Ex-employee reveals! Which is the best for JAL miles? Saison vs. JAL Platinum
As a former employee of a credit card company who has seen the inner workings of numerous cards, I will thoroughly compare the "best two" cards for earning JAL miles.
The cards in question are the Saison Platinum American Express Card and the JAL Card Platinum.
"The annual fee is high, so I don't want to make a mistake."
"Which one actually earns the most miles in the end?"
For those of you with these questions, reading this article will make it clear which platinum card will "never result in a loss" for your lifestyle.
I will tell you honestly, without sugarcoating, not only about the benefits but also about the disadvantages, such as the recent series of "negative revisions."
I'll start with the conclusion. Which one is the "right answer" for you?
The conclusion on which card to choose is actually very simple. Check which of the following applies to you based on your behavioral patterns.
People who should get the JAL Card Platinum
Those who fly on JAL flights even a few times a year and regularly use "JAL Card Special Stores" such as Aeon and Eneos.
People who should get the Saison Platinum Amex
Those who don't fly much but want to earn miles efficiently through daily payments. Those who want to enjoy VIP treatment at luxury hotels and airport restaurants.
I will explain why this is the conclusion, delving into the profit structure and mechanisms.
[Explained by a former employee] The "real difference" in annual fees and maintenance costs
First, let's talk about the maintenance cost, which is what everyone is most concerned about. There have been revisions to the terms and conditions here, so the old common knowledge no longer applies.
Real cost of Saison Platinum Amex: 38,500 yen
The basic annual fee has been raised to 33,000 yen (from June 2025). Furthermore, since the "Saison Mile Club" for earning JAL miles has become a paid service (5,500 yen per year), a total of 38,500 yen is required.
Real cost of JAL Card Platinum: 34,100 yen
Since this card comes with mile-earning functionality as standard, it remains at 34,100 yen without any additional costs.
It used to be said that "Saison is overwhelmingly cheaper," but now a reversal has occurred where the JAL Card has lower maintenance costs.
However, the story changes if you issue family cards. Saison can issue them for 3,300 yen each, but JAL is expensive at 17,050 yen each. If you want to have them for your family, Saison is the winner.
The truth behind mile return rates! Which one is more profitable for payments?
From here, I will logically break down the "ease of earning miles" that everyone wants to know most.
Return rate at general merchants
Saison: Up to 1.125% (*with an annual payment limit of 15 million yen)
JAL: 1.0%
Saison wins slightly on regular shopping. However, even if you spend 1 million yen a year, the difference is only 1,250 miles.
The "overwhelming boost" at specific locations
The difference in return rates explodes when used at the JAL Group or special stores.
JAL ticket purchases
Saison remains at 1.125%, but the JAL Card Platinum jumps to a **4.0% return rate** due to a powerful feature called "Add-on Miles."
JAL Card Special Stores (Aeon, Eneos, etc.)
Saison is 1.125%, but the JAL Card Platinum has a **2.0% return rate**.
Furthermore, the JAL Card has bonuses such as "5,000 miles for the first flight," "2,000 miles for the first flight every year," and "an additional 25% flight mile bonus."
If you fly, the JAL Card is so advantageous that the slight difference in payment return rates is blown away in an instant.
[No sugarcoating] The timeline of successive "negative revisions" and their realistic impact
As a former employee, I understand the difficult financial situation of credit card companies, but I will tell you the facts clearly.
In recent years, there have been severe negative revisions, especially on the Saison side.
Halving of the return rate for tax payments (Saison)
Payments for national and local taxes have dropped from a maximum of 1.125% to 0.5%. This is a huge blow to those who were earning miles through high tax payments.
Zero points for electronic money charges (Saison)
From November 2025 onwards, double-dipping points by charging has been completely blocked.
Decrease in special stores (JAL)
FamilyMart and Peacock Store have been removed from JAL special stores, and the return rate has dropped from 2% to 1%.
It is safer to assume that the scheme of "earning smartly through taxes and charges" no longer works.
Differences in hotel and travel benefits! External partnerships vs. in-house groups
The difference in design philosophy between the two is clearly visible in the "travel and hotel benefits," which are the real thrill of platinum cards.
Saison, which excels through external partnerships
Saison's strength lies in its collaboration with powerful external services such as Ikyu.com.
Ikyu.com Diamond member benefits: You can receive the highest rank of VIP treatment (late check-out and room upgrades) for 6 months unconditionally.
Tablet Hotels: A privilege program that usually costs about 15,000 yen is included for free.
JAL, which solidifies with its own group
The JAL Card (especially the JCB brand) demonstrates its strength in travel combined with its own airline network and partner hotels, such as member-only plans for JAL Dynamic Packages.
The decisive difference between Priority Pass and incidental insurance
There is now a major difference in the specifications of the "Priority Pass," which allows unlimited use of airport lounges.
Saison
A 3,400 yen discount (free meal) at airport restaurants is still available.
JAL
The Amex brand cannot be used at restaurants. The JCB brand can no longer be used at domestic facility restaurants or for relaxation services.
If you want to enjoy "free meals at the airport," Saison is currently the only choice.
On the other hand, regarding insurance, the JAL (JCB brand) is excellent. Up to 100 million yen is "automatically attached (applied just by having the card)" for both overseas and domestic travel. Note that while Saison has generous family riders and smartphone insurance, overseas travel insurance is "usage-based (requires payment of travel expenses with the card)."
Important notice before the summary
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Summary: If you are lost, please use this as a criterion for choosing
Finally, I will summarize the main points of this article.
People who recommend the JAL Card Platinum
Fly on JAL flights more than a few times a year
Frequently use special stores such as Aeon and Eneos
Want generous travel insurance that is automatically attached
Can benefit from the "4% return" on airline ticket payments
People who recommend the Saison Platinum Amex
Do not fly, but want to earn miles efficiently through daily shopping
Want to receive VIP treatment at hotels with Ikyu.com Diamond benefits
Want to enjoy discounts at airport restaurants with Priority Pass
Want to issue multiple family cards cheaply
Ultimately, please decide based on what percentage of your annual payments are accounted for by "JAL ticket purchases" or "use at specific special stores."
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