Japan’s crypto payments market is taking another step forward as exchange operator Bitbank and financial services provider EPOS Card roll out a new Visa credit card that connects traditional credit spending with digital assets. The companies describe it as Japan’s first credit card that allows monthly bill repayment using cryptocurrency balances held on an exchange.
The product, called EPOS CRYPTO Card for Bitbank, can be used anywhere Visa is accepted. Unlike standard credit cards, which generally require repayments through a linked bank account, this card lets users settle monthly charges using assets held in their Bitbank account. At launch, however, only BTC is supported for bill deductions, with Bitbank handling the exchange rate at the time of repayment.
Rewards Paid in Crypto
The card also includes a 0.5% reward program and a 2,000-yen welcome bonus for new cardholders. According to the announcement, rewards will be distributed monthly in bitcoin (BTC), ether (ETH), and astar (ASTR). That structure gives users a way to combine everyday card usage with ongoing crypto accumulation.
Strategically, the card is designed to appeal to users who want to keep exposure to digital assets while still using a conventional credit product for daily spending. Instead of liquidating crypto upfront, cardholders can make purchases first and convert holdings later when the repayment date arrives.
Visa Sees Another Step Toward Everyday Crypto Use
Seetan Kitney, CEO and group country manager of Visa Worldwide Japan, said the company is pleased to see the launch mark “another important step” in linking cryptocurrency with daily payment experiences. He added that Visa hopes options such as crypto-based payments and rewards become more accessible, and said the company will continue working with issuers and ecosystem partners to expand financial access through reliable and secure payment infrastructure.
In a joint press release, Bitbank and EPOS also said they plan to broaden their crypto-related services and increase the number of supported digital assets over time. That suggests the current BTC-centered repayment model may expand to additional cryptocurrencies in the future.