Major Loyalty Points Compared 2026 — Rakuten, PayPay, d, Ponta & V Point
Choose loyalty points by "earnability × usability"
Rakuten points, d points, PayPay points, Ponta, V Point — Japan's major "loyalty points" differ in where they're earned and where they're used. In 2024, T-Point was merged into V Point, reshaping the landscape. For point activity, it's efficient to choose your economy around "a point you can easily earn and easily use." This article compares the five major loyalty points. Pair it with the economy comparison chapter.
Comparing the 5 major loyalty points
| Point | Where earned | Where used |
|---|---|---|
| Rakuten points | Rakuten Ichiba, Rakuten Card, Rakuten group | Rakuten Ichiba, Rakuten Pay, investing |
| PayPay points | PayPay payment, Yahoo!, LYP | Easy to use across PayPay payments |
| d points | Docomo, d Pay, d Card | d Pay, Docomo bills, investing |
| Ponta | au/UQ, Lawson, partner stores | au PAY, partner stores, investing |
| V Point | Mitsui Sumitomo Card, former T partners | SMBC group, partner stores (T merged) |
Note: this is an area of ongoing mergers and revisions. Where points are earned/used and conversion ratios change, so confirm the latest officially.
How to choose the right point for you
- Decide by the stores/services you usePick a point strong at your convenience store, phone carrier, and go-to EC.
- Confirm you can use itEarning is pointless if you can't spend it. Choose a point you can use day to day.
- Lean into an economyConsolidating into one point makes earning easier and management simpler. economy comparison chapter.
- Funnel point activity into your main pointRoute point-site points into your main point via relays. relay chapter.
The "ultimate loyalty point" differs per person. Pick one main point that fits your stores, carrier, and EC, and consolidate into it — that's the rule. Spread out, and small balances tend to expire.
Cautions
- Manage expiry: regular points and limited-time points have different expiry. Spend limited-time ones early.
- Watch mergers and revisions: systems change, like the T-to-V merger. Track the latest info.
- Don't over-spread: thin balances across many points expire easily. Consolidate into your main.
- Conversion-ratio value loss: point-to-point conversions aren't always equal value. Confirm the ratio.
FAQ
Which point is best in the end?
What happened to T-Point?
Is earning multiple points a loss?
This article was written from publicly available information on each point site as of May 2026. Cashback rates, campaign terms, and redemption rules can change without notice — always check each site's official page for the latest. This site uses each point site's referral program, but going through a referral link never changes the rate you receive.