JCB International Co., Ltd., the international operations subsidiary of JCB Co., Ltd., Japan’s only international payment brand (JCB), and Agoda, a leading digital travel platform, today announced the start of 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) sets out a shared vision to leverage data-driven insights to attract new customers, optimize marketing strategies, and explore new communication channels to effectively engage with inbound travelers to Japan.

Through joint campaigns, co-marketing initiatives, and long-term value propositions, JCB and Agoda are committed to enhancing customer satisfaction and strengthening engagement. This collaborative partnership is structured to benefit both companies by attracting new customers, encouraging greater use of JCB Cards, and supporting the growth of JCB Card issuance.

“We are proud to partner with Agoda to deliver even greater benefits to JCB cardmembers,” said Masaki Yokawa, President & CEO of JCB International Co., Ltd. “This partnership allows us to provide timely, relevant information that aligns with each customer’s travel journey. By offering the right information at the right time, whether during trip planning or just before departure, we aim to make their travel more rewarding and special.”

Under the MOU, JCB cardmembers will enjoy exclusive discounts and special offers on Agoda in key markets including Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, the Philippines, South Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and India. Joint promotions are already live, offering up to 12% additional discounts on hotel bookings through dedicated Agoda pages. In the first half of 2025 alone, Japan remained Agoda’s top searched destination, with a 35% increase in searches, underscoring its enduring appeal among travellers in the region.

“Agoda and JCB share a commitment to making travel more rewarding and accessible for customers across Asia,” said Damien Pfirsch, Chief Commercial Officer of Agoda during his keynote speech at the conference. “This partnership is a testament to the trust we’ve built and our shared vision to strengthen inbound travel to Japan and expand opportunities for travellers in the region. 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 strengthened partnership between JCB and Agoda aims to better meet the evolving needs of travellers across Asia, particularly as intra-Asia travel grows alongside the region’s rising middle class. By offering greater convenience and value, the collaboration continues to contribute to Japan’s appeal as a top inbound destination. The partnership also underscores Agoda’s commitment to enhancing travel experiences and supporting innovation within the travel and payments industry.