What the ANA Card Is

The ANA Card is a co-branded credit card issued by a Japanese bank in partnership with All Nippon Airways. It earns points on every purchase, with bonus points on ANA flights and ANA partner purchases. The card is primarily marketed to people who fly ANA regularly or want to accumulate miles toward ANA tickets without paying cash for every flight.

There are multiple versions of the ANA Card — some with annual fees, some without, and some designed for business spending. The card you choose depends on how often you fly, how much you spend annually, and whether the annual fee (if there is one) makes sense against the points you expect to earn back.

Key Takeaways

  • ANA Cards earn points on all purchases, with higher earning rates on ANA flights and ANA partner merchants.
  • Annual fees vary by card version; some cards have no annual fee while premium versions charge a fee that may be offset by annual benefits.
  • Points can be redeemed for ANA flights, seat upgrades, or transferred to partner airlines and hotel programs.
  • The card is issued by a Japanese bank, so you will need to meet that bank's income and credit requirements to be approved.

How Points Earning Works on the ANA Card

Every purchase made with the ANA Card earns a base rate of points. The exact earning rate depends on which version of the card you hold, but most versions earn points on all spending categories. When you fly ANA or book through ANA's website, you earn bonus points on top of the base rate.

Points also accumulate when you use the card at ANA partner merchants — restaurants, hotels, and retail stores that have partnered with the card issuer. Partner merchants are listed on the card issuer's website, and the bonus rate varies by merchant. Some partners offer double or triple points on specific days or during promotional periods.

Points do not expire as long as your account remains open and active. However, if your card is closed or inactive for an extended period, the issuer may cancel your points balance, so regular card use protects your accumulated balance.

Annual Fees and Card Versions

The ANA Card comes in at least three main versions: a no-annual-fee card, a standard card with an annual fee, and a premium card with a higher annual fee. The no-annual-fee version earns points at a lower rate and offers fewer perks. The standard version typically charges an annual fee but includes benefits like annual bonus points, priority boarding on ANA flights, or lounge access.

The premium version charges the highest annual fee but includes the most valuable benefits — often a higher annual bonus, airport lounge access at multiple airports, travel insurance, and concierge services. Whether the premium card makes financial sense depends on whether you fly ANA frequently enough and spend enough on the card to earn back the annual fee in points and benefits.

Some versions waive the annual fee in the first year, or waive it if you meet a minimum spending threshold. Check the current terms with the card issuer before explore, as these offers change.

Redeeming Points for Flights and Other Rewards

Points can be redeemed directly for ANA flights. You log into your account, search for available flights, and pay the points cost instead of cash. The points cost varies by route, date, and how far in advance you book — flights during peak travel periods cost more points than off-peak flights. You can also use points to upgrade a paid ticket to a higher cabin class.

Points can be transferred to ANA's partner airlines and hotel programs. ANA partners with other carriers in the Star Alliance network, so you can use points to book flights on partner airlines like United, Lufthansa, or Singapore Airlines. Hotel partners include major chains like Hilton, Marriott, and IHG. Transfer rates vary by partner, and some transfers are more valuable than others depending on the partner's redemption rates.

Some versions of the card allow you to convert points into cash or statement credits, though the conversion rate is typically less favorable than redeeming for flights. Check your card's redemption options before deciding how to use your points.

Who Issues the ANA Card and how the process works

The ANA Card is issued by a Japanese bank, not by a U.S. bank. This means the process process and approval requirements may differ from U.S.-issued cards. You will typically need a Japanese address, a Japanese phone number, and a Japanese bank account to open the card. If you live outside Japan, some versions may not be available to you, or you may need to explore through a Japanese travel agency or financial intermediary.

If you live in Japan or have a Japanese address, you can explore directly through the card issuer's website or by visiting an ANA ticket counter. The process asks for income, employment status, and credit information. Approval usually takes one to two weeks.

If you live outside Japan and want the card, research whether the issuer offers an international process process. Some card versions are available to non-residents, but availability and terms vary. Contact the issuer directly to confirm whether you can explore from your country.

Comparing the ANA Card to Other Airline Cards

If you fly ANA frequently, the ANA Card offers earning rates and benefits tailored to ANA travel. If you fly other airlines more often, a card from a different airline or a general travel rewards card may earn more value. A general travel rewards card earns points on all spending and lets you redeem with multiple airlines, while an airline-specific card concentrates benefits on one carrier.

The decision depends on your travel patterns. If 80 percent of your flights are ANA, the ANA Card's bonus earning on ANA flights and partner merchants likely outweighs the annual fee. If you split your flying among multiple carriers, a general travel card or a card from your most-flown airline may be more efficient.

Consider also the annual fee against the points you expect to earn. If the card's annual fee is higher than the value of the annual bonus points and other benefits, the card costs you money rather than saving it. Use the card issuer's earning calculator or contact their customer service to estimate your first-year value before explore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ANA points on airlines other than ANA?

Yes. ANA points can be transferred to partner airlines in the Star Alliance network, including United, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, and others. You can also transfer points to hotel partners. The transfer rate and redemption value vary by partner, so compare the points cost of your desired flight on ANA versus a partner airline before transferring.

What happens to my points if I close the card?

Points are typically forfeited when you close the card. Some issuers allow a grace period to redeem points after closing, but this varies. If you plan to close the card, redeem your points before you do.

Do I earn points on the annual fee itself?

No. The annual fee is charged separately and does not earn points. Only purchases made with the card earn points.

Can I transfer points to someone else?

Most ANA Card programs do not allow point transfers between cardholders. Points are tied to your account and can only be redeemed by you. Check your card's terms to confirm the issuer's policy on point transfers.

How long does it take to earn enough points for a free flight?

This depends on how much you spend and which card version you hold. A flight within Japan might cost 10,000 to 20,000 points, while an international flight might cost 40,000 to 80,000 points or more. If you earn 1 point per dollar spent and spend $5,000 per year, you would earn 5,000 points annually — enough for a domestic flight in one to two years, or an international flight in several years. Premium card versions with higher earning rates and annual bonuses reach redemption thresholds faster.