Translation guide
In Japanese, the most common and natural way to say 'membership card' is 会員証 (kaiinshō). This is the standard term used in stores, gyms, libraries, and most membership-based services. For more casual or specific contexts, メンバーズカード (membāzu kādo) or 会員カード (kaiin kādo) are also used, especially in retail and loyalty programs.
A physical or digital card proving membership in an organization, store, gym, library, etc.
The most standard and formal term for a membership card. Used in a wide range of contexts from official organizations to commercial memberships.
会員証をお持ちですか？
Do you have your membership card?
図書館の会員証を作りたいです。
I'd like to get a library card.
A slightly more casual term, often used for store loyalty cards or gym memberships. Interchangeable with 会員証 in many situations.
この会員カードでポイントが貯まります。
You can earn points with this membership card.
A loanword from English, commonly used in retail, restaurants, and casual membership programs. Sounds modern and friendly.
メンバーズカードをお作りしますか？
Would you like to sign up for a membership card?
A card used to collect points or receive discounts at a specific store or chain.
Specifically a points/rewards card. While not a direct translation of 'membership card', it is often what English speakers mean when referring to store loyalty cards.
ポイントカードはお持ちですか？
Do you have a rewards card?
Often used interchangeably with ポイントカード when the card also serves as a membership identifier.
会員カードを提示すると割引になります。
You get a discount by showing your membership card.
A membership accessed via a smartphone app rather than a physical card.
In modern Japan, many memberships are app-based. You can specify 'アプリの会員証' to clarify it's digital.
アプリの会員証を見せてください。
Please show your digital membership card.
会員証 is the most formal and official. 会員カード is slightly more casual and often used for commercial memberships. メンバーズカード is a loanword and feels modern/friendly, common in retail and restaurants. All three can often be used interchangeably, but 会員証 is the safest choice in formal settings.
If the primary purpose of the card is to collect points or get discounts, ポイントカード may be more natural than 会員証. Many Japanese stores will ask 'ポイントカードはお持ちですか？' even if the card is technically a membership card.