Bitcash in Japan: Your Comprehensive Guide to Bitcash Prepaid Cards

This article is brought to you by KOMOJU
We help businesses accept payments online.

In Japan, cards dominate online shopping with a 65% market share and $97.6 billion in annual sales, including options like debit, credit, and prepaid cards such as BitCash.

Founded in 2007, BitCash is a leading prepaid electronic money service accepted by over 500,000 websites, including Ameba, Mobage, and DMM. It offers secure and convenient payment solutions for seamless eCommerce transactions.

This article explores how BitCash works, its features, and the benefits it offers to consumers and merchants, providing a practical guide to using this innovative payment solution for your eCommerce store.

What is Bitcash?

BitCash in Japan is a widely recognized prepaid electronic money system that offers a secure and convenient way to make online purchases. It is especially popular for games, social networking services (SNS), video streaming, and music downloads.

Overall, BitCash provides Japanese consumers with a straightforward and secure method for online shopping, independent of traditional banking methods.

Difference between BitCash and Bitcoin Cash

It’s important to distinguish between BitCash and Bitcoin Cash, as they serve different purposes in digital finance.

Features	BitCash in Japan	Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
Type	Prepaid electronic money system	Cryptocurrency based on Bitcoin protocol
Usage	Online purchases (games, SNS, streaming)	Peer-to-peer electronic cash transactions
Acceptance	Widely accepted in Japan	Global acceptance
Security	Encryption technology, privacy-focused	Blockchain security
Transactions	Instant, irreversible	Global, irreversible
Blockchain	– N/A	Bitcoin Cash blockchain
Community	– N/A	Established global community
Features	Specific to BitCash	Specific to BCH features

This comparison highlights the distinct roles and functionalities of BitCash in Japan and Bitcoin Cash (BCH), helping to clarify their differences in the realm of digital payments.

Features of BitCash

Wide Acceptance

BitCash is widely accepted across diverse online platforms in Japan, including popular gaming sites like Ameba, major shopping platforms such as Amazon Japan, and entertainment services like DMM. This makes BitCash a convenient choice for a variety of online transactions.

Online Shopping: Platforms like Amazon Japan and Rakuten accept BitCash for purchases.
Digital Content: Used for games, music downloads, and video streaming.
Food Delivery: Services like UberEats and Demae-Can now also accept BitCash.

Security and Privacy

BitCash transactions are protected by advanced encryption technology, ensuring robust security measures that safeguard user privacy without requiring personal information. This encryption technology is designed to protect against unauthorized access and maintain transaction integrity.

Instant and Irreversible Transactions

BitCash processes payments instantly and securely. Once a transaction is confirmed, it cannot be reversed, minimizing chargeback risks for merchants and ensuring fast and reliable order processing for consumers.

Ease of Use

Joining BitCash is free and easy, with transactions managed using a Hiragana ID. Top-up options include credit cards, online banking, and convenience store payments (or konbini payments), supported by widely available BitCash Vouchers. BitCash vouchers are widely accessible at convenience stores and online retailers throughout Japan, ensuring straightforward usability for a broad audience.

BitCash Vouchers

Widely available at convenience stores and online retailers, BitCash Vouchers provide an easy method for topping up BitCash balances without needing a bank account.

Bittoku Coins and Select Shop

Users earn Bittoku Coins with each BitCash transaction, which can improve membership status and provide access to exclusive campaigns and rewards. The “Select Shop” feature offers diverse items purchasable with BitCash, ranging from digital content to gift certificates, enhancing the flexibility and value of using BitCash for online transactions.

How Bitcash Works

BitCash provides a straightforward method for purchasing and using digital currency across various online transactions in Japan.

Purchasing BitCash

There are two primary methods to purchase BitCash:

Physical Stores: Visit major convenience stores like Seven-Eleven, Lawson, and Family Mart to purchase BitCash Vouchers directly from the counter, with each credit equaling 1 yen.
Online: Purchase BitCash digitally using credit cards, PayPay, online banking, or convenience store payments on authorized platforms. Each method may have specific requirements or steps, so be sure to check the details on the platform you choose.

Security Measures

BitCash ensures secure transactions through advanced encryption technology and additional layers of protection, safeguarding user information and transaction integrity.

Online Purchase Process

To buy BitCash online:

Choose an Authorized Platform: Access approved websites or mobile apps that offer BitCash sales.
Select Payment Method: Use credit cards, PayPay, online banking, or convenience store payments as accepted on the platform.
Complete Transaction: Follow the prompts to finalize your purchase securely.

Customer Support Information

For assistance related to BitCash transactions:

Contact Customer Support: Use the platform’s help section for direct support.
Access Online Resources: Find FAQs and troubleshooting guides for additional help.

Using BitCash

BitCash allows seamless exchange of money for local currency stablecoins or bitUSD, making payments for:

Online Shopping: Platforms like Amazon Japan and Rakuten.
Digital Content: Games, music, and video streaming.
Food Delivery: Services like Uber Eats and Demae-Can.

BitCash features a passwordless wallet managed securely through your smartphone, ensuring convenient and secure transactions.

How to Make a Payment with Bitcash

BitCash uses 16 hiragana characters for payments, ensuring security and anonymity for its users. It features easy implementation for merchants through APIs, with no fixed costs and guaranteed payments. Users can purchase BitCash at convenience stores, online, and through various top-up methods.

Here’s a general guide on how to use BitCash for payments, whether in-person or online:

Payment Procedure with BitCash

Making a payment with BitCash is simple and involves the following steps:

1. Enter Hiragana ID:

Input your Hiragana ID on the provided screen.
Confirm your input by pressing the “Confirm” button.

2. Confirmation of Payment Details:

Review the payment details displayed on the confirmation screen.
Proceed by clicking the “Pay” button to proceed with the transaction.

3. Payment Completion:

Once the payment is processed, you’ll see the payment completion screen.
To return to the shop’s site or platform, click the “Back” button.

For the latest updates and more detailed information, please visit the official BitCash website. Note that procedures and screen layouts may change without prior notice over time.

1. Enter Hiragana ID	Input your Hiragana ID on the provided screen.
2. Confirm input with “Confirm” button	Confirm your input by pressing the ‘Confirm’ button.
3. Confirmation of Payment Details	Review the payment details displayed on the confirmation screen.
4. Proceed with Payment	Click the ‘Pay’ button to complete the transaction.
5. Payment Completion	Once the payment is processed, you’ll see the payment completion screen.
6. Return to ShBitCash offers flexibility by being available for purchase at local convenience stores and online platforms. This versatility ensures convenient access for users wherever they prefer to shop.op	To return to the shop’s site or platform, click the ‘Back’ button.

Benefits of Using Bitcash for Customers

BitCash is a preferred choice among users in Japan, offering convenience, rewards, security, and a seamless shopping experience both online and in-store.

1. Ease of Use

Using BitCash is straightforward and secure. Users simply enter their hiragana ID, avoiding the need for personal information, which is ideal for seamless online shopping experiences.

2. Versatile Usage (In-Store and Online)

BitCash offers flexibility by being available for purchase at local convenience stores and online platforms. This versatility ensures convenient access for users wherever they prefer to shop.

3. Bittoku Coins and Membership Benefits

Users appreciate earning Bittoku Coins with each transaction, which elevate their membership status and unlocks exclusive rewards and promotions. It’s a rewarding system that enhances the user experience.

4. Exclusive Campaigns and Rewards

BitCash users enjoy access to special promotions, rebates, and surprise gifts, adding extra value to their transactions and making their shopping experiences more rewarding.

5. Secure Prepaid System

With BitCash’s prepaid system, users feel secure knowing their transactions are protected against overspending and fraudulent use. It provides peace of mind with every purchase.

Why eCommerce Merchants Should Consider Bitcash

BitCash offers numerous benefits to merchants looking to set up an online store, including robust payment infrastructure and support services. Overall, BitCash provides a streamlined payment solution that supports business growth, enhances customer trust, and offers competitive advantages in the online marketplace.

1. Reach a wider customer base

By accepting BitCash, merchants can access a broader customer base, especially appealing to younger demographics in Japan who favor this widely-used prepaid card option. Accepting payments for digital content, downloads, and games via BitCash allows merchants to connect with tech-savvy consumers who are comfortable with digital transactions.

2. Instant and Irreversible Transactions

BitCash processes payments instantly and securely, with transactions that cannot be reversed once confirmed. This ensures fast and reliable order processing, minimizing chargeback risks for merchants and providing assurance of transaction reliability.

3. Security & Privacy

BitCash transactions are protected by encryption technology, ensuring strong security measures and user privacy. This feature is crucial for merchants concerned about data protection and maintaining customer trust in online transactions.

4. Increased Sales & Loyalty

BitCash’s Bittoku Coins and membership benefits drive sales and loyalty by rewarding transactions, enhancing retention, and increasing average order values. Merchants can use exclusive rewards and promotional campaigns to encourage repeat purchases, thereby boosting revenue and ensuring business growth.

5. Cost-Effective Payment Solution

Merchants can integrate BitCash as a cost-effective payment gateway, avoiding high transaction fees often associated with traditional payment methods.

Integrating BitCash with KOMOJU for Your eCommerce Site in Japan

Integrating BitCash with KOMOJU is a straightforward process that can enhance your eCommerce capabilities. Follow these steps to start accepting BitCash payments on your online store.

1. Sign Up and Verification

2. Select BitCash as Payment Method

3 Integrate Using KOMOJU API

Access the KOMOJU API documentation and follow instructions to integrate BitCash into your website’s checkout process.

4. Testing

Use KOMOJU’s sandbox environment to thoroughly test transactions.
Ensure all payment scenarios, including refunds, are handled correctly.

5. Go Live

Switch to KOMOJU’s live environment once testing is successful.
Monitor transactions closely after deployment to ensure smooth operation.

6. Manage Payments and Support

Utilize the KOMOJU merchant portal to manage payments, access reports, and handle customer inquiries.
Receive scheduled payouts according to your business preferences.

By following these steps, you can effectively integrate BitCash into your eCommerce operations in Japan, offering customers a reliable and convenient payment option.

Summary

BitCash is a secure, versatile, and rewarding payment solution for consumers and merchants in Japan. It offers wide acceptance, robust features, and seamless integration with KOMOJU, making it ideal for enhancing online shopping experiences and supporting business growth.

Ready to integrate BitCash?

Find out BitCash’s settlement currencies and processing fee on the BitCash payment method page. If BitCash is the right payment method to offer your customers, sign up on KOMOJU to offer your customers a secure and convenient payment option!

If you’re unsure if BitCash is the right payment method for your eCommerce site, why not talk to our payments expert to learn more about BitCash and other payment methods.