JCB and Agoda Forge Strategic Partnership to Elevate Travel to Japan
(Left to right) Damien Pfirsch, Chief Commercial Officer, Agoda alongside Masaki Yokawa, President & CEO of JCB International Co., Ltd.

JCB and Agoda join forces to offer exclusive travel perks, discounts, and insights, making trips to Japan more rewarding for cardmembers across Asia

JCB International Co., Ltd., the international operations arm of Japan’s only international payment brand, JCB and Agoda, a leading digital travel platform, have officially announced a three-year partnership. The announcement was made at the 18th JCB World Conference.

Effective from April 2026 through March 2029, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlines a shared strategy to use data-driven insights to attract new customers, optimize marketing strategies, and explore innovative communication channels for inbound travelers to Japan.

Driving Customer Engagement Through Joint Initiatives

The collaboration will focus on joint campaigns, co-marketing initiatives, and long-term value propositions, aiming to enhance customer satisfaction and engagement. By working together, JCB and Agoda expect to:

  • Attract new customers
  • Encourage increased usage of JCB Cards
  • Support growth in JCB Card issuance

Masaki Yokawa, President & CEO of JCB International Co., Ltd., said:

“We are proud to partner with Agoda to deliver even greater benefits to JCB cardmembers. By providing timely, relevant information aligned with each customer’s travel journey, we aim to make their trips more rewarding and special.”

Exclusive Offers for JCB Cardmembers

Under the MOU, JCB cardmembers can enjoy exclusive discounts and special offers on Agoda in key markets including:

  • Taiwan
  • China
  • Hong Kong
  • The Philippines
  • South Korea
  • Indonesia
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam
  • India

Current joint promotions offer up to 12% additional discounts on hotel bookings via dedicated Agoda pages. Japan continues to be a highly sought-after destination, with Agoda reporting a 35% increase in searches in the first half of 2025 alone.

Shared Vision to Enhance Travel Experiences

Damien Pfirsch, Chief Commercial Officer of Agoda, emphasized:

“Agoda and JCB share a commitment to making travel more rewarding and accessible for customers across Asia. By combining Agoda’s technology and reach with JCB’s strong brand and customer base, we are well-positioned to deliver meaningful benefits and new experiences for our users.”

The partnership addresses the evolving needs of travelers in Asia, particularly as intra-Asia travel grows alongside the region’s rising middle class. By providing greater convenience and value, the collaboration strengthens Japan’s position as a top inbound travel destination.

At a Glance

  • Partnership Duration: April 2026 – March 2029
  • Key Markets: Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, Philippines, South Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, India
  • Exclusive Benefits: Special discounts and offers for JCB cardmembers on Agoda
  • First Half of 2025: Japan ranked as the top searched destination on Agoda in Asia, with a 35% rise in searches
  • Objective: Enhance customer satisfaction, boost card usage, and drive inbound travel to Japan

Also read JCB Launches Exclusive Giant Gacha Experience in Shibuya for International Cardmembers


Paul Lo

Paul is the publisher of Red Bird Travel News, from Hong Kong, now living in Shanghai, and has worked at South China Morning Post, Apple Daily, Shanghai Daily, and Global Times.