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The best credit card for flights to Japan.

Updated

Why this card

American Express Gold for flights to Japan.

ANA business class via Virgin Atlantic Flying Club is one of the strongest premium cabin deals in the world for flying to Japan.

Annual fee

$325

Best earn rate

4 points per dollar on dining and groceries, plus Membership Rewards transfers to Virgin Atlantic and ANA

Signup bonus

60,000 points after $6,000 spend in 6 months

Membership Rewards points transfer to both Virgin Atlantic Flying Club and ANA Mileage Club. The Virgin Atlantic route is the headline: round-trip ANA business class between the US West Coast and Tokyo prices around 90,000 to 95,000 Virgin points, which is far less than ANA's own award chart. The Gold makes the math work because daily dining and grocery spend builds the balance fast. If you do not eat out, the Platinum or a transferable points card with higher base earn becomes the better choice.

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If the top pick is not right

Alternative: Chase Sapphire Preferred.

Chase points do not transfer to Virgin Atlantic, but they do transfer to United and Air Canada Aeroplan, both of which fly Star Alliance to Tokyo. Slightly worse pricing, much lower annual fee.

ChaseAnnual fee $95

At a glance

Side by side.

SpecAmerican Express GoldChase Sapphire Preferred
Annual fee$325$95
Best earn rate4 points per dollar on dining and groceries, plus Membership Rewards transfers to Virgin Atlantic and ANASee alternative section above
Signup bonus60,000 points after $6,000 spend in 6 monthsVaries by month

Local tip

What to know before you book.

Virgin Atlantic award seats on ANA open about 11 months out and disappear quickly. Search ANA's own award chart in parallel because Virgin sometimes has space ANA does not show on their own site.

Questions

Frequently asked.

What is the best credit card for flights to Japan?

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American Express Gold from American Express. Membership Rewards points transfer to both Virgin Atlantic Flying Club and ANA Mileage Club. Annual fee is $325.

What is the cheapest way to fly to Japan on points?

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Membership Rewards points transfer to both Virgin Atlantic Flying Club and ANA Mileage Club. The American Express Gold is the most efficient earner because of the relevant transfer partner.

Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred a better choice for flights to Japan?

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Chase points do not transfer to Virgin Atlantic, but they do transfer to United and Air Canada Aeroplan, both of which fly Star Alliance to Tokyo. Slightly worse pricing, much lower annual fee. Annual fee is $95.