Share this article
E-Commerce Giant Rakuten Now Lets Users Shop With Cryptocurrency
The move opens up crypto payments at thousands of merchants across Japan that accept Rakuten Pay and Rakuten Point Card.
Updated May 9, 2023, 3:16 a.m. Published Mar 1, 2021, 10:03 a.m.
Japanese e-commerce giant Rakuten is now allowing users to spend bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies at merchants throughout Japan.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW
Don't miss another story.Subscribe to the Crypto Daybook Americas Newsletter today. See all newsletters
- According to a recent announcement, users of Rakuten's cryptocurrency wallet can now exchange bitcoin, ether and bitcoin cash for the firm’s e-money, Rakuten Cash, to charge its Pay app and Point credit card.
- The firm says it's not levying fees on such transfers, which can range from 1,000 yen ($9.37) to a maximum of 100,000 yen ($937) in total value per month.
- The move means customers can pay with crypto at thousands of merchants across Japan that accept Rakuten Pay and Rakuten Point Card.
- This spring, Rakuten is also integrating its crypto wallet into the Pay app.
- Rakuten's ecommerce service has over 95 million registered users according to a JPMorgan insight report.
Read more: ShareRing Brings Its Blockchain Identity Solution to Rakuten Travel Bookers
More For You
L1 tokens broadly underperformed in 2025 despite a backdrop of regulatory and institutional wins. Explore the key trends defining ten major blockchains below.
What to know:
2025 was defined by a stark divergence: structural progress collided with stagnant price action. Institutional milestones were reached and TVL increased across most major ecosystems, yet the majority of large-cap Layer-1 tokens finished the year with negative or flat returns.
This report analyzes the structural decoupling between network usage and token performance. We examine 10 major blockchain ecosystems, exploring protocol versus application revenues, key ecosystem narratives, mechanics driving institutional adoption, and the trends to watch as we head into 2026.
More For You
Tensions over El Salvador's bitcoin holdings ease as IMF praises economic progress
The Central American country’s economy is projected to grow 4% this year, the IMF said.
What to know:
- The IMF praised El Salvador's stronger-than-expected economic growth and progress in bitcoin-related discussions.
- El Salvador's real GDP growth is projected to reach around 4%, with a positive outlook for 2026.
- Despite previous IMF recommendations, El Salvador continues to increase its bitcoin holdings, adding over 1,000 BTC during November's market downturn.
Top Stories
