Point Investing: The Complete 2026 Guide — Debut with Rakuten, PayPay, d POINT
Point investing is a "zero-risk investing debut"
The appeal of points earned via point activity: you can experience investing without spending cash. Even if it drops, all that shrinks is "points you were given," so the psychological barrier is low. This article explains the difference between "point operation" and "point investing," a per-provider comparison of Rakuten / PayPay / d, and how to start — updated for 2026. It's a deep dive on the investing part of the using-points chapter.
"Point operation" vs "point investing"
- Point operation (pseudo-investing): run it pseudo-style while it stays points. No securities account, finishes in-app. Easy, but withdrawals are points too.
- Point investing (real investing): actually buy funds/stocks with points. Requires a securities account, but selling lets you cash out, and a NISA account makes it tax-free.
To try casually first, point operation; to build assets seriously, point investing (with NISA). Opening a securities account is itself a high-value point offer, so combine it with the new NISA chapter for a double dip.
Point investing compared by provider
| Point | Operation | Investing (securities) | NISA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rakuten points | Rakuten Point Operation | Rakuten Securities (funds/US stocks) | Yes |
| PayPay points | PayPay Point Operation | PayPay Securities | Yes |
| d POINT | d POINT Investment | Monex Securities / Nikko FROGGY | Yes |
| Ponta | StockPoint, etc. | au Kabucom Securities | Yes |
※ Limited-time points can sometimes be used for "operation" or "investing," making them an excellent destination for points about to expire.
How to start (Rakuten point investing)
- Open a Rakuten Securities accountAn 8,000–12,000-yen offer via the point site. See the Rakuten economy chapter.
- Choose a new NISA accountGains become tax-free.
- Buy funds with Rakuten points"All-Country" and "S&P 500" index funds are staples.
- Accumulate monthlyMake a habit of routing points you earn into investing each month.
FAQ
Does point investing lose money?
Is there tax?
Operation or investing — which for beginners?
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.