Picture this: you’ve zipped through Tokyo’s neon-lit streets, tapped your Suica card for every train ride, and now you’re racing to catch your flight home. But did you remember to claim your suica card deposit refund? If not, that 500 yen deposit might vanish faster than your last sushi roll.
This ultimate guide covers everything you need to reclaim that deposit before you leave Japan. You’ll learn key deadlines, refund spots, step-by-step instructions, fee breakdowns, and smart ways to spend any tiny balance left on your card. If you need a quick refresher on using your Suica, check out our guide on how to use Suica in Tokyo.
Understand deposit basics
Every Suica card purchase includes a 500 yen deposit and your initial credit. For example, if you load 1,500 yen onto a new card, you pay a total of 2,000 yen, including that deposit. When you refund, you get the remaining balance plus the deposit, minus any handling fee.
Suica cards come in plastic or mobile form. The physical card stays active for 10 years after your last use, so you could delay a refund until your next trip. You can reload your Suica at ticket machines, station kiosks, and many convenience stores across Japan (suica card reload locations).
How deposit works
- Deposit: 500 yen, held until you surrender the card
- Credit: whatever amount you top up, spendable on trains, shops, and more
- Refund: credit plus deposit, minus a possible handling fee
Nonrefundable card types
- Welcome Suica: no deposit required, so no refund option (Rakuten Travel)
- Mobile Suica on iPhone without a Japanese bank account: must complete an in-app withdrawal or forfeit your deposit (Navitime Japan)
- Commuter-pass loaded cards: refund voids the pass and returns only unspent credit and deposit
Plan refund timing
Have you ever landed at your gate only to realize you forgot to get that 500 yen back? You must process IC card refunds before you exit Japan, since no overseas refunds are available (PiQtour).
Suica cards remain valid for up to 10 years after the most recent charge, so you can wait until your next visit if the hassle outweighs the payout. Just remember that deposit sits unused until you take action (Navitime Japan).
Locate refund offices
Refund locations vary by IC card issuer, and you’ll usually find counters at major stations or airports (PiQtour). Here’s a quick glance at main refund spots and typical fees:
| IC card | Issuer | Refund location | Commission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suica | JR East | Midori no Madoguchi at Tokyo, Shinjuku, Ueno, Ikebukuro, Shibuya | ¥220 per card (Navitime Japan) |
| PASMO | Private rail lines | Pasmo service centers at Shibuya, Ikebukuro, Narita Airport | No fee (Navitime Japan) |
| ICOCA | JR West | JR West ticket offices at Osaka, Kyoto, Shin-Osaka, Namba | ¥220 per card (PiQtour) |
Below we break down each option in more detail.
JR East counters
If your Suica was issued by JR East, head to a Midori no Madoguchi ticket office at major stations like Tokyo, Shinjuku, Ueno, Ikebukuro, Shibuya, or Yokohama. Smaller JR offices along the line also handle refunds.
Airport refund points
Narita Airport
You’ll find dedicated refund machines and a JR East ticket office in Terminals 1 and 2. Machines return your balance and deposit minus the handling fee.
Haneda Airport
Haneda’s ticket machines don’t refund Suica, since Tokyo Monorail Suica and Rinkai Suica are separate. For JR East Suica refunds, visit a city station or see our Suica refund at Tokyo airports guide.
Other card handlers
PASMO counters
Pasmo (issued by private rail operators) refunds happen at Pasmo service centers in stations like Shibuya, Ikebukuro, and Narita. You’ll get your full balance plus the 500 yen deposit back with no commission (Navitime Japan). For English instructions on Pasmo refunds, check Pasmo card English instructions.
ICOCA offices
For ICOCA refunds, visit JR West counters at Osaka, Kyoto, Shin-Osaka, or Namba stations. A 220 yen fee applies here as well (PiQtour).
Other lines
If your card comes from a non-JR line—like Tokyo Monorail Suica or Rinkai Suica—you need to use that operator’s refund channel. Contact their customer service before departure.
Gather refund essentials
What to bring
- Your physical IC card (or be ready to log into the app)
- Passport (staffed counters often request it)
- Proof of onward travel (some offices verify your departure)
Useful Japanese phrases
It helps to learn a simple phrase: “IC kaado no refund onegai shimasu” (IC card refund, please). Staff recognize it instantly, and at machines you can tap “refund onegai” to speed things up.
Navigate refund steps
At staffed counters
- Join the queue at the ticket window
- Hand over your card and passport
- Say “IC kaado no refund onegai shimasu”
- Receive cash and your receipt
At refund machines
- Insert your IC card
- Select “Refund” on screen
- Confirm the refund amount
- Collect your yen from the dispenser
Machines are quick, but they won’t process commuter passes.
Manage fees and deposits
Suica fee schedule
JR-issued cards like Suica incur a 220 yen handling fee. For example, a 1,000 yen balance returns 780 yen plus your 500 yen deposit, for a total of 1,280 yen (Navitime Japan).
PASMO fee structure
Pasmo refunds carry no commission, so you keep every yen you loaded.
ICOCA fee details
ICOCA refunds deduct the same 220 yen fee at JR West offices (PiQtour).
Mobile Suica rules
If you tapped your Suica via Apple Pay, you must complete an in-app withdrawal with a Japanese bank account. Skip this step, and you forfeit your deposit or have to plan ahead for a digital refund (Navitime Japan).
Use leftover balance
Spend at convenience stores
Almost any konbini (convenience store) in Japan accepts Suica. Grab a snack, pick up souvenirs, or pay for a taxi with your remaining credit instead of refunding a small amount (suica card convenience stores).
Keep for next trip
Since plastic Suica stays active for 10 years after your last use, you can hold onto your card and refund both deposit and balance later (Navitime Japan).
Compare card options
Suica vs PASMO
Suica and Pasmo work almost identically, covering trains, buses, and shops. For a deep dive into their differences, see Suica Pasmo difference explained. If you’re subway-heavy, compare with the Tokyo Metro pass vs Suica.
Alternative passes
If you know you’ll take lots of rides, a day ticket might save you more than topping up. Consider the Tokyo Subway 24 hour ticket or check if the JR pass Yamanote line coverage makes sense.
Review key takeaways
- Always refund your IC card before exiting Japan
- Bring your physical card, passport, and departure details
- JR cards deduct a ¥220 handling fee; Pasmo refunds are free
- Use refund machines at Narita for a speedy self-service option
- Spend tiny balances at konbini or stash your card for later
Ready to reclaim that deposit? Head to the nearest refund counter or machine and watch those yen come back to you.
Frequently asked questions
Can I refund my Suica at Haneda Airport?
No, Haneda’s machines don’t handle Suica refunds. For JR East Suica, visit Narita or a city station ticket office.
What happens if I have a commuter pass on my Suica?
Staff will void your pass and refund only the remaining balance and deposit, minus any handling fee.
How long is my Suica valid for a refund?
Plastic Suica cards remain valid for up to 10 years after your last charge, so you have plenty of time to reclaim your deposit.
Will I pay a fee when I refund my Suica?
Yes, JR-issued cards like Suica and ICOCA deduct a 220 yen fee. Pasmo refunds carry no commission.
How do I reclaim a mobile Suica deposit?
Complete the in-app withdrawal using a Japanese bank account before you leave, or you’ll forfeit your deposit.
