Agoda and JCB Enter Long-term Partnership to Enhance Travel and Payments in Asia

Digital travel platform Agoda and global payments brand from Japan, JCB International Co., Ltd. (JCB), announced the start of a three-year partnership at the 18^th JCB World Conference.

Effective from April 2026 to March 2029, the signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will see both parties leveraging 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 activities, and the development of long-term value propositions, Agoda and JCB are committed to enhancing customer satisfaction and 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.

“Agoda and JCB share a commitment to making travel more rewarding and accessible for customers across Asia,” said Damien Pfirsch, Chief Commercial Officer at Agoda during his keynote speech at the 18^th JCB World 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 travelers 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.”

Under the MOU, JCB cardmembers will benefit from exclusive discounts and special offers on Agoda in key markets including Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, the Philippines, South Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and India. With joint promotions already live, JCB cardmembers can enjoy up to 12% additional discount on hotel bookings through dedicated Agoda pages. In the first half of 2025 alone, Japan remained the top searched destination on Agoda, with a 35% growth in searches, underscoring the continued appeal of Japan among travelers in the region.

“We are proud to partner with Agoda to deliver even greater benefits to our traveling cardmembers,” said Masaki Yokawa, President & CEO at JCB International Co., Ltd. “As part of this partnership, JCB cardmembers can look forward to even more convenience, exclusive privileges, and a seamless payment experience as they explore destinations across Asia. We endeavor to make every step of the travel and shopping experience smoother and more rewarding for our cardmembers across the region.”

The strengthened partnership between Agoda and JCB aims to better meet the evolving needs of travelers 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.