick Answer
Yes, purchasing Shinkansen tickets with a credit card is a standard and convenient option for travelers.
Should You Purchase Shinkansen Tickets With A Credit Card?
Using a credit card for Shinkansen tickets has both advantages and potential drawbacks.
Benefits of Using a Credit Card
- Rewards and Points: Many cards offer rewards like cashback or travel miles on purchases.
- Purchase Protection: Credit cards provide fraud protection, which is safer than carrying large amounts of cash.
- Convenience: Booking tickets online or at major stations is often faster with a credit card.
- Travel Perks: Some cards include benefits like travel insurance when you book your trip with them.
Drawbacks of Using a Credit Card
- Foreign Transaction Fees: If your card is not designed for travel, you may incur extra fees on international purchases.
- Unfavorable Exchange Rates: Some vendors may offer to charge in your home currency, often at a poor exchange rate.
- Interest Charges: Any rewards can be offset by interest if you carry a balance on your card.
- Acceptance Limitations: Not all ticket machines or smaller stations may accept foreign credit cards.
How to Purchase Shinkansen Tickets With A Credit Card
Planning a trip to Japan? Buying Shinkansen tickets with your credit card is a convenient way to secure your seat on the famous bullet train. Here’s a general guide.
- Choose the Right Card: Select a credit card that offers favorable terms for international travel, such as no foreign transaction fees, to avoid extra charges. To find the best fit for your spending habits, consider using a resource like Kudos' explore cards tool.
- Find a Purchase Point: You can buy tickets online via official Japan Railways (JR) websites or in person at major train stations. Look for the Midori no Madoguchi (ticket office) or automated ticket machines that accept credit cards.
- Provide Travel Details: Be ready with your departure and destination stations, travel date, preferred time, and the number of passengers. You will also need to decide between reserved and non-reserved seating.
- Complete the Transaction: Follow the prompts on the website or machine to enter your credit card information. For purchases at station kiosks, you may need your card’s PIN, so it’s wise to have it memorized beforehand.
Impact On Your Credit Score
Using a credit card for Shinkansen tickets can influence your credit score in several ways, depending on how you manage the expense. Here are a few key factors to consider before making the purchase.
- Credit Utilization Ratio: A large purchase can increase your credit utilization, which might temporarily lower your score. Lenders prefer to see balances kept well below your total available credit limit.
- Payment History: Making on-time payments is crucial for a healthy credit score. Consistently paying your bill demonstrates financial responsibility and can positively impact your creditworthiness over time.
- Building Credit History: For those with new credit, this is a good opportunity. Responsibly using your card for the purchase and paying it off promptly helps establish a positive payment record.
Alternative Ways To Purchase Shinkansen Tickets
Paying with Cash
For travelers without a credit card or those who simply prefer using currency, purchasing tickets with Japanese Yen is a viable alternative. You can buy tickets directly from the multilingual ticket vending machines located in major JR stations. If you need assistance or have a complex itinerary, the staff at any JR Ticket Office (Midori no Madoguchi) can help you book your seats and accept cash payments.
Using IC Cards
Prepaid IC cards like Suica, Pasmo, or ICOCA provide another convenient, cashless option. After loading the card with cash at a station machine, you can use it to pay for your Shinkansen tickets at the vending machines. For certain short-distance, non-reserved trips, some services even allow you to tap your IC card at the gate for entry, completely bypassing the ticket-purchasing step.
Choose the Right Card to Purchase Shinkansen Tickets
Picking the right credit card for your trip can feel like a puzzle, but it doesn't have to be. While there isn't one single "best" card for buying Shinkansen tickets, the ideal choice depends on your overall spending habits and travel goals. Kudos’ AI-powered Explore Tool can help you sift through nearly 3,000 cards to find your credit card match, ensuring you maximize rewards and minimize fees on all your purchases, including your Japan Rail adventure.
If you want to get more from your credit cards, Kudos is the premier free shopping assistant for when you shop online. We're also giving new users $20 back after their first eligible purchase—just sign-up for free with code “GET20” and buy from a Boost merchant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of credit cards are accepted for Shinkansen tickets?
Most major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and JCB, are widely accepted for Shinkansen ticket purchases.
Can I use a credit card issued outside of Japan?
Yes, foreign-issued credit cards are generally accepted, but it's wise to inform your bank about your travel plans.
Are there extra fees for using a credit card?
Railway companies don't charge extra, but your card provider might apply foreign transaction fees for international cards.
Supercharge Your Credit Cards
Experience smarter spending with Kudos and unlock more from your credit cards. Earn $20.00 when you sign up for Kudos with "GET20" and make an eligible Kudos Boost purchase.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
