Bitbank Debuts Japan’s First Crypto-Settled Visa Card in Partnership with EPOS
In a milestone for the Japanese fintech sector, domestic cryptocurrency exchange Bitbank has officially launched the nation’s first credit card that allows users to settle monthly bills directly using digital assets, according to an announcement by Bitbank. Developed in partnership with EPOS Card—the financial services arm of the Marui Group—the “EPOS Crypto Card for Bitbank” integrates traditional Visa payment networks with the exchange’s liquidity. This move marks the first time a Japanese service has enabled direct settlement of credit card balances from a user’s exchange-held crypto holdings, bridging the gap between digital wealth and everyday consumer spending.
According to the company’s official announcement on Monday, cardholders can currently opt to have their credit card statements automatically paid out of their Bitcoin balances. While the settlement feature is presently restricted to Bitcoin, the rewards program offers broader flexibility. Users can earn 0.5% cashback on their monthly expenditures, with the option to receive those rewards in Bitcoin, Ether, or Astar. These earnings are deposited directly into the user’s Bitbank account, incentivizing the use of the card for routine purchases.
The partnership between Bitbank and EPOS Card is expected to evolve, with both entities indicating they are exploring the addition of further cryptocurrencies for bill settlement in the future. This strategic expansion follows a growing trend of crypto-integrated financial products in Japan. Earlier this year, Binance Japan introduced its own card allowing users to earn BNB rewards on spending, signaling intensifying competition among exchanges to provide utility for digital assets beyond simple speculation.
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