Digital vs. Hybrid: Sony Bank and Suruga Bank in the Battle for ANA Miles

Two banks, two philosophies. Sony Bank and Suruga Bank both offer ANA‑linked financial products, but they sit on opposite ends of Japan’s banking spectrum.

• Sony Bank is a pure ネット銀行—no branches, no counters, no physical footprint. Everything happens online, from account opening to customer support.

• Suruga Bank is a hybrid institution—traditional brick‑and‑mortar branches combined with innovative online branches like the ANA Branch, which operates almost like a digital bank within a physical bank.

This fundamental difference shapes how each bank approaches products, services, and mileage earning.

Products and Services: Digital Precision vs. Hybrid Breadth

Sony Bank: Digital tools and foreign currency strength. Sony Bank specializes in:

• Online banking

• Foreign‑currency accounts

• Low‑fee international usage

• Visa debit cards

• Foreign‑currency time deposits

Its flagship ANA product is the ANA Mileage Club / Sony Bank WALLET Visa Debit, which earns miles on domestic spending and integrates with Sony Bank’s foreign‑currency ecosystem.

Sony Bank’s strengths include its clean digital experience, strong appeal for international travelers, and frequent ANA promotional campaigns.

Suruga Bank: Everyday transactions turn into miles. Suruga Bank’s ANA Branch rewards customers for a wide range of daily financial activities. Mileage‑earning transactions include:

• Automatic debits (utilities, phone bills, insurance)

• Salary deposits

• Time deposits

• Mortgage loans

• Investment trust purchases

• Debit card spending

Suruga’s strengths are its numerous ways to earn miles without spending, the presence of physical branches for those who prefer in‑person support, and ANA‑focused campaigns with large bonuses.

Ease of Earning ANA Miles: Monthly Example Scenarios

Mileage collectors often ask: Which bank earns more miles in real life? Here’s a realistic monthly scenario for each.

Sony Bank — Example Monthly Mileage

Assume:

• ¥60,000 in domestic debit card spending

• No foreign‑currency deposits this month

Sony Bank earns:

• 5 miles per ¥1,000 spent

• ¥60,000 → 300 miles

Estimated monthly total: ~300 ANA miles

Campaigns can boost this significantly, but regular earning is modest.

Suruga Bank — Example Monthly Mileage

Assume:

• 4 automatic debits (utilities, phone, insurance)

• Salary deposit of ¥100,000+

• Occasional debit card spending

Suruga Bank earns:

• Automatic debits: 4 × 5 miles = 20 miles

• Salary deposit: 50 miles

• Debit card spending (¥30,000): ~150 miles (varies by campaign)

Estimated monthly total: ~220 ANA miles

This can jump dramatically with time deposits or mortgage‑related bonuses.

Language Support: A tale of two directions

Sony Bank currently offers an English website and app BUT English support will soon be significantly reduced: English website sections are being phased out, English app support is also ending, and customer service will soon shift to Japanese‑only. This is a major consideration for foreign residents.

Suruga Bank, on the other hand, is primarily Japanese‑only and has no full English online banking features. It has limited English explanations via ANA’s website, and in‑branch English support varies by location. Suruga is manageable for residents comfortable with Japanese, but not ideal for beginners.

Ease of opening an account. Both banks basically require possession of a residence card, MyNumber, Japanese address, and a Japan phone number to be able to open a bank account.

Sony Bank account opening is done fully online, and it often gives a smooth digital onboarding experience, making it generally foreigner‑friendly.

Opening an account at Suruga Bank is also possible for foreign residents, though applying online is Japanese-only. If done at a physical branch, some branches may be more foreigner-friendly than others.

In short, Sony Bank is easier for digital‑savvy residents while, Suruga is better for those who prefer in‑person reassurance.

Final Verdict: Two Banks, Two Strengths

• Sony Bank is ideal for:

  • Digital‑first users

  • Frequent travelers

  • People who prefer debit‑based mileage earning

  • Those who want foreign‑currency tools

• Suruga Bank is ideal for:

  • People who want to earn miles from everyday transactions

  • Those who like having physical branches

  • Users who want multiple ANA‑earning pathways

Both banks can play a role in a well‑designed mileage strategy—Sony Bank for spending, Suruga Bank for daily life.

vs.