PayPay Corporation (“PayPay”) and Visa Inc. (“Visa”) today announced that they have entered into a strategic partnership agreement centered on payment services. Through this partnership, the two companies have begun discussions toward jointly pursuing PayPay’s expansion into the United States as the first step in its global strategy, while also strengthening collaboration across their businesses in Japan.
1. Purpose of the Partnership
Amid rapid advancements in digital technology, the financial and payments industries continue to see the emergence of innovative services worldwide.
PayPay has led the adoption of mobile payments in Japan through QR code payments and has expanded its business into areas such as money transfers, financial services, and marketing solutions. Visa operates a global payment network and is advancing next-generation digital payment infrastructure to deliver new payment experiences around the world.
By combining PayPay’s expertise and platform in financial and payment services with Visa’s digital technologies and global network, the partnership aims to build a globally usable PayPay ecosystem.
2. Overview of the Partnership
Through this broad-based partnership globally and in Japan, PayPay and Visa will combine their respective strengths and begin exploring collaboration aimed at creating new cashless payment experiences. PayPay will drive innovation in the Japanese market and, with support from Visa, collaborate closely toward international expansion and the development of new solutions.
(1) PayPay’s Global Expansion and Entry into the United States Market: Creating New Payment Experiences Through a PayPay-Led New Company
As the first phase of its global expansion, PayPay will begin exploring the potential rollout of a digital wallet in the United States that supports both NFC (contactless) payments and QR code payments.
This initiative is expected to be pursued through a new company to be established under PayPay’s leadership and is subject to the acquisition of required business licenses and approvals from relevant authorities.
Both PayPay and Visa plan to contribute capital in the form of investment, technology, and people to this new partnership, with Visa providing additional support through consulting services and embedded expertise delivered via Visa Managed Services or similar programs.
As an initial step in expanding into the United States market, PayPay will explore an approach focused on establishing and scaling a network of QR code payment merchants, with an initial focus on selected regions including California. Specific service offerings and launch timelines will be announced once finalized.
(2) Strengthening Collaboration in the Japanese Market: Delivering New Value to Both Users and Merchants
In Japan, the partnership will focus on enhancing the existing PayPay user experience and enabling a more seamless payment experience across card payments and QR code payments.
① Enhancing Payment Experiences
With Visa’s technology at the core, PayPay plans to offer a service that integrates “PayPay Balance,” “PayPay Card,” and “PayPay Bank” functionalities into a single Visa credential. Users will be able to select and manage multiple payment methods within the app based on their needs and usage scenarios.
② Expanding Visa Payment Acceptance at PayPay Merchants
PayPay and Visa will work together to expand card payment acceptance at PayPay merchants that have primarily supported QR code payments to date. This initiative will broaden available payment options and enhance convenience for merchants by enabling support for a wider range of payment methods.
To date, PayPay has promoted the adoption of diverse payment methods, including credit card payments, among small and medium-sized merchants through initiatives such as the rollout of “PayCAS.” Through this partnership, the two companies will further accelerate these efforts to deliver additional value and improved convenience to PayPay merchants.
③ Strengthening Cross-Border Payment Capabilities
PayPay and Visa will collaborate to improve cross-border payment experiences by leveraging their respective networks in Japan and overseas.
For international visitors to Japan, the companies will work to create an environment that allows seamless payments at PayPay merchants using familiar payment methods from their home countries.
For PayPay users traveling abroad, the partnership will begin exploring initiatives aimed at expanding the number of supported merchants and payment methods, enabling users to make payments more easily and with greater confidence while overseas.
Through these initiatives, PayPay and Visa aim to enhance convenience and deliver new value for both users and merchants across markets.
3. Company Overview
■ About PayPay
| Company Name | PayPay Corporation |
|---|---|
| Founded | June 2018 |
| Headquarters | YOTSUYA TOWER, 1-6-1 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan |
| Representative | Ichiro Nakayama |
| Business Descriptions | Development and provision of mobile payment and electronic payment services |
PayPay has been providing the QR code-based payment service “PayPay” since 2018. In fiscal year 2024, PayPay recorded transaction volume of JPY 15.4 trillion on a consolidated basis including PayPay Card, and JPY 12.5 trillion on a standalone basis, with a total of 7.8 billion transactions. PayPay accounts for approximately two-thirds of the QR code payment market in Japan and has become a widely used payment method for everyday transactions.
PayPay will continue to provide the convenience of cashless payments to users as well as to a wide range of restaurants and service providers, aiming to realize a society where people can make cashless payments anywhere in Japan. In November 2023, PayPay was designated by Japan’s Financial Services Agency as a “Specified Social Infrastructure Operator,” recognizing its role as a critical infrastructure provider. PayPay remains committed to delivering a safe and secure payment environment.
■ About Visa Inc.
| Company Name | Visa Inc. |
|---|---|
| Founded | May 2007 |
| Headquarters | P.O. Box 8999 San Francisco, CA 94128-8999 USA |
| Representative | Ryan McInerney |
| Business Descriptions | Provision of payment technologies and global payment networks |
Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, sellers, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.com.
This document is intended to provide general information regarding the services of our Group and does not constitute a solicitation for shares or any other securities issued by the Company. Any forward-looking information contained herein represents the subjective forecasts of the Group as of the current date, and actual results may differ materially. Furthermore, market information and information regarding any third parties contained in this document are based on information provided by external research firms and other third parties, respectively; the Group has not independently verified the truth or accuracy of such information. The Group assumes no obligation to update any of this information.
