The only difference between PASMO and SUICA is who sells them. SUICA is from JR East, and PASMO is from Tokyo-area non-JR rail operators, including Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway. Wherever you can use SUICA, you can use PASMO, and vice versa. Same with charging with new amounts.

Technically, PASMO and Suica are two distinct brands of rechargeable "IC cards" issued by different companies, but for a traveler, they are virtually identical and completely interchangeable. Suica is issued by JR East (Japan Railways), while PASMO is issued by a consortium of private railways, subways, and bus companies in the Tokyo area. Because of Japan's nationwide integration of IC cards, you can use a Suica on a PASMO reader and vice-versa across almost all of Japan. In 2026, most travelers prefer the digital versions available in Apple Wallet or Google Pay, which allow for instant recharging via a linked credit card. While the physical cards differ in branding (Suica features a penguin, PASMO is pink), they serve the same purpose: a "tap-and-go" payment system for trains, buses, vending machines, and convenience stores. The only minor difference is where you can return a physical card for a refund of the deposit; Suica must be returned to a JR station, while PASMO must be returned to a non-JR station like a Tokyo Metro office.