TOKYO, October 31, 2012 -- Rakuten Bank, Ltd, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, and Rakuten Edy, Inc. will launch an e-money “Rakuten Edy” application service that enables Edy accounts to be charged directly from bank accounts, starting November 13.
The “Rakuten Edy Application,” provided by Rakuten Edy, will be compatible with conventional mobile phone models and Android™ smartphones. The application also provides a service where users can earn Rakuten Super Points by using Edy.
Previously, Edy could only be charged from accounts using applications provided by the various banks. Now, utilizing the “Rakuten Edy Application” it will be possible to charge “Edy” using a Rakuten ID or pre-registered credit card, and to charge cell phones and smartphones from bank accounts designated by the user. This service will also allow current credit card autocharge functions to be used through bank accounts. It will give users more charging options and eliminate the problem of running out of available funds while shopping.
Rakuten Edy is a prepaid e-money service which can be used at approximately 350,000 locations nationwide including supermarkets, convenience stores and e-commerce sites such as Rakuten Ichiba. With the recent increase in general smartphone use as well as among Rakuten Edy users to around 114% year-on-year in September 2012, it is hoped that their frequency of use will also increase through this service. Furthermore, Rakuten Edy plans to continue expanding its bank charging service throughout the country in the future.
To commemorate the launch of this service, 100 Rakuten Super Points will be credited to people who charge 3,000 yen or more for the first time through a Rakuten Bank account.
The three companies hope to further expand this service and its functions with the aim of improving user convenience.