Promise loan cards are incredibly convenient, allowing you to borrow and make repayments at affiliated ATMs in convenience stores nationwide. The appeal lies in the ease of handling transactions at a nearby location, whether for sudden financial needs or to meet a repayment deadline. However, it’s crucial to understand the system beforehand, as fees vary depending on the convenience store and transaction amount, and there are restrictions on operating hours. This article provides a comprehensive guide, from detailed information on using your Promise card at major convenience store ATMs to how to use the “Smartphone ATM” for cardless transactions.
- A Comprehensive Guide to Convenience Store ATMs for Promise
- [By Store] Detailed Guide to Promise ATM Use: Borrowing/Repayment Fees & Hours
- A Complete Guide to Borrowing & Repaying with the Cardless “Smartphone ATM”
- General Points of Caution When Using Promise at Convenience Store ATMs
- Transaction Limits: Per-Transaction and Daily Borrowing/Repayment Caps
- Handling of Coins: Repayment Deposits at Convenience Store ATMs are Banknote-Only
- Handling of Change: Repayments in ¥1,000 Increments and “Non-Interest-Bearing Balance”
- Checking System Maintenance Times: Promise Official Site and ATM Information
- PIN Management and Security: For Safe ATM Use
- Q&A on Using Promise at Convenience Store ATMs
- Q1. If I make a repayment at a convenience store ATM, will my available credit be reflected immediately?
- Q2. Can I use the Smartphone ATM at convenience stores other than Seven-Eleven and Lawson?
- Q3. Is there a way to avoid fees at convenience store ATMs?
- Q4. Do fees or operating hours change during New Year’s or Golden Week holidays?
- Q5. What should I do if I want to repay a balance of less than ¥1,000?
- Q6. Will the transaction statement from a convenience store ATM be mailed to my home?
- Q7. What could be the cause if my Promise card is not recognized by a convenience store ATM?
- Q8. Is it possible for me to make a repayment on behalf of a family member using their Promise card?
A Comprehensive Guide to Convenience Store ATMs for Promise
Promise is affiliated with numerous convenience store ATMs across Japan, creating an environment that is easily accessible to users wherever they are. First, let’s get an overview of which convenience stores offer Promise services.
Overview of Affiliated ATMs at Major Convenience Store Chains (Seven-Eleven & Lawson)
For borrowing and repaying with Promise, the ATMs installed in major convenience stores, which have a large number of locations nationwide, are particularly convenient.
- Seven-Eleven: Seven Bank ATM
- Lawson: Lawson Bank ATM
Promise Card Compatibility at Seven Bank and Lawson Bank ATMs
Both Seven Bank ATMs and Lawson Bank ATMs support borrowing and repayments using a Promise card. In principle, they operate 24 hours a day, so you can use them at any time. Furthermore, these ATMs also support cardless “Smartphone ATM” transactions, making them extremely convenient partners.
Other Affiliated Convenience Store ATMs (FamilyMart, Ministop, etc.)
In addition to the convenience stores listed above, Promise is also affiliated with the following ATM networks.
- FamilyMart, Daily Yamazaki, etc.: E-net ATM
- Ministop, etc.: AEON Bank ATM
- Some FamilyMart stores, etc.: Japan Post Bank ATM
Availability at E-net, AEON Bank, and Japan Post Bank ATMs
Transactions using a Promise card are also possible at E-net ATMs installed in stores like FamilyMart and at AEON Bank ATMs in Ministop. They can also be used at Japan Post Bank ATMs located inside convenience stores. However, since these ATMs do not support Smartphone ATM transactions, a Promise card is required.
[By Store] Detailed Guide to Promise ATM Use: Borrowing/Repayment Fees & Hours
From here, we will take a closer look at the fees and operating hours for conducting Promise transactions at each affiliated ATM.
*All fees include tax. Information is current as of June 2025. Please check the official websites of Promise or each ATM operator for the latest information.
Using Promise at Seven-Eleven (Seven Bank ATM)
Available Transactions
- Borrowing
- Repayment
Borrowing & Repayment Fees: Tiered by Transaction Amount
| Transaction Amount | Fee |
|---|---|
| ¥10,000 or less | ¥110 |
| Over ¥10,000 | ¥220 |
Source: Promise (SMBC Consumer Finance) ATM Service | Seven Bank
ATM Availability and Promise Maintenance Information
Seven Bank ATMs are generally available 24 hours a day, but they cannot be used during Promise’s system maintenance periods.
Main Maintenance Window: Every Monday from 12:00 AM to 7:00 AM
All transactions are suspended during this time. They may also be unavailable on New Year’s Day or during temporary maintenance.
Using Promise at Lawson (Lawson Bank ATM)
Available Transactions
- Borrowing
- Repayment
Borrowing & Repayment Fees: Tiered by Transaction Amount
| Transaction Amount | Fee |
|---|---|
| ¥10,000 or less | ¥110 |
| Over ¥10,000 | ¥220 |
Source: Promise (SMBC Consumer Finance) | Lawson Bank
ATM Availability and Promise Maintenance Information
Like Seven Bank ATMs, Lawson Bank ATMs are generally available 24 hours a day. Please note that transactions are not possible during Promise’s system maintenance hours (e.g., every Monday from 12:00 AM to 7:00 AM).
Reference: Using Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) ATMs (Fee-Free)
While using convenience store ATMs incurs a fee, there is a way to transact without any charges. Since Promise is an SMBC Group company, you can use SMBC ATMs nationwide for both borrowing and repayments, completely free of charge.
Fee Comparison: Promise/SMBC ATMs vs. Convenience Store ATMs
| ATM Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Promise ATM | Free |
| SMBC ATM | Free |
| Convenience Store Affiliated ATM (Seven Bank, Lawson Bank, etc.) | ¥110 – ¥220 |
If you want to save on fees, it is wise to consider using a nearby Promise ATM or SMBC ATM.
A Complete Guide to Borrowing & Repaying with the Cardless “Smartphone ATM”
What is Smartphone ATM? A Convenient Service for Transacting Without a Promise Card
Promise’s “Smartphone ATM” is a service that allows you to borrow from and repay to affiliated ATMs using only your smartphone, without needing a loan card. It allows you to transact with peace of mind, whether you prefer not to carry a card or suddenly find yourself without one while out. This service is available at Seven Bank ATMs and Lawson Bank ATMs.
[For Seven Bank & Lawson Bank ATMs] Smartphone ATM Borrowing & Repayment Steps
Preparation: Procedure in the Promise Official App
To use the Smartphone ATM, you must first install the official Promise app on your smartphone and log in as a member. Once ready, select the “Smartphone ATM” menu from the app’s home screen.
ATM Operation Flow: How to Scan the ATM Screen’s QR Code with the App
- Start the ATM Operation: On the main screen of a Seven Bank ATM or Lawson Bank ATM, select “Withdrawal, Deposit, Credit Transactions, etc.” for Seven Bank ATM, or “Smartphone Transaction” for Lawson Bank ATM.
- Display the QR Code on the ATM Screen: A QR code for the transaction will be displayed on the ATM screen.
- Scan the QR Code with the App: Start the “Smartphone ATM” transaction in the Promise app on your smartphone to activate the camera. Use the camera to scan the QR code displayed on the ATM screen.
- Enter PIN and Amount: Once the QR code is successfully scanned, a screen for the corporate number and PIN will appear on your smartphone app. Enter the corporate number and PIN into the ATM, then enter the transaction amount.
- Collect Cash and Receipt: Collect the cash and the transaction receipt from the ATM to complete the transaction.
Smartphone ATM Fees and Transaction Limits
The usage fees for Smartphone ATM are the same as when transacting with a Promise card. It costs ¥110 for transactions of ¥10,000 or less, and ¥220 for transactions over ¥10,000. The amount you can use is also the same as with a card transaction, within your personal contract limit.
Common Reasons and Solutions for Smartphone ATM Not Working
If you are unable to use the Smartphone ATM, several causes are possible.
・It is during Promise’s system maintenance window.
・The app version is old, or your smartphone’s connection is poor.
・The QR code cannot be read properly by the ATM’s camera (e.g., the smartphone screen is too dark, dirty, etc.).
First, try solutions like updating the app, restarting your smartphone, or wiping the screen. If the problem persists, try again later or contact the Promise call center.
Source: How to Use Smartphone ATM | App Loan | Promise Official Site
General Points of Caution When Using Promise at Convenience Store ATMs
Transaction Limits: Per-Transaction and Daily Borrowing/Repayment Caps
Separate from your personal contract limit, each ATM has its own per-transaction limit. For example, Seven Bank ATMs have a limit of ¥500,000 per deposit/withdrawal, while Lawson Bank ATMs have a withdrawal limit of ¥200,000. If you need to transact a large amount, you will have to do it in multiple transactions.
Handling of Coins: Repayment Deposits at Convenience Store ATMs are Banknote-Only
Affiliated convenience store ATMs do not accept coin deposits. Repayments must be made in ¥1,000 banknote increments. Therefore, you cannot pay off a loan in full at a convenience store ATM if the balance includes an amount less than ¥1,000.
Handling of Change: Repayments in ¥1,000 Increments and “Non-Interest-Bearing Balance”
When you deposit more than your outstanding balance at a convenience store ATM, you will not receive change. The overpaid amount becomes a “deposit balance.” On the other hand, if the remaining balance after repayment is less than ¥1,000, that remainder is treated as a “non-interest-bearing balance.” No interest or late fees will accrue on this non-interest-bearing balance, and no payment deadline is set. If you wish to pay it off completely, you must use methods like internet repayment or bank transfer to settle the amount.
Checking System Maintenance Times: Promise Official Site and ATM Information
Promise has a regular maintenance window every Monday from 12:00 AM to 7:00 AM. All ATM transactions are suspended during this time. Temporary maintenance may also occur during the New Year holidays or long weekends, so it is recommended to check the latest information on the Promise official website before use.
PIN Management and Security: For Safe ATM Use
When operating an ATM, please take basic security precautions, such as covering the keypad with your hand so others cannot see your PIN. If you enter the wrong PIN multiple times, your card will be locked and become unusable. In that case, you will need to contact the Promise call center, so please manage your PIN carefully.
Q&A on Using Promise at Convenience Store ATMs
Q1. If I make a repayment at a convenience store ATM, will my available credit be reflected immediately?
A1. Yes, in principle, it will be reflected in your available credit immediately after the transaction is completed. You can check it right away in the app or member service after making the repayment.
Q2. Can I use the Smartphone ATM at convenience stores other than Seven-Eleven and Lawson?
A2. No, as of 2025, Promise’s Smartphone ATM can only be used at Seven Bank ATMs and Lawson Bank ATMs. It cannot be used at E-net ATMs located in FamilyMart and other stores.
Q3. Is there a way to avoid fees at convenience store ATMs?
A3. You cannot avoid the fees at affiliated convenience store ATMs. If you want to transact without fees, you must use a Promise ATM or an SMBC ATM.
Q4. Do fees or operating hours change during New Year’s or Golden Week holidays?
A4. Except for regular maintenance, convenience store ATMs generally operate 24 hours a day during New Year’s and long holiday weekends. The fees also remain the same as usual. However, since temporary system maintenance could occur, it is safer to check the announcements on the Promise official website.
Q5. What should I do if I want to repay a balance of less than ¥1,000?
A5. You cannot repay a balance of less than ¥1,000 (a non-interest-bearing balance) at a convenience store ATM. To pay off the loan completely, you need to use methods like internet repayment, bank transfer, a Promise branch counter, or a Promise ATM (some models).
Q6. Will the transaction statement from a convenience store ATM be mailed to my home?
A6. No, it will not be mailed. The transaction statement is only the receipt issued on the spot when you make the transaction at the ATM. Promise generally uses web statements, allowing for contracts that do not require mailed documents. You can check your transaction history through the member service.
Q7. What could be the cause if my Promise card is not recognized by a convenience store ATM?
A7. The main causes are likely a faulty or damaged magnetic stripe or IC chip on the card. If it is not recognized after trying multiple ATMs, the card needs to be reissued. Please contact the Promise call center or go through the reissue procedure at an automated contract machine.
Q8. Is it possible for me to make a repayment on behalf of a family member using their Promise card?
A8. For repayments only, the transaction itself is possible if the agent knows the card and PIN. However, lending or borrowing cards is prohibited by Promise’s member agreement. To avoid trouble, it is a rule that both borrowing and repayments should be handled by the cardholder themselves.