If you’re visiting Japan, chances are you’ll need an IC card for trains, buses, and everyday payments. Suica is the most well-known option — but many travelers aren’t sure whether they should buy a Welcome Suica or a regular Suica.

At first glance, these two cards look similar and work almost the same. However, there are important differences that can affect your trip, especially when it comes to validity period, refunds, deposits, and long-term use.

In this guide, we clearly explain the differences between Welcome Suica and regular Suica in 2026, so you can quickly decide which card is the better choice for your travel style and length of stay.

Welcome Suica vs Regular Suica: Key Differences for Travelers

Welcome Suica vs Suica: Color and Card Design

Picture from：JR East

The regular Suica card features a silver background, with the left half adorned in the signature grassy green hue of JR East Japan. In the bottom right corner, you’ll find the iconic Suica character, depicted as a small penguin.

Picture from：JR East：Welcome Suica

In contrast, the design of the “Welcome Suica” card differs significantly from the standard green Suica card. It predominantly features a red and white pattern against a white background. The design elements are the same as those on the regular Suica card, but in red, embellished with white sakura blossoms. The red symbolizes the sun, while the white represents cherry blossoms – fittingly, these are also the colors of the Japanese flag. Notably, the “Welcome Suica” card does not include the small penguin character on its face.

Welcome Suica vs Suica: Purchase Locations

The Welcome Suica (the red Suica card) was once sold only at limited airport locations due to IC chip supply constraints. As availability has improved, JR East has expanded the number of places where visitors can purchase Welcome Suica.

As of March 27, 2025, Welcome Suica is available at the following locations. Please note that, in principle, each person may purchase only one Welcome Suica card.

Welcome Suica vs Suica: Validity Period and Expiration

The red “Welcome Suica” card is valid for 28 days from the first use, which means it starts counting from the first time you use the card and automatically expires on the 28th day. If your stay in Japan exceeds 28 days, you will need to apply for a new card after the red Welcome Suica expires, as the validity of the old card cannot be extended. However, visitors can certainly keep this Suica card as a souvenir of their time in Japan.

On the other hand, the regular green Suica card typically does not have an expiration date as long as it is consistently used. It only becomes invalid after ten years of non-use.

Welcome Suica vs Suica: Period Pass

A period pass, equivalent to a monthly or seasonal pass in an English context, allows unlimited travel on specific trains within a designated area for a certain period of time. In Japan, these passes typically come in durations of one month, three months, and six months. Additionally, there are distinctions between commuter passes for school and work commutes.

For the regular green Suica card, converting it into a period pass is a simple process. You just need to visit the station’s green window, fill out an application form, and pay the required fee.

However, the red “Welcome Suica” card, designed specifically for tourists, comes with certain limitations, including its 28-day validity period. Due to these restrictions, it is not possible to convert the Welcome Suica into a period pass.

Welcome Suica vs Suica: Deposit and Refund Policy

Regular Suica requires a ¥500 deposit, which is refundable when you return the card. A ¥220 handling fee is deducted from the remaining balance.

When you get a new regular green Suica card for the first time, you’ll need to pay a 500 yen deposit upfront. For instance, if you deposit 2000 yen, only 1500 yen will be available for travel or purchases, with the remaining 500 yen held as a deposit. This deposit will be refunded when you return the card.

Upon returning the card, you’ll receive the 500 yen deposit back along with any remaining balance on the card. However, a handling fee of 220 yen will be deducted from the refund amount. So, the total refund amount will be: 【550 yen deposit + card balance – 220 yen handling fee】. If the card balance is less than 220 yen, the entire balance will be used to cover the handling fee, and the 500 yen deposit will be refunded.

Welcome Suica does not require a deposit, but any remaining balance is non-refundable, even if the card expires or is returned.

For this reason, travelers should use up the remaining balance before leaving Japan.

How Both Cards Work

Both Welcome Suica and regular Suica work the same way for transportation and shopping. Simply tap the card at ticket gates or payment terminals.

• Top-up amounts: ¥1,000 / ¥2,000 / ¥3,000 / ¥5,000 / ¥10,000
• Maximum balance: ¥20,000

Both cards can be used across major cities, including Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and beyond, wherever Suica is accepted.

「Welcome Suica」Official Website（English）

Suica Official Website（English）

You may also want ot read:

The Welcome Suica for Foreigners Visiting Japan

Welcome Suica Mobile: The Convenient App Version of Welcome Suica