Credit Saison

Basic Information

Stock Code
8253
Industry
Other Financial Services
Category Detail
Consumer & Business Finance
Prefecture
Tokyo
Establishment Year
May 1951
Listing Year
July 1963
Official Website
https://www.saisoncard.co.jp/
TSE Information
TSE Information
Yahoo! Finance
Yahoo! Finance
Other Companies
Towarize, Premier Group, Marui Group, AEON Financial Service, JACCS, Orient Corporation, Secom

Overview

Credit Saison is a major Japanese consumer finance company founded in 1951, operating credit sales and insurance businesses as the leading distribution-affiliated card company.

Current Situation

Credit Saison recorded consolidated revenue of 361.6 billion yen and net profit of 73.3 billion yen for the fiscal year ended March 2024, maintaining a strong position in Japan's credit sales market. Its flagship Saison Card boasts 26.9 million users, complemented by UC Card to cover a broad customer base. In recent years, it has made Suruga Bank an equity-method affiliate through capital and business alliances, diversifying financial services. The company focuses on enhancing added value for credit cards and financial services while expanding partnerships. It is also addressing environmental and social issues to promote sustainable business operations. The partnership with UC Card was terminated in September 2023, solidifying its position as an independent card company. It aims to strengthen competitiveness domestically and internationally through digital payment services and diversified affiliated cards. Moving forward, it seeks sustainable growth by improving customer services and creating new businesses.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • 'Permanent Non-Expiry Points' is renowned in the industry as a unique no-expiry service.
  • Only domestic card company to feature Centurion on Amex card faces.
  • Core company of former Sezon Group with deep ties to regional retail.
  • Shifted to independent in 2019 by ending comprehensive alliance with Mizuho Group.
  • Saison Cards are particularly popular among female users.
  • Offers numerous same-day issuance card services.
  • Saison Counters at approx. 48 locations nationwide enhance member support.
  • Strong connections with regional banks and retailers via affiliated cards.
  • Alliance with Suruga Bank draws attention in housing loan market.
  • Maintains stable top position as leading distribution card company amid competition.

Hidden Connections

  • Long-term capital and business ties with former Seibu retail group's Sezon companies strengthen unity.
  • Expanded access to bank-affiliated customers through merger with Mizuho Group's UC Card.
  • Strong ties to regional finance via affiliated card issuance with many local banks.
  • Originated from installment department store Midoriya, transitioning to card company.
  • Many affiliated cards branded with department stores or retailers, featuring regional variations.
  • Rare program allowing shared use of Saison Permanent Non-Expiry Points across affiliated cards.
  • Headquartered on 52nd floor of Sunshine 60 in Tokyo's Ikebukuro, deeply rooted in the area.
  • Focuses on overseas financial expansion with subsidiaries and partners in Southeast Asia etc.

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Expansion of digital payment demand and technological innovation
  • New product development to meet diversifying customer needs
  • Customer base expansion through strengthened alliances with regional banks and retailers
  • Global financial services rollout
  • Rising sustainability investments and ESG awareness
  • Growth in corporate business card market
  • Enhanced customer loyalty via points program value
  • Advanced credit risk management using AI and data analytics
  • Promotion of collaborations with emerging fintechs
  • Compliance with regulations and strengthened social trust
  • Expansion of value-added services for card members
  • Improved IR disclosures and shareholder communications

Strategic Goals

  • Maintain top domestic market share through increased transaction volume
  • Revenue diversification centered on digital services
  • Develop green finance and sustainable financial products
  • Service innovations for improved customer satisfaction
  • Strengthen regional markets through local revitalization partnerships
  • Expand global financial network
  • Secure leadership in cashless society advancement
  • Introduce and promote next-generation card technologies
  • Foster inclusive organizational culture respecting diversity
  • Establish business operations reducing environmental impact

Business Segments

Corporate Credit Cards

Overview
Specializes in credit cards for corporations and business owners, supporting expense management and payment efficiency.
Competitiveness
Diverse low-price business cards available
Customers
  • Small and medium-sized enterprises
  • Startups
  • Sole proprietors
  • Large corporations
Products
  • Business Card [Saison Cobalt]
  • Platinum Business Amex
  • Corporate Payment Services

Financial Related Services

Overview
Joint financial services through partnerships with banks, securities, and retail operators.
Competitiveness
Strong relationships with diverse partners
Customers
  • Banks
  • Credit unions
  • Securities firms
  • Retail businesses
Products
  • Capital and business alliances
  • Joint service development
  • Card issuance outsourcing

Merchant Support

Overview
Provides payment support and customer retention services for card merchants.
Competitiveness
Expertise as the largest distribution card company
Customers
  • Retail stores
  • E-commerce sites
  • Specialty stores
  • Franchises
Products
  • Payment terminal provision
  • Merchant management systems
  • Points program proposals

Credit Guarantee

Overview
Handles loan screening support and guarantees, contributing to risk reduction.
Competitiveness
Advanced credit management technology
Customers
  • Individual customers
  • Small businesses
Products
  • Credit guarantee services
  • Loan guarantees

Leasing Business

Overview
Supports business growth through leasing of business equipment.
Competitiveness
Flexible contract terms
Customers
  • Small and medium-sized enterprises
  • Sole proprietors
Products
  • Equipment leasing
  • Office equipment leasing

Insurance Agency Operations

Overview
Offers brokerage for a wide range of insurance products.
Competitiveness
Products tailored to customer needs
Customers
  • Individual customers
  • Corporate customers
Products
  • Life insurance
  • Damage insurance

New Business Development

Overview
Builds the future of financial services through innovative technology and partnerships.
Competitiveness
Advanced IT utilization and overseas expansion
Customers
  • Domestic and international partners
Products
  • Digital payment platform
  • Overseas financial services expansion

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • Leading scale and customer base as top distribution-affiliated card company
  • Broad usage promotion through partnerships with diverse international brands
  • Stable, diversified business operations and robust asset base
  • Diverse financial services including insurance and leasing
  • Strong partner network and brand power
  • High creditworthiness from long industry experience
  • Revenue stability from large number of cards in circulation
  • Lifetime free points system 'Permanent Non-Expiry Points'
  • Unique customer services and high member satisfaction
  • Synergies from capital and business alliance with Suruga Bank
  • Market penetration via diverse affiliated cards
  • Regular new product development and digital adaptation

Competitive Advantages

  • Stable user base through alliances with major retailers
  • Strength in domestic and international use via diverse international brands
  • Successful diversification of financial services through capital alliances
  • Perpetual points program aids customer retention
  • Abundant card types to meet diverse customer segments
  • Exceptional trust from high brand recognition and stable management
  • Extensive nationwide merchant network via many affiliated cards
  • Leading services through IT investments and payment tech enhancements
  • Market expansion with dedicated corporate business card services
  • New business areas created through equity-method affiliates
  • Support gained via Saison Counter focused on customer service
  • Revenue diversification through multifaceted financial services

Threats

  • Increased credit risk and default possibilities
  • Intensifying competition from fintech entrants
  • Growth slowdown from mature domestic credit card market
  • Burden from stricter regulations and data protection
  • Reduced card usage amid economic downturn and consumption decline
  • Rising fraud and cybercrime risks
  • Potential customer base shrinkage from partnership changes
  • Financial impacts from exchange and interest rate fluctuations
  • Initial investment risks in new technologies
  • Delays in adapting to diversifying customer needs
  • Fee pressures from intensified international brand competition
  • Performance impacts from pandemics like COVID-19

Innovations

2024: Made Suruga Bank an equity-method affiliate

Overview
Acquired over 15% of Suruga Bank shares to advance joint ventures.
Impact
Creates synergies in housing loans and card business.

2023: Launched BPSP service 'Payment.com'

Overview
Partnered with UPSIDER to enable bank transfers via card payments.
Impact
Realizes payment efficiency for corporate customers.

2023: Enhanced digital services

Overview
Added features for smart payments and online points management.
Impact
Improves user experience and promotes usage.

2022: Launched eco-friendly services for Saison Card members

Overview
Introduced points bonus program for environmentally considerate products.
Impact
Gains support from eco-conscious customers.

2021: Expanded Priority Pass services

Overview
Added free airport lounge access for Platinum Cards.
Impact
Successfully acquires premium members.

Sustainability

  • Promoting visualization of CO2 emissions from card usage
  • Issuing eco-friendly cards
  • Strengthening internal environmental management systems
  • Ongoing community contribution activities
  • Promoting women's empowerment and diversity initiatives