This translation was prepared with AI assistance and reviewed by the editorial team.
nimoca points still exist, but the old Nishitetsu bus and train ride-point program ended on March 31, 2021. In Fukuoka, it is safer to think of nimoca first as a transport IC card and only then consider shopping, credit-card and partner-transport points. Points must normally be converted into nimoca electronic money before spending.
- The nimoca points system has not ended
- Nishitetsu bus and train ride points ended March 31, 2021
- Star nimoca or credit nimoca is generally needed for eligible shopping points
- Points expire at the end of December in the year after they are awarded
nimoca earn/use pages and the Nishitetsu end notice were rechecked July 30, 2026. Eligible operators and exchange-machine locations can change.
What ended and what continues
| Item | Current rule |
|---|---|
| nimoca points | Continuing |
| Nishitetsu ride points | Ended March 31, 2021 |
| Electronic-money exchange | 1 point equals ¥1 |
| Expiration | End of December in the following year |
| Direct spending | Convert points first |
How points are earned now
Ride points remain on selected operators outside the main Nishitetsu network, including operators listed by nimoca in Saga, Nagasaki and Hakodate. The exact rate and bonus rules depend on the operator.
In Fukuoka city, merely tapping nimoca on a Nishitetsu bus or train no longer earns the former ride points. Shopping at eligible merchants with a registered Star nimoca or credit nimoca is the more relevant route.
Card type matters
| Card | Shopping points | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Anonymous nimoca | Generally not eligible | Simple transport use |
| Star nimoca | Eligible merchants | Registered users without a credit function |
| Credit nimoca | Eligible shops and card use | Residents wanting auto-charge and credit features |
How to convert points to money
nimoca points are separate from the stored-value balance. To spend them, use a point exchange machine or eligible service counter to convert points into nimoca electronic money, normally at one point to ¥1.
At a machine, place or insert the card, choose point exchange, enter the amount, confirm, and take the receipt if needed. Some affiliated cards can exchange to ANA or JAL miles under separate rates and eligibility rules.
Exchange machines and expiration
Major exchange machines are found around Tenjin, Hakata Bus Terminal, Nishitetsu stations, Kurume and Kitakyushu, but the list changes. Check the official machine page instead of relying on an old station list.
Points awarded in 2026 expire on December 31, 2027. They do not automatically become stored value, so convert an expiring balance before year-end. Check both the stored value and points because they are different balances.
Should a visitor choose nimoca?
For a short visit, any interoperable IC card such as nimoca, SUGOCA, Hayakaken or another nationwide-compatible card can usually cover transport. Choose nimoca for points only if you will register the card, shop at eligible merchants or return often.
Residents on Nishitetsu routes may still prefer nimoca for convenience, passes and compatible card features even without Nishitetsu ride points. Compare point systems, auto-charge and refund needs rather than assuming one card is universally best.
