🚄 JRE BANK Complete Guide
Shinkansen 40% Off • Free Green Car Tickets • Exclusive Railway Benefits
The Must-Have Bank for JR East Users
Key Takeaways：JRE BANK is JR East’s online bank that pays you in railway perks — think 40% off Shinkansen tickets, free Green Car passes, and discounted mystery travel, all just for keeping money in an account. If you regularly ride JR East trains, the benefits easily outweigh anything a standard online bank offers. This guide breaks down exactly how to qualify, how to use each perk, and how to squeeze maximum value out of the account.
📑 Table of Contents
- 1. What is JRE BANK?
- 2. The 4 Main Benefits Explained
- 3. Benefit Eligibility Requirements
- 4. How to Use the 40% Discount Tickets
- 5. How to Use Dokokani Byuuun Coupons
- 6. How to Use Suica Green Car Tickets
- 7. Banking Features & Fees
- 8. How to Open an Account
- 9. Current Promotions
- 10. Recommended VIEW Cards
- 11. Strategy & Tips
- 12. FAQ
1. What is JRE BANK?
JRE BANK is an online bank launched by the JR East Group on May 9, 2024. It operates on Rakuten Bank’s infrastructure and is Japan’s first full-scale banking service from a railway company.
🎯 JRE BANK’s Biggest Appeal
Unlike typical online banks, JRE BANK’s true value lies in its exclusive railway benefits like 40% off Shinkansen tickets and free Green Car passes. If you frequently use JR East, this bank offers far more value than any ordinary bank account!
Unlike typical online banks, JRE BANK’s true value lies in its exclusive railway benefits like 40% off Shinkansen tickets and free Green Car passes. If you frequently use JR East, this bank offers far more value than any ordinary bank account!
🚄
40% Off Shinkansen & Express
Get 40% off fares and express charges on JR East Shinkansen and limited express trains. Up to 10 tickets per year
🎫
Dokokani Byuuun Discount
Save 2,000 points on the random destination travel service. Up to 12 coupons per year
🪑
Free Suica Green Car Tickets
Get free tickets for Green Car seats on local trains. 4 tickets per year
💳
ATM Fee Benefits
Free withdrawals at VIEW ALTTE ATMs. Up to 7 free transactions at partner ATMs monthly
2. The 4 Main Benefits Explained
🚄 Benefit 1: JRE BANK Discount Ticket (40% Off)
The star benefit of JRE BANK! Get 40% off (60% of regular price) on one-way fare + express charges within JR East’s operating area.
▲ 40% discount ticket eligibility conditions (Source: JRE BANK official website)
📍 Coverage
- Shinkansen (Tohoku, Joetsu, Hokuriku, Yamagata, Akita lines, etc.)
- Limited express trains on conventional lines
- Valid for reserved seats, non-reserved seats, and Green Car
- GranClass: Only the fare portion is discounted
💡 Savings Example: Tokyo → Shin-Aomori (Shinkansen Hayabusa)
Regular price: ¥18,070
With 40% off: ¥10,842
Save about ¥7,228!
💡 Savings Example: Tokyo → Sendai (Round Trip)
Regular round trip: ¥22,720
With 40% off (using 2 tickets): ¥13,632
Save about ¥9,088!
🎫 Benefit 2: Dokokani Byuuun 2,000P Discount Coupon
“Dokokani Byuuun!” is JR East’s random destination Shinkansen travel service, payable with JRE POINT.
🎲 Service Overview
Select your travel conditions and 4 candidate stations appear. Within 3 days, one destination is randomly selected. It’s a surprise travel experience!
Select your travel conditions and 4 candidate stations appear. Within 3 days, one destination is randomly selected. It’s a surprise travel experience!
- From Tokyo/Ueno/Omiya: Regular 6,000P → JRE BANK members pay 4,000P
- From Sendai/Morioka/Niigata/Nagano: Regular 5,000P → JRE BANK members pay 3,000P
▲ Dokokani Byuuun discount coupon conditions (Source: JRE BANK official website)
🎯
→ Read the Complete Dokokani Byuuun Guide
Learn how to use it, choose destinations, and plan your trip
🪑 Benefit 3: Suica Green Car Ticket (Mobile Suica Only)
Green Cars on local trains offer comfortable premium seating on certain JR East lines. Normally they cost extra, but JRE BANK members get them free!
▲ Inside a local train Green Car. Spacious seats for a comfortable ride
🚃 Eligible Lines (10 total)
- Tokaido Line
- Yokosuka-Sobu Rapid Line
- Utsunomiya Line
- Takasaki Line
- Shonan-Shinjuku Line
- Ueno-Tokyo Line
- Joban Line
- Sobu Rapid Line
- Yokosuka Line
- Ito Line
▲ Suica Green Car ticket eligibility conditions (Source: JRE BANK official website)
Note: This benefit is for Mobile Suica only. Card-type Suica is not eligible.
🏦 Benefit 4: Banking Service Benefits
VIEW ALTTE Withdrawals
Always free! Located at major JR East stations and some BIC Camera stores
Partner ATMs
Up to 7 free transactions monthly based on membership tier
Transfer Fees
Free to JRE BANK/Rakuten Bank. Up to 3 free transfers to other banks monthly
JRE POINT
Earn JRE POINT on banking transactions. Up to 3x points
3. Benefit Eligibility Requirements
📅 Important: Assessment Dates
JRE BANK benefits are determined by your account status on specific “assessment dates.” Different benefits have different dates:
JRE BANK benefits are determined by your account status on specific “assessment dates.” Different benefits have different dates:
- 40% Off Tickets: Twice yearly (June 25 & December 25)
- Dokokani Byuuun Coupons: From March 2026, twice yearly (March 25 & September 25)
- Suica Green Car Tickets: Four times yearly (March, June, September, December 25)
🚄 40% Discount Ticket Requirements
| Condition Combination | Per Assessment | Annual Total |
|---|---|---|
| Balance ¥500,000+ AND VIEW Card payment | 1 ticket | 2 tickets |
| Balance ¥500,000+ AND Salary/Pension deposit | 2 tickets | 4 tickets |
| Balance ¥500,000+ AND VIEW Card AND Salary | 3 tickets | 6 tickets |
| Balance ¥3,000,000+ AND VIEW Card payment | 2 tickets | 4 tickets |
| Balance ¥3,000,000+ AND Salary/Pension deposit | 3 tickets | 6 tickets |
| Balance ¥3,000,000+ AND VIEW Card AND Salary | 5 tickets | 10 tickets |
| Ages 16-24 only: Balance ¥200,000+ | 0.5 ticket | 1 ticket |
Key Point: You only need to meet the balance requirement ON the assessment date (June 25/December 25). You can move funds before and after without affecting your benefits.
🎫 Dokokani Byuuun Coupon Requirements
Base requirement: Account balance of ¥500,000 or more
| Condition | Per Assessment (from March 2026) | Annual Total |
|---|---|---|
| VIEW Card payment | 2 coupons | 4 coupons |
| Salary/Pension deposit | 4 coupons | 8 coupons |
| VIEW Card AND Salary (both) | 6 coupons | 12 coupons |
2026 Change Notice: Starting March 25, 2026, assessments change from 4 times to 2 times per year. The per-assessment amount doubles, keeping the annual total the same.
🪑 Suica Green Car Ticket Requirements
The simplest benefit to obtain!
| Condition | Per Assessment | Annual Total |
|---|---|---|
| Account balance ¥500,000+ | 1 ticket | 4 tickets |
Easiest Benefit: Just maintain ¥500,000 balance and you get 4 Green Car tickets per year with no other requirements!
📱 How to Claim Benefits (All Benefits)
All railway benefits can be viewed and claimed through the “Benefit Claim” page in the JRE BANK app or website.
▲ JRE BANK App “Benefit Claim” entry point
💡 Benefit Claim Tips
- 40% Off Tickets: Shows coupon code and password to enter on eki-net
- Dokokani Byuuun Coupons: Check on “My Travel” page of Dokokani Byuuun website
- Suica Green Car Tickets: Automatically sent to your registered Mobile Suica
4. How to Use the 40% Discount Tickets
📱 Receiving Your Coupon
Since June 25, 2025, coupons are received through the JRE BANK app/website (email delivery was discontinued). Access “Benefit Claim” from the app’s top page.
- Log in to JRE BANK app or website
- Tap the “Benefit Claim” button
- View your 40% discount tickets (coupon code and password displayed)
- Valid for 6 months from the 1st of the month after next following the assessment date
🎫 Making a Reservation with Your Coupon
Important: The 40% discount tickets can only be used on the “eki-net” website. They cannot be used at ticket counters (Midori-no-Madoguchi) or ticket machines!
- Log in to the “eki-net” website (requires an eki-net account)
- Select your route, date, and train
- On the payment screen, select “JRE BANK Discount”
- Enter your coupon code and password
- Confirm the discounted price and complete payment
🚄 Boarding Options
Paper Tickets
Print at ticket machines or Midori-no-Madoguchi counter
Shinkansen eTicket
No printing needed, pass through gates with IC card (Recommended)
eki-net Q-Ticket
Board using the eki-net Ticketless app
⚠️ Important Notes
- ✅ Each ticket is valid for one-way only. Round trips require 2 tickets (book separately)
- ✅ Each ticket covers 1 train’s express ticket only (transfers need multiple tickets)
- ✅ The basic fare can cover long “single-stroke” routes (as long as you don’t pass the same station twice)
- ✅ Can be shared with others (just share the coupon code and password)
- ❌ GranClass/Premium Green/Private rooms/Sleeper trains: Only fare portion is discounted
- ❌ Not valid outside JR East operating area (e.g., Tokaido Shinkansen Tokyo-Shin-Osaka is NOT covered)
About Refunds: Full refund available at Midori-no-Madoguchi for train cancellations or major delays. Regular cancellations incur handling fees.
5. How to Use Dokokani Byuuun Coupons
JRE BANK members get an exclusive 2,000P discount on the random destination travel service!
🎫 Coupon Overview
From Tokyo/Ueno/Omiya
Regular 6,000P → 4,000P
Save 2,000P!
Save 2,000P!
From Sendai/Morioka/Niigata/Nagano
Regular 5,000P → 3,000P
Save 2,000P!
Save 2,000P!
📱 How to Use
- Check your coupon in JRE BANK app “Benefit Claim”
- Visit the “Dokokani Byuuun!” official website
- Log in with your eki-net account linked to JRE BANK
- Select travel date, number of travelers, etc. – 4 candidate stations appear
- After confirming, 1 destination is randomly selected within 3 days
- Apply the coupon on the “My Travel” page and pay with points
Important Notes:
- You need the discounted JRE POINT amount (cannot buy points for this)
- No changes allowed after destination is determined, and points are NOT refunded if cancelled
- Time between destination reveal and departure may be short – book accommodation early
- Each traveler needs their own coupon
💡 Pro Tip: You can search multiple times with different dates/conditions until you get 4 candidates you like!
🎯
→ Read the Complete Dokokani Byuuun Guide
Learn destination selection strategies, popular spots, and trip planning tips
6. How to Use Suica Green Car Tickets
📱 Receiving Your Green Car Ticket
- Open the Mobile Suica app
- Claim from “Gift Information”
- Valid for 3 months from the 1st of the month after next following the assessment date
🚃 How to Board
- Select your Green Car ticket in the Mobile Suica app
- Enter boarding and alighting stations
- Board the Green Car and find a seat
- Touch your phone to the reader above the seat (light changes red → green)
- When transferring, touch before exiting (green → red), then touch again after boarding new train
If Seats Are Full: Green Cars are all non-reserved, so they may be full. If you can’t find a seat, inform the Green Attendant and receive a “non-use certificate” – your ticket won’t be consumed.
🎫 Green Car Ticket Value (Reference)
- Weekday up to 50km: ¥780
- Weekday over 50km: ¥1,000
- Weekend/Holiday up to 50km: ¥580
- Weekend/Holiday over 50km: ¥800
7. Banking Features & Fees
🏧 ATM Fees
| ATM Type | Free Transactions | Fee After Limit |
|---|---|---|
| VIEW ALTTE (JR East station ATMs) | Always Free | – |
| Seven Bank ATM | 0-7 times/month based on tier |
¥220/transaction |
| E-net ATM (convenience stores) | ||
| Lawson Bank ATM |
VIEW ALTTE Locations: Major JR East stations, some BIC Camera stores, some LUMINE stores, etc. Withdrawals only (no deposits).
💸 Transfer Fees
| Destination | Fee |
|---|---|
| Between JRE BANK accounts | Always Free |
| Rakuten Bank | Always Free |
| Other banks | ¥145/transfer (0-3 free/month based on conditions) |
⭐ JRE BANK Plus Membership Tiers
JRE BANK has 5 membership tiers, determined by asset balance or transaction count:
| Tier | Criteria | Partner ATM Free | Other Bank Transfers Free | JRE POINT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | No requirements | 0/month | 0/month | 1x |
| Advanced | Balance ¥100,000+ or 5+ transactions | 1/month | 1/month | 1x |
| Premium | Balance ¥500,000+ or 10+ transactions | 2/month | 2/month | 2x |
| VIP | Balance ¥1,000,000+ or 20+ transactions | 5/month | 3/month | 3x |
| Super VIP | Balance ¥3,000,000+ or 30+ transactions | 7/month | 3/month | 3x |
New Account Bonus: For the first 2 months after opening, you get 3 free partner ATM transactions monthly with no conditions!
💰 Interest Rate
Savings account interest rate: 0.20% (comparable to major banks)
JRE BANK uses Rakuten Bank infrastructure, but the Rakuten Securities “Money Bridge” bonus rate (0.10% → 0.18%) does NOT apply to JRE BANK accounts.
8. How to Open an Account
📋 Eligibility Requirements
- ✅ Age 16 or older (minors 16+ need parental consent)
- ✅ Have a residential address in Japan
- ✅ Smartphone or PC
- ✅ Valid identification document
📱 Application Process
- Apply via JRE BANK official website or app
- Enter personal information (name, address, phone number, etc.)
- Upload ID document + take a selfie photo
- Set password and security settings
- Wait for review (as fast as next business day)
- Receive completion notice and check your account details
📄 Acceptable ID Documents
- Driver’s License
- My Number Card
- Residence Card / Special Permanent Resident Certificate
- Passport + Residence Certificate
About Branch Names: After opening, you’ll be automatically assigned to either “JRE Hayabusa Branch,” “JRE Toki Branch,” or “JRE Komachi Branch” (you cannot choose).
⚙️ Essential Setup After Opening
- JRE POINT Link Registration – Required for all railway benefits!
- Register for JRE BANK Plus – Activates the membership tier system
- Link Mobile Suica – Required to receive Green Car tickets
- Link eki-net – Required to use 40% discount tickets
🔗
→ Read the JRE POINT Complete Guide
Learn how to register JRE POINT and link it to various services
9. Current Promotions
🎁 Phase 3 Account Opening Campaign
Campaign Period: December 1, 2025 – April 30, 2026
Condition Completion Deadline: August 31, 2026
Campaign Period: December 1, 2025 – April 30, 2026
Condition Completion Deadline: August 31, 2026
💎 Campaign Benefits
| Benefit | Condition | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Benefit 1 | Account balance ¥30,000+ | 2,900P |
| Benefit 2 | Set up VIEW Card auto-payment | 900P |
| Benefit 3 | Salary/Pension direct deposit | 1,600P |
| Benefit 4 | Link Mobile Suica | 500P |
| Maximum Total | 5,900P | |
👥 Referral Campaign
| Who | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Referrer | 4,000P per referral (2,900P campaign + 1,100P ongoing), up to 10 people |
| New Account Holder | 1,100P bonus on top of account opening campaign |
🎯 Maximum Points via Referral
Account Opening Campaign 5,900P + Referral Bonus 1,100P = Total 7,000P!
Account Opening Campaign 5,900P + Referral Bonus 1,100P = Total 7,000P!
🎁 Use the referral code below to get an extra 1,100 points!
Read Guide
~2026/04/30
JRE BANK
Copy code → Enter when opening account to get ¥1,100!
10. Recommended VIEW Cards
To earn JRE BANK’s railway benefits, you need to set up VIEW Card auto-payment. Here are the recommended cards:
🏆 #1 Recommendation: JRE CARD (Essential for Tokyo Area Users)
Annual Fee
¥524 (Free with certain conditions like JEXER gym membership payment)
- JRE CARD Partner Stores: Up to 3.5% rewards (Top-tier among credit cards!)
- Mobile Suica charge/Auto-charge: 1.5% rewards
- Mobile Suica commuter pass purchase: 5% rewards
- eki-net Shinkansen eTicket + ticketless boarding: 5% rewards
🏪 3.5% Reward Partner Stores (JRE CARD Partners)
- atre / atrevie
- ecute
- GRANSTA
- Shapo
- Beans
- perie
- nonowa
- GRANDUO
- LUMINE / NEWoMan
- JRE MALL
Supermarkets, drugstores, UNIQLO, and MUJI inside these stations also qualify for 3.5%!
💡 JRE CARD 3.5% Rewards Tips
- How it works: ¥100 (tax-excluded) → 3P + ¥1,000 (tax-included) → 5P = 3.5% total
- Spend ¥50,000+ at atre yearly: Get an extra 500 bonus points
- GRANDUO: Frequently holds 5x point campaigns
- Daily shopping: In-station supermarkets and drugstores count, so shop during your commute!
- Pay by credit card: Suica payment does NOT qualify for 3.5% – always pay with the card!
💳
→ Read the Complete JRE CARD Guide
Learn all about JRE CARD benefits, tips, and recommended usage scenarios
🥈 #2 Recommendation: BIC CAMERA Suica Card
Annual Fee
Free first year, ¥524 after (Free with any use in the year)
- Base rewards 1.0% (0.5% JRE POINT + 0.5% BIC Points)
- Mobile Suica charge: 1.5% rewards
- eki-net payment: 10% rewards
- Commuter pass purchase: 5% rewards
- BIC CAMERA stores: Up to 11.5% rewards
Best for: Those who don’t shop much at station buildings but use BIC CAMERA, or want an effectively free annual fee card
🥉 #3 Recommendation: VIEW Suica Card
Annual Fee
¥524
- Can hold commuter pass on the card (integrated type)
- Best for daily JR commuters
- VIEW Thanks Bonus: Bonus points based on annual spending
💡 VIEW Card + eki-net + 40% Discount = Ultimate Combo
When booking with your 40% discount ticket on eki-net and paying with a VIEW Card, you get up to 10% JRE POINT rewards!
Example: ¥10,000 discounted fare → up to 1,000P back!
When booking with your 40% discount ticket on eki-net and paying with a VIEW Card, you get up to 10% JRE POINT rewards!
Example: ¥10,000 discounted fare → up to 1,000P back!
11. Strategy & Tips
🎯 Entry Level Setup (Minimum Cost)
Conditions: ¥500,000 balance + VIEW Card payment
• 2 discount tickets per year
• 4 Dokokani Byuuun coupons per year
• 4 Green Car tickets per year
→ Just a Tokyo-Sendai round trip saves about ¥9,000!
• 4 Dokokani Byuuun coupons per year
• 4 Green Car tickets per year
→ Just a Tokyo-Sendai round trip saves about ¥9,000!
⭐ Recommended Setup (Best Value)
Conditions: ¥500,000 balance + VIEW Card payment + Salary deposit
• 6 discount tickets per year
• 12 Dokokani Byuuun coupons per year
• 4 Green Car tickets per year
→ Just set salary direct deposit to JRE BANK for double benefits!
• 12 Dokokani Byuuun coupons per year
• 4 Green Car tickets per year
→ Just set salary direct deposit to JRE BANK for double benefits!
💎 Premium Setup (Maximum Benefits)
Conditions: ¥3,000,000 balance + VIEW Card payment + Salary deposit
• 10 discount tickets per year
• 12 Dokokani Byuuun coupons per year
• 4 Green Car tickets per year
→ The ultimate setup for railway enthusiasts!
• 12 Dokokani Byuuun coupons per year
• 4 Green Car tickets per year
→ The ultimate setup for railway enthusiasts!
📅 Assessment Date Schedule
By around June 20
Confirm account balance meets target (¥500,000 or ¥3,000,000)
June 25
First Assessment → Earn discount tickets
June 26 onwards
Free to use the balance (benefits already secured)
August 1
Discount tickets become usable (starts 1st of 2nd month after assessment)
By around December 20
Reconfirm balance
December 25
Second Assessment → Earn discount tickets
Money Management Tip: You only need to meet the balance requirement ON the assessment date. Deposit ¥500,000 on June 24 → Withdraw on June 26 and you still get the benefits!
⚠️ JRE BANK Drawbacks
- ❌ Regional limitation: Less value if you don’t live in/travel to JR East areas
- ❌ Interest rate is average: 0.20% is lower than some high-yield online banks
- ❌ Not part of Rakuten SPU: Despite Rakuten Bank infrastructure, doesn’t count for Rakuten ecosystem bonuses
- ❌ Complex conditions: Need to manage benefit requirements and assessment dates
- ❌ Future changes possible: Current generous terms may be revised
😞 Not for You If…
- Rarely use JR East
- Want the highest possible interest rate
- Want to maximize Rakuten ecosystem
😊 Perfect for You If…
- Frequently ride JR East Shinkansen
- Commute in the Tokyo area
- Love train travel
12. FAQ
I already have a Rakuten Bank account. Can I still open JRE BANK?
Yes, you can. JRE BANK and Rakuten Bank are managed as separate accounts. However, Rakuten SPU and similar linkages will not apply.
Can I give my 40% discount tickets to family or friends?
Yes, you can. Just share the coupon code and password, and others can use it on eki-net.
Can I buy round-trip tickets with the 40% discount?
The discount tickets are for one-way only. For round trips, book outbound and return separately using 2 tickets.
What happens if I miss the assessment date?
You’ll need to wait for the next assessment date. For 40% discount tickets, that’s June 25 and December 25, so missing one means waiting 6 months. Set calendar reminders!
How do I earn JRE POINT?
You can earn points from Suica travel, VIEW Card usage, eki-net bookings, shopping at JR East station buildings, and more. First, register for JRE POINT membership and link your services.
Can I share Green Car tickets with family?
No. Green Car tickets are delivered only to your own Mobile Suica and cannot be transferred to others.
What is “VIEW Card auto-payment”?
It’s setting up your VIEW Card to automatically deduct monthly payments from your JRE BANK account. Once set up, your VIEW Card charges are automatically paid from JRE BANK each month.
Can I use the 40% discount on Shinkansen outside JR East?
Only JR East operating routes are covered. Tokaido Shinkansen (Tokyo-Shin-Osaka), Sanyo Shinkansen, and other JR Central/JR West lines are NOT eligible.
📝 Summary
JRE BANK is an online bank designed for JR East users. Its biggest appeal isn’t the interest rate, but its unique railway benefits:
- 40% Discount Tickets: Shinkansen & express one-way at 40% off, up to 10 per year
- Dokokani Byuuun Coupons: 2,000P off random destination travel, up to 12 per year
- Suica Green Car Tickets: Free local train Green Car seats, 4 per year
- VIEW ALTTE: Free ATM withdrawals at JR stations, unlimited
If you frequently use JR East, just a Tokyo-Sendai round trip saves about ¥9,000. Opening an account is definitely worth it!
🎁 Use the referral code to get an extra 1,100 points!
Read Guide
~2026/04/30
JRE BANK
Copy code → Enter when opening account to get ¥1,100!