Overview and Objectives of the Series: Optimal Card Configuration for Holding Both JAL and ANA

Updated 2026/01/24

Credit cards are not merely daily payment tools. They should be viewed as "strategic assets" that should be optimized to flexibly adapt to changes in an individual's life stage and values, and to align with financial constraints and needs.

During single life low annual fees and point return rates might be prioritized, but as the family grows, perspectives such as the availability of family cards, family riders on travel insurance, and the ability to enjoy comfortable hotel stays or access hotel and airport lounges while traveling with children become important. Additionally, for business professionals who travel frequently, support for transit-related e-money, flight delay insurance, and ensuring work efficiency in airline lounges will be highly valued.

In this way, the functions required of credit cards naturally change according to one's living environment. That is precisely why thinking about a card configuration that suits your "current" self leads directly to future financial returns and a comfortable lifestyle.

In this series, based on my own over 20 years of experience in utilizing cards, I will explore a "practical and optimal credit card strategy for everyone," centered on my current operational policy of consolidating into four cards for different purposes while maintaining senior membership status (SFC/JGC) for both ANA and JAL, as well as Hilton Honors Diamond status.

As sources of information, I will refer to official information from each company (latest as of 2026) and reviews from credit card specialty sites like "Crefan" and Kakaku.com, proceeding with explanations that focus not only on "how to choose" cards but also on "how to combine" them.

Furthermore, I plan to regularly update the content of this series in response to system revisions and trends from each company. I will deliver information that remains useful for a long time while staying close to the changes in the life stages and needs of my readers.

Structure of this series

Part 1: Thorough Comparison of JAL vs. ANA — An Era to Stop Choosing "Just Because" and Start Choosing Airlines Strategically

In the past, many people chose JAL or ANA for reasons like "my family used it" or "I'm just used to it." However, since 2025, both companies have implemented major system revisions, such as the introduction of dynamic pricing for award tickets, making the importance of choices in mileage strategy higher than ever before.

In this chapter, we will conduct a thorough comparison from every perspective, including route networks, aircraft configurations, ease of obtaining award tickets, ease of earning and using miles, differences in premium classes, characteristics of mileage systems, senior membership programs, and international alliances. This chapter provides the first step in building your strategy as a miler by offering perspectives to identify the airline that best suits your lifestyle and travel needs, rather than simply asking "which is better."

Part 2: How to Choose JAL/ANA Cards and Basic Strategy — Thorough Comparison of Brands and Ranks

I will carefully explain the differences in ranks and international brands for JAL and ANA cards respectively. Providing basic knowledge that is also useful for those considering a dual-wielding approach (ANA + JAL), while also taking into account system revisions and changes in benefits from 2025 onwards.

Part 3: Optimal Card Design by Purpose — Identifying the Roles of Cards

How to choose and use cards for different purposes, such as "I want to earn miles efficiently," "I want to prioritize travel insurance," or "I want to use airport lounges." I will introduce design methods from the perspective of "role division of cards" to maximize their functions.

Part 4: Choosing by Cost Performance — The Balance Between Annual Fees and Value That Suits You

High annual fee cards have many attractive benefits, but they are meaningless if you cannot utilize them. I will explain how to determine cost-effectiveness, focusing on whether you can obtain enough value (performance) to match your lifestyle against the cost of the "annual fee."

Part 5: Number of Cards and Operational Style — Minimalist or Maximalist?

Having many credit cards does not necessarily mean you gain more. Focusing on the basic strategy of "consolidation with a main card" and "supplementation with sub-cards," I will introduce hints for thinking about the number and configuration of cards that suit you.

Part 6: Optimization by Life Stage — Card Strategy That Fits Your Life

I will introduce specific examples of optimal card combinations according to each life stage, such as students, new employees, families raising children, and those who travel frequently for business. I will propose card choices that fit your life from perspectives such as the presence or absence of annual fees, the use of family cards, and the ease of point transfers.

Part 7: Strategy for Reviewing Your Card Portfolio — Flexible Management to Adapt to Change

It is important to periodically review your credit card combinations in line with changes in your lifestyle and revisions to card company services. In this final chapter, I will introduce practical update strategies to ensure you continue to maximize the benefits of your miles and points.

Part 2: Deep Dive into Optimal JAL and ANA Card Portfolios with Real-World Examples

As the second installment of the series mentioned above, I have also written a practical guide. This time, I conduct a detailed analysis based on actual card portfolios posted by users on the credit card information site 'CreFan'.

In the 'Domestic Specifications' section, I introduce specific card combinations for those who prioritize domestic use in Japan, while the 'Global Specifications' section covers configurations suitable for business travelers who frequently go abroad, travel enthusiasts, and JGC/SFC holders.

By carefully interpreting each anonymous real-world example, I aim to provide realistic and practical advice that will serve as a reference for readers when reviewing their own card strategies.

In addition to my own current card portfolio and how I use each card, I also introduce the history of the cards I have used over the past 20 years and the perspectives I have valued when considering my card configuration. Please use this as a reference.

Part 3: The Ultimate Guide to 'Air-Land' Credit Cards

Furthermore, in the third installment of the series, I focus on 'Air-Land' credit cards, providing a detailed analysis of cards issued through collaborations between airlines and transportation IC card companies, with JAL and ANA miles as the respective 'exits'.

Part 4: The Full Picture of Credit Card Usage Excluded from Miles and Points

For land-based mileage collectors, not a single yen of spending can be wasted. However, hidden within the complex rules of card companies is the trap of 'pointless payments' where no miles or points are earned. Overlooking this is a fatal flaw in your strategy and will delay the achievement of your goals.

In Part 4, I thoroughly analyze the official terms and conditions of major cards including JAL Card, ANA Card, Amex, JCB, Sumitomo Mitsui, View, TOKYU, d Card, Saison, and Diners. I provide a comprehensive explanation of excluded usage items and delve into the intentions of the issuing companies behind them. This is not just an exclusion list, but a strategic report for building an optimal payment portfolio.

Part 5: Land-Based Mileage Collector Activities

In Part 5, I will introduce in detail the activities of a 'land-based mileage collector'—someone who efficiently earns miles in daily life without flying—while incorporating my own practical examples. I explain specific techniques for earning the miles needed for family trips without strain, such as how to utilize credit cards, using point sites for online shopping, and stacking points.

Furthermore, I focus on widely used electronic money services such as PayPay, d-Barai, JAL Pay, and ANA Pay, analyzing their respective features, the potential for earning miles through integration with credit cards, and the impact of the latest campaigns and rule changes on mileage strategy. Ultimately, I propose specific strategies not only for the optimal use of each electronic money service but also for how to maximize miles efficiently by combining multiple services.

Part 6: Airline and Hotel Elite Status Programs

In Part 6, I introduce airline and hotel elite status programs, which serve as a reference when considering credit card configurations, based on my own experiences.

Part 7: The Third Option for Airlines: SkyTeam

Part 7 covers 'SkyTeam,' the third option after ANA and JAL. Its biggest feature is that no 'training' (mileage runs) is required. I explain the unique benefits of obtaining elite status just by holding a partner card, without having to fly.

Part 8: Travel Insurance Included with Credit Cards

In the 8th installment, we explain travel insurance attached to credit cards. Part 1 covers basic information, while Part 2 introduces practical usage patterns for our household. Furthermore, we compare the pinnacle of overseas support—Amex's "Global Hotline," "Overseas Assist," and "Platinum Card Assist"—with actual examples.

Introducing the "Ultimate Travel Preparation Master File" to eliminate anxieties about overseas travel!

Created based on over 50 international flight experiences, this file allows you to visualize and optimize credit card insurance coverage. It also includes detailed flight and hotel itineraries, management of important documents, a "Collect Call Guide" useful in emergencies when your smartphone cannot be used, and a list of operator numbers for major countries. It is a practical travel preparation tool that solves "troubles" at your destination in advance.

Part 9: Credit Card Fraud

In the 9th installment, I will discuss credit card fraud based on my own personal experience. I will explain the differences in security between credit cards and debit cards, evolving identity authentication features such as 3D Secure and one-time passwords, and the methods and trends of fraud that have been increasing in recent years. I will also introduce a real-life example of suffering damages exceeding 1 million yen due to neglecting statement checks, while touching upon defensive measures you can implement yourself, such as virtual cards and usage restriction services. Fraud is a familiar risk that can happen to anyone, and this content will help you realize how important daily preparation is.

Part 10: CIC Credit Information

And in the 10th installment, we cover CIC information disclosure, which is important for credit card applications and maintenance, as well as specific methods for increasing your credit score.

I intend to continue researching and disseminating information to help you think about the optimal credit card portfolio from multiple perspectives.

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