JR East announced today that starting in late 2026, the systems that power Japan’s most-loved transport cards are rolling out a new code payment feature called Teppay (stylized as teppay), a comprehensive QR code payment and money transfer service. This highly anticipated update will first hit Mobile Suica in the autumn of 2026 and then expand to Mobile Pasmo by the spring of 2027.
This isn’t just a minor tweak. It’s a direct solution to a major user complaint. A recent survey in the Tokyo area revealed that 90% of people feel stressed out by the sheer number of digital payment options out there. By inserting a full-service payment platform into the apps you already use every day, JR East intends to transform transit cards into a one-stop digital wallet, making daily payments simpler.
The tap-and-go function for gates and quick purchases will remain as is, working alongside Teppay.
Image via PR Times
Essential Teppay Features
Teppay is essentially an extension of the payment systems that already exist on Mobile Suica or Pasmo. It offers three convenient features: standard QR code payments at retail stores, peer-to-peer balance transfers (sending money directly to Teppay accounts) and virtual prepaid cards called the “Teppay JCB Prepaid.” Additionally, Teppay will allow for transactions well above the traditional ¥20,000 limit imposed on current transport IC cards.
Loading up your Teppay balance is designed to be flexible and easy, with plenty of options. You can link your bank account, deposit cash at an ATM or use the affiliated “View Card” credit card offered by the JR East Group.
To top it all off, the service will introduce “Regional Limited Value” coupons. This feature is designed to make it easy to use local government stimulus programs and premium digital gift vouchers.
Keep in mind that users will not have to download anything new or sign up for another service to use Teppay. If you already have Mobile Suica or Pasmo, you’ll just see a new button appear in your app.
