With the spread of cashless payments, opportunities to use e-money are increasing. Did you know that when your e-money balance is low, you can easily charge it at convenience store ATMs? Some convenience store ATMs allow cash charging for specific e-money types.
This article provides a detailed explanation of the main types of e-money that can be charged at convenience store ATMs, charging procedures by ATM and e-money type, the differences between cash charging and credit card-linked charging, charge limits, and what to do if you cannot charge.
List of Main E-Money Types Chargeable at Convenience Store ATMs
Not all convenience store ATMs support all e-money types. The e-money that can be charged varies depending on the ATM type and partnership status. Below are examples of main e-money types chargeable at representative convenience store ATMs.
| Convenience Store ATM | Main Compatible E-Money |
|---|---|
| Seven Bank ATM | nanaco, Transit IC (Suica, PASMO, ICOCA, etc.), Rakuten Edy, au PAY Prepaid Card, etc. |
| Lawson Bank ATM | WAON, Rakuten Edy, au PAY Prepaid Card, WebMoney, etc. (New models only) |
| Aeon Bank ATM | WAON |
| E-net ATM | None |
| Japan Post Bank ATM | Japan Post Pay (Used as the source account for QR code payment charging) |
The above is an example, and compatibility may change. Also, even within the same convenience store chain, compatible services may differ depending on the ATM model installed. Before use, it is recommended to check the latest information on the ATM’s display or the website of each ATM operating company.
Generally, e-money charging at convenience store ATMs is done with cash only, and in most cases, no fees are charged.
[By Convenience Store ATM & E-Money Type] Charging Procedures and Precautions
This section explains the general procedure for charging representative e-money types and precautions for major convenience store ATMs.
Seven Bank ATM: How to Charge nanaco, Transit IC, etc.
- Compatible E-Money: nanaco, Suica, PASMO, ICOCA, Rakuten Edy, au PAY Prepaid Card, etc.
- Charging Procedure (Example for nanaco):
- Select “E-money Charge (電子マネーチャージ)” on the ATM screen.
- Select the type of e-money you want to charge (e.g., “nanaco”).
- Place your nanaco card or nanaco mobile on the ATM’s reader section.
- Select or enter the amount you want to charge.
- Insert cash into the banknote slot.
- Confirm the charge completion screen, retrieve your card or mobile, and receive the transaction slip.
- Charging Procedure (Example for Transit IC):
- Select “E-money Charge (電子マネーチャージ)” on the ATM screen and select the transit IC logo (Suica, PASMO, etc.).
- Place your transit IC card on the reader section.
- Select the charge amount.
- Insert cash.
- After charging is complete, retrieve your card and receive the transaction slip.
- Precautions:
- Some partnered e-money types may require specific operations (e.g., au PAY Prepaid Card).
- There is a limit on the amount that can be charged.
Source: Cashless Payment Charging Methods | Seven Bank
Lawson Bank ATM: Compatible E-Money and Charging Method
- Compatible E-Money: WAON, Rakuten Edy, au PAY Prepaid Card, WebMoney, etc.
- Charging Procedure (Example for au PAY Prepaid Card):
- Select the “au PAY” related menu on the ATM screen.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to insert your card or scan a QR code.
- Select the charge amount and insert cash.
- Confirm charge completion and receive the transaction slip.
- Precautions:
- E-money charging at Lawson Bank ATMs is often done through services of partner companies.
- The types of compatible e-money are limited. Please check the Lawson Bank website in advance.
Source: ATM Charge/ATM Refund Service | Lawson Bank
FamilyMart (E-net/Japan Post Bank ATMs): Compatible E-Money and Charging Method
At E-net ATMs and Japan Post Bank ATMs installed in FamilyMart, direct cash charging functionality for general e-money is more limited compared to Seven Bank ATMs or Aeon Bank ATMs.
- E-net ATM:
- Does not support e-money charging.
- Japan Post Bank ATM:
- Japan Post Pay balance charging is done by withdrawal from a Japan Post Bank account (not cash charging).
Source: Japan Post Pay (For Individual Customers) – Japan Post Bank
- Charging at FamilyMart Store Registers:
- Charging from a FamiMa T Card (credit card) or cash charging for some e-money types may be handled at the store register instead of the ATM.
Source: Transit E-Money | Services | FamilyMart
Ministop (Aeon Bank ATM): How to Charge WAON, Transit IC, etc.
- Compatible E-Money: WAON.
- Charging Procedure (Example for WAON):
- Select “E-money (電子マネー)” or “WAON” related menu on the ATM screen.
- Place or insert your WAON card or Aeon card with WAON functionality into the reader section.
- Select “Charge (入金).”
- Select or enter the charge amount.
- Insert cash.
- Confirm charge completion, retrieve your card, and receive the transaction slip.
- Precautions:
- Auto-charge settings for WAON may also be available at Aeon Bank ATMs.
- Check the charge limit and the per-transaction chargeable amount.
Source: Cash Charge Procedure at Aeon Bank ATM About WAON Terminals | E-Money WAON [WAON] Official Site
Differences Between Cash Charging and Credit Card-Linked Charging
There are mainly two methods for charging e-money: “cash charging,” typically done at convenience store ATMs, and “credit card-linked charging (including auto-charge),” done by registering credit card information.
| Item | Cash Charging (Convenience Store ATM, etc.) | Credit Card-Linked Charging |
|---|---|---|
| Source of Charge | Cash | Credit card’s credit line |
| Charging Location | Compatible ATMs, store registers, etc. | Online (app, website), auto-charge settings |
| Effort | Requires cash and card/mobile | Easy if pre-registered, auto-charge reduces worry about low balance |
| Points | Basically no points for charging | May earn credit card points |
| Fees | Generally free | Generally free |
| Overspending Prevention | Cannot charge if no cash | Can charge within credit limit, need to be careful of overspending |
Cash charging is easy to manage with cash on hand and can be used by people who do not have credit cards. On the other hand, credit card-linked charging is less cumbersome and offers the benefit of potential point rewards.
E-Money Charge Limits and What to Do If Charging Fails
There are some limitations and troubleshooting steps for e-money charging at convenience store ATMs.
- Charge Limits:
- Per-Transaction Charge Limit: Varies by ATM and e-money type (e.g., up to 49,000 yen per charge for nanaco at Seven Bank ATMs).
- E-Money’s Own Balance Limit: Each e-money type has a maximum balance limit (e.g., up to 20,000 yen for Suica, 50,000 yen for nanaco). Charging beyond this limit is not possible.
- Main Reasons for Charging Failure and Solutions:
- Cash or Card Reading Error: Occurs if banknotes are folded or dirty, or if the card is not placed correctly. Check the condition of the banknotes and try placing the card again.
- Exceeded Balance Limit: If the e-money balance has reached its limit, or if the intended charge amount would exceed the limit, charging will fail.
- ATM Incompatibility or Temporary Malfunction: The ATM you are trying to use may not support that e-money, or it may be unavailable due to system maintenance or a temporary malfunction. Check the ATM’s guidance, or try a different ATM or time.
- E-Money Card Magnetic Stripe Malfunction or IC Chip Damage: If there is a problem with the card itself, charging will fail. Contact the issuer for procedures such as reissuance.
- No Change Available (Some ATMs): At ATMs that do not give change, you may not be able to charge if you do not have the exact amount of cash for the desired charge.
If charging fails, do not panic; check the ATM screen display and try to identify the cause. If unresolved, contact the staff via the intercom at the ATM or contact the e-money issuer.
Charging e-money at convenience store ATMs is a very convenient service if you know which ATMs and e-money types are compatible. Check which ATMs can charge your e-money and use it smartly.