June 6, 2023
PayPay Corporation

Launch of New Authentication Feature Using QR Codes to Securely Transfer PayPay Accounts

- Security of the authentication feature enhanced for an even safer and more secure user environment -

As part of its enhanced security measures, PayPay Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of a new authentication feature that allows PayPay accounts to be transferred by scanning the QR code displayed on the old device with the new device, when using the MNP (Mobile Number Portability) process or changing devices without changing the phone number*1. This feature will improve user convenience by allowing PayPay accounts to be easily transferred to a new device, and will also prevent a malicious third party from taking over the user’s PayPay account, since the QR code for authentication displayed on the old device will not be known.

Further, one-time passwords via SMS were used for authentication until now for the MNP process or changing devices without changing the phone number, but now authentication will be completed by tapping the URL sent by SMS, which is also more secure*2.

How to transfer an account using QR code authentication

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*The images are for illustrative purposes only.

Until now, PayPay has taken various security measures to ensure that users can use PayPay with peace of mind. Among others, these measures include enhanced SMS authentication and login management features, fraud prevention measures that involve constant monitoring using cutting-edge technology as well as dedicated staff, 24/7 all-year “PayPay” telephone hotline to answer any questions, and full compensation (in principle) by PayPay in case users become victims of unauthorized use due to their accounts, bank accounts, or credit card information getting stolen and misused by third parties. For more information on PayPay’s safety initiatives, please click here.

*1. PayPay has obtained a patent for providing the QR code authentication feature. Patent number: 7247416
Name of invention: Information processing device, information processing method, and program
Date of patent registration: March 17, 2023

*2. PayPay has obtained the two patents below for providing the URL authentication feature by SMS.
Patent number: 7202500
Name of invention: Information processing device, information processing method, and program
Date of patent registration: December 27, 2022

Patent number: 7271779
Name of invention: Information processing device, information processing method, and program
Date of patent registration: April 28, 2023

These features are available in the latest version of the PayPay app. Please update the app to try them out.

PayPay will continue to offer the convenience of cashless payments to users as well as all kinds of retailers and service providers, with the goal of creating a world in which a safe cashless shopping experience can be enjoyed anywhere in Japan. “PayPay” will continue on the path to evolve from a “payment app” into a “super app” that will make users’ lives richer and more convenient, fostering a culture of “Anytime, Anywhere with PayPay.”

■About “PayPay,” the cashless payment service provided by PayPay Corporation

PayPay is a cashless payment service expanding across the country, available not only at major chain stores but also at small and medium size retailers, vending machines, taxis, and even public transportation. It can also be used in a variety of other situations, including paying for online services and utility bills. PayPay is also expanding its range of services beyond just payments, including a “send/receive” feature (remittance/transfer and receiving of money) that allows users to transfer their PayPay Balance (PayPay Money and PayPay Money Lite) between each other for free, or “point management,” a service that allows users access to a simulated investment experience involving the exchange of PayPay Points with points provided by a service provider that PayPay is partnered with. The company also strives to create a safe and convenient environment for users through a hotline available 24/7 and a full compensation scheme ensuring, compensation for any damages that may be suffered.
PayPay is registered as follows:

・Prepaid Payment Instruments (third party type) Issuer, Registration #: Director-General of the Kanto Finance Bureau, No. 00710 (Registration date: October 5, 2018)
・Business Operator that Concludes Contracts on the Handling of Credit Card Numbers, etc., Registration #: Kanto (K) No. 106 (Registration date: July 1, 2019)
・Telecommunications Carrier (Filing #: A-02-17943 / Date filed: July 2, 2019)
・Fund Transfer Operator, Registration #: Director-General of the Kanto Finance Bureau, No. 00068 (Registration date: September 25, 2019)
・Notified Person Entrusted with Intermediation (Filing #: C1907980 / Date filed: December 18, 2019)
・Bank Agency Operator, License: Director-General of the Kanto Finance Bureau, No. 396 (Registration date: November 26, 2020)
・Financial instruments intermediary service registration number: Kanto Finance Bureau Director (Kinchu) No. 942 (Registration date: June 25, 2021)
・Japan Payment Service Association (https://www.s-kessai.jp/, Date of admission: September 12, 2018)
・Japan Consumer Credit Association (https://www.j-credit.or.jp/, Date of admission: July 1, 2019)

*”PayPay” provides 4 types of PayPay balance: PayPay Money, PayPay Money Lite, PayPay Points, and Gift Vouchers.
PayPay Money can be used to pay for partner services and in transactions at merchants if the transaction value is within the amount deposited into the PayPay account opened after completing an identity verification process. It can also be used for sending and receiving money between PayPay users free of charge. PayPay Money can also be cashed out to a designated bank account (no withdrawal fee if using PayPay Bank). The legal nature of this is an electromagnetic record which can be used to pay for goods and other services, and can be remitted or cashed out, and is issued by PayPay who is a Fund Transfer Operator registered under Article 37 of the Payment Services Act. Based on the provisions of Article 43 of the Payment Services Act, PayPay protects the debt it owes to its users in by depositing assets equivalent to or more than the debt amount. PayPay Money Lite is an electronic money issued by PayPay, which can be purchased and used to pay for services and merchants. PayPay users can transfer and receive PayPay Money Lite free of charge. The legal nature of this is a prepaid payment instrument issued by PayPay (Article 3, Paragraph 1 of the Payment Services Act). Based on the provisions of Article 14 of the Payment Services Act, PayPay preserves the relevant assets for the purpose of protecting the owners of the prepaid payment instrument by providing a security deposit for issuance to the Legal Affairs Bureau in an amount that is half or more of the unused balance of prepaid instrument methods as of March 31 and September 30. In addition, PayPay Points, which are granted through campaigns and promotions when using PayPay, can be used for partner services and in transactions at merchants in addition to PayPay Money and PayPay Money Lite. However, PayPay Bonus and PayPay Bonus Lite cannot be sent or transferred between PayPay users or be cashed out. PayPay Gift Voucher is a type of electronic money issued by PayPay, which can be used to make payments for affiliated services and merchants designated by the PayPay Gift Voucher. However, it cannot be transferred to other users or cashed out. PayPay Gift Vouchers are valid for six months after issuance, after which they will no longer be valid.
PayPay also strives to create a safe and secure environment for users. If an unexpected payment is made by a third party using a PayPay account, or if a request to settle a payment suddenly arrives from PayPay to a user that does not have a PayPay account, providing that certain conditions are met, the user can be compensated for the damages suffered (the difference will be provided as compensation if compensation is also provided by a third party). Please see applying for compensation for details.

*Company names, trade names, and products/services in this press release are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective companies.