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Suica on iPhone: add it to Apple Wallet and top up

To add a transit card such as Suica to Apple Wallet, Apple says you need an Apple Account signed in with two-factor authentication and an eligible payment card in Apple Wallet. For Suica, Apple says you need an iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus or later, or an Apple Watch Series 2 or later that was purchased in Japan.

Updated

On iPhone

iPhone
To add a transit card such as Suica to Apple Wallet, Apple says you need an Apple Account signed in with two-factor authentication and an eligible payment card in Apple Wallet.
iPhone
For Suica, Apple says you need an iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus or later, or an Apple Watch Series 2 or later that was purchased in Japan.
iPhone
JR East says Suica can be used on iPhone and Apple Watch, and to start you need an Apple Pay Suica-compatible device with a phone number set, and a credit card.
iPhone
When you add your first transit card, Express Mode turns on automatically, and it can be on for only one card at a time.
iPhone
To ride transit with your transit card in Apple Wallet, the device must be turned on, but it does not need to be connected to a cellular or Wi-Fi network.

The app

Card to phone
You can transfer a physical transit card (Suica, PASMO, ICOCA or TOICA), its balance and commuter plan to Apple Wallet, and after the transfer the physical card won't work.
App
On an iPhone or Apple Watch you can register Suica with either the Suica app or the Wallet app.
App
With the transit card's app you can create or change a commuter plan, refund the transit card, and buy a Green Car ticket, which is available for JR East trains only.
App
To start Mobile Suica you need a Mobile Suica-compatible device with a phone number set and a credit card; users of Apple devices are told to use Suica on Apple Pay.
App
You can join Mobile Suica anytime and anywhere in three steps, but only between 4 am and 2 am the next day.
App
Cards that can be registered in the app are View Card, JRE BANK Debit, JCB, VISA, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club and JR Tokai Express Card.
Deposit
When you transfer a physical transit card to Apple Wallet, its deposit is added to the transit card balance in Apple Wallet.
Watch out
Credit cards and prepaid cards issued overseas generally cannot be registered in Mobile Suica.
Watch out
Only credit cards that use 3-D Secure identity verification can be registered in Mobile Suica.
Deposit
Mobile Suica does not need the 500 yen deposit.
Watch out
When Suica (IC card, Mobile Suica or Suica on Apple Pay) is used as a ticket on conventional lines, the journey must be completed within one service area; it cannot be used across areas, so buy a ticket in advance for such trips.

Welcome Suica Mobile for visitors

iPhone
The app works only on devices that support Apple Pay, and some versions of iOS and watchOS are not supported.
iPhone
On the App Store, Welcome Suica Mobile lists its compatibility as an iPhone with iOS 17.2 or later, and an Apple Watch Series 3 or later.
iPhone
The FAQ lists the compatible devices as iPhone XR/XS and later, updated to iOS 17.2 or higher, and Apple Watch Series 3 and later, and says to keep iOS updated to the latest version.
Expiry
Once issued in Welcome Suica Mobile, a Suica is valid for 180 days.
Refund
Any balance left in Welcome Suica Mobile is not refunded and expires at the end of the validity period, which is 180 days from the date of issue.
Top-ups
The App Store listing says top-ups use the credit card registered in Apple Pay, card details are not entered in the app, and the payment method is Apple Pay only.

The official wording

The official wording
AppleAn Apple Account that you used to sign in on your device with two-factor authentication . … An iPhone 8 or iPhone 8 Plus or later with the latest version of iOS supported for your iPhone . Or, an Apple Watch Series 3 or later with the latest version of watchOS supported for your Apple Watch . … An eligible payment card in Apple Wallet.Add a transit card to Apple Wallet in Japan - Apple Support
AppleFor Suica transit cards, you need an iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus or later. Or, an Apple Watch Series 2 or later that was purchased in Japan.Add a transit card to Apple Wallet in Japan - Apple Support
AppleWhen you add your first transit card, Express Mode turns on automatically. … Express Mode can only be turned on for one card at a time.Add a transit card to Apple Wallet in Japan - Apple Support
AppleMake sure that your device is turned on. It doesn't need to be connected to a cellular or Wi-Fi network.Use transit cards on your iPhone or Apple Watch in Japan - Apple Support
AppleYou can transfer your physical transit card, its current balance, and commuter plan to Apple Wallet. … After the transfer, your physical card won't work.Add a transit card to Apple Wallet in Japan - Apple Support
AppleCreate a new commuter plan Change or refund your commuter plan Refund your transit card Buy a Green Car ticket … You can buy Green Car tickets for JR East trains only.Use transit cards on your iPhone or Apple Watch in Japan - Apple Support

Frequently asked questions

Which iPhones work with Suica on iPhone?

To add a transit card such as Suica to Apple Wallet, Apple says you need an Apple Account signed in with two-factor authentication and an eligible payment card in Apple Wallet. For Suica, Apple says you need an iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus or later, or an Apple Watch Series 2 or later that was purchased in Japan.

Can I move a plastic card to Suica on iPhone?

You can transfer a physical transit card (Suica, PASMO, ICOCA or TOICA), its balance and commuter plan to Apple Wallet, and after the transfer the physical card won't work.

Is there a deposit on Suica on iPhone?

When you transfer a physical transit card to Apple Wallet, its deposit is added to the transit card balance in Apple Wallet. Mobile Suica does not need the 500 yen deposit.

Can visitors use Welcome Suica Mobile on an iPhone?

The app works only on devices that support Apple Pay, and some versions of iOS and watchOS are not supported.

Related items

Sources for this page

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Compiled by Japan Japan !! · Updated October 5, 2026