[2026 Preview] Calendar of Upcoming 'Next Deteriorations' in Point Earning in August and October | Steps to Take Before Implementation

When it comes to the deterioration of point-earning programs, if you find out after it happens, it's already too late. Once you have set up a system for charging methods or investment cards, it is troublesome to change it. That is precisely why taking proactive steps now, before they are implemented, is the most effective approach.

In this article, we will organize the 'upcoming deteriorations' that will be implemented from the summer to the autumn of 2026 in a calendar format. By the time you finish reading, it will be clear to you what you need to fix and by when. I have summarized this in a way that allows those who need to take action to do so without unnecessary alarm.

First, the conclusion: Don't try to fix everything, just fix the 'one thing that concerns you' before implementation.

The deteriorations I am about to list will not affect everyone. They only matter if you are using 'that specific card or that specific method.' In the calendar below, it is enough to check only the items that apply to you by the implementation date.

🗓 August 1, 2026: Epos Card 'Charge Points' will end

For the Epos Card, point accrual for charging to payment services will end on August 1, 2026.

• Before revision: 1 point per 200 yen for charges (0.5%)

• After revision: 0% (no points awarded)

• The target includes about 28 services (Mobile Suica/PASMO/ICOCA, au PAY, Rakuten Edy, charging to PayPay balance, etc.)

In other words, the 'double-dipping route' of charging with Epos to earn points while paying with electronic money will lose one path in August.

👉 Steps to take before implementation: If you are earning points by charging from 'Epos to transport IC/QR balance,' review your charge source card by August. Since some cards still offer points for charges, be sure to check the official website to see if your route is affected (*Always confirm targets and conditions on the official website).

🗓 From October 2026 purchases: 'Usage amount condition' for Monex Card credit card accumulation

This affects those who use credit card accumulation for New NISA, etc. A condition regarding 'regular shopping usage amount (excluding accumulation)' will be added to the point return rate for Monex Card credit card accumulation (starting from October 2026 purchases).

Roughly speaking—

• Monthly shopping usage of 50,000 yen or more: 1.1% as before for up to 50,000 yen in accumulation1.1%

• Monthly 10,000 to less than 50,000 yen: Drops to 0.55%

• Monthly less than 10,000 yen: 0% (no points awarded for accumulation)

The design is such that rewards will drop significantly or become zero for those who 'only set up automatic investments and usually use a different card'.

👉 Countermeasures before implementation: For credit card investment users, decide by October whether to '① consolidate your regular payments to this card to meet the requirements' or '② consider an investment card with no usage requirements'. Which is more profitable depends on your lifestyle, so calculate based on your monthly spending (*be sure to check the latest reward conditions for each company on their official websites).

🗓 Already implemented (prerequisite knowledge): June PayPay revision

Before looking ahead, let's review the revisions already in effect one more time. As of June 2, 2026—

• Payments made with accumulated points are excluded from rewards (zero)

• Card payments for public utilities and taxes reduced from 1% to 0.5%

• Incomplete identity verification (eKYC) makes you ineligible for PayPay Step

• *Normal reward rates themselves remain unchanged

This is common knowledge by now, but if you haven't done so, at least complete your identity verification.

A 'proactive' checklist to take action before implementation

• ☐ Charging with Epos to double-dip rewards → Review your charge source by 8/1

• ☐ Credit card investing → Consider usage requirements or a different card by October

• ☐ Using PayPay → Complete identity verification (eKYC)

• ☐ Re-confirmed the 'current reward rates' for charges/investments/public utilities on official websites

You don't have to do everything. Just fixing the one thing that concerns you before implementation can prevent losses in advance.

A 'foundation' that won't crumble even if devaluations continue

It is difficult to keep up with monthly revisions. That is why having a solid foundation is effective. The watchword for 2026 is 'Two-Sword Style'—

1. Decide on a main card strong in charges and fixed costs and consolidate your spending

2. Carry a sub-card with high rewards at special stores and use them selectively

3. Combine QR payments with credit cards and design a double-dipping strategy based on 'current conditions'

Nerfs exploit the weakness of 'consolidating everything into one main card.' Using two cards with different roles to deflect them is the way to protect yourself moving forward.

Summary

• Upcoming nerfs: (1) Aug 1: Epos charge rewards end (0.5% to 0%); (2) October: Monex credit card investment requires spending conditions

• Already implemented: June PayPay changes (zero rewards for point payments, 0.5% for utility bills, eKYC required)

• Don't chase everything; fix the one that affects you 'before implementation'

• The foundation is 'two cards with different roles = dual-wielding' + a double-dipping design with QR payments

You cannot stop nerfs, but you can prevent losses by staying ahead. Mark 'August/October' on your calendar and check one of your routes today.

*This article is a general explanation based on public information as of June 2026 and does not recommend or guarantee the use of any specific card or service. Reward rates, eligibility criteria, scope, and implementation dates are subject to change. Please be sure to check the official website of each company for the latest and most accurate information.