Credit Cards, Rewards and BNPL Rules — 2026-09-04
NTT Docomo announced a major downgrade to its dCard rewards program, halving the base point return rate and introducing annual fees for inactive users. In the US, PenFed Credit Union began charging a $95 annual fee for its Pathfinder Visa Signature card, ending previous waiver options. Meanwhile, Australian businesses are preparing for the imminent ban on card surcharges taking effect in October 2026.
Credit Cards, Rewards and BNPL Rules — 2026-09-04
Top developments
Docomo slashes dCard rewards and adds fees
On September 1, 2026, NTT Docomo announced significant changes to the "dCard" credit card program, effective from January 2027 for reward rates and earlier for fees. The base point return rate will be halved from 1% (1 point per ¥100) to 0.5% (1 point per ¥200). Additionally, an annual fee of ¥1,650 will be charged if the card is not used at least once per year, marking a shift from its previously free-for-all model for general cards. This move aims to reduce costs associated with inactive cardholders and aligns with broader industry trends of tightening loyalty program economics.
PenFed imposes $95 annual fee on Pathfinder Visa
Starting this month, PenFed Credit Union cardholders of the Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card must pay a $95 annual fee. Previously, certain cardmembers were able to waive this fee under specific conditions. This change represents a direct increase in holding costs for a mid-tier travel rewards card, potentially impacting cardholder retention and value perception in a competitive market where fee waivers are common incentives.
Australia’s card surcharge ban approaches
Australian merchants are finalizing preparations for the ban on card surcharges, which takes effect on October 1, 2026. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has been reviewing card payment costs, leading to this regulatory change that prohibits surcharging on eftpos, Mastercard, and Visa transactions. Businesses are urged to update their pricing models and payment systems to comply, as they can no longer pass these interchange costs directly to consumers at checkout.
Local view
In Japan, local media and blogs have reacted strongly to the dCard changes, with many describing it as a "kaaku" (downgrade). Stakeholders are advising users to switch cards or utilize alternative payment methods to avoid the new annual fee and reduced points. The complexity of the new rules, particularly regarding the PLATINUM tier and Poikatsu (point activity) plans, has generated significant discussion on financial forums and social media, highlighting consumer frustration with opaque terms.
Context & numbers
- dCard Return Rate: Dropping from 1% to 0.5% starting January 2027.
- dCard Annual Fee: ¥1,650 for non-use within a year.
- PenFed Annual Fee: $95, mandatory as of September 2026.
- Australia Surcharge Ban: Effective October 1, 2026, covering eftpos, Visa, and Mastercard.
On the radar
- Chase Card Refresh Rumors: Reports suggest another Chase credit card may be refreshed soon, with details recently leaked. Investors and cardholders should watch for official announcements regarding potential benefit changes or fee adjustments.
- September Transfer Bonuses: Capital One offers a 30% transfer bonus to Japan Airlines until September 30, 2026. This is a key opportunity for travelers looking to maximize transferable points before the deadline.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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