What is JAL Mileage Bank?
JAL Mileage Bank (JMB) is Japan Airlines' frequent-flyer program. It's a free loyalty account that lets you collect miles when you fly and spend them on award flights and upgrades. It is not a credit card — opening an account costs nothing. New to the program? Our beginner's guide to JAL Mileage Bank covers the big picture, and this guide walks through the one thing you need first: creating your account.
Is a JAL Mileage Bank account free?
Yes. Joining JMB is completely free, and there's no annual fee to keep your account open. You don't need to buy a ticket or hold a credit card to enrol — you simply register, get a membership number, and start crediting miles.
How to create a Japan Airlines Mileage Bank account: step by step
- Go to the official Japan Airlines site (jal.com) and select your country or region at the top of the page.
- Open the JAL Mileage Bank section and choose “Enrol” / “Join JMB”.
- Enter your details — full name (exactly as it appears on your passport), date of birth, email address, postal address and a password.
- Pick your preferences, such as language and how you'd like to receive statements.
- Submit the form. You'll be issued a JMB membership number straight away — save it somewhere safe, as it's what links every flight to your account.
Tip: enter your name exactly as written in your passport. It must match the name on your tickets, or your miles may not credit and award bookings can be rejected.
The waiting period to plan around
One quirk worth knowing: after you open a brand-new JMB account, Japan Airlines applies a waiting period (around 60 days) before you can search for and book award tickets with miles. If you transfer points in from a partner credit-card program, that wait can shorten to roughly a week. The takeaway is simple — open your account well before you plan to book an award trip, not the night before.
JAL Mileage Bank for UK and other international members
You don't need to live in Japan to join. JMB is open to members worldwide, including the UK, the US, the EU and beyond — you just select your region during sign-up. The program, award rules and miles are the same wherever you're based, so international travellers can collect and redeem JAL miles just like residents of Japan.
What to do after you sign up
Add your JMB number to every Japan Airlines or oneworld booking so your flights credit automatically. Then learn the fastest ways to build a balance in our guide to earning JAL Mileage Bank miles, and see how to redeem them for award flights.
Frequently asked questions
How do I create a Japan Airlines account? Visit jal.com, choose your region, open the JAL Mileage Bank section and complete the free enrolment form. You'll get a membership number immediately.
Is JAL Mileage Bank free to join? Yes — there's no joining fee and no annual fee.
Can I join JAL Mileage Bank from the UK? Yes. JMB is open to members anywhere in the world; simply select your country during sign-up.
How long before I can use my miles? New accounts typically have a waiting period (around 60 days) before award bookings are allowed, so enrol early.