TOKYO, November 6, 2012 – Rakuten Edy today announced that it has begun rolling out a transaction terminal that can process multiple types of e-money at retail stores and restaurants where Rakuten Edy e-money and other types of e-money issued by transportation companies and/or retail companies can be used. This is the first terminal of its kind offered by an e-money provider.
The launch of the multi-e-money transaction terminal by Rakuten Edy is intended to help invigorate the market and further popularize the use of e-money.
Thus far, credit card companies were the only businesses to launch multi-transaction terminals. Once a multi-platform e-money payment terminal was set up, merchants were forced to conclude agreements and process payments with each e-money provider separately. However, this new multi-platform e-money transaction terminal launched by Rakuten Edy requires only a single agreement and enables merchants to introduce each type of e-money simultaneously, greatly streamlining settlement operations.
This will also enable customers to utilize e-money at many of their frequented retail stores and restaurants where they typically make small purchases, making checkout at the register notably faster.
Rakuten Edy intends to continue expanding the types of e-money that can be processed with its terminal.
Rakuten Edy is committed to continually improving customer convenience by leveraging its accumulated expertise as an e-money provider in order to encourage more merchants to begin accepting e-money as a form of payment.
(Note) E-money that can be processed by multi-platform e-money payment terminals: Rakuten Edy , Suica , and nanaco .
* “Suica” is a registered trademark of East Japan Railway Company.
* “Nanaco” is a registered trademark of Seven Card Services Co., Ltd.