What Is Rakuten Pay and How it Dominates Online Casino Payments?
Rakuten Pay is an integral part of Rakuten Group’s FinTech ecosystem, which encompasses banking, credit cards, insurance, and digital wallet services. The app allows users to link their Rakuten Bank account or Rakuten credit card, load funds, and make instant payments via QR code scanning or NFC technology. Beyond basic functionality, Rakuten Pay is deeply integrated with the Rakuten Super Points program, enabling users to earn rewards on every transaction. This makes it particularly appealing for online casino deposits, as players can accumulate points while funding their gaming accounts, while also using the same app for everyday purchases, subscriptions, and e-commerce transactions.
History of Rakuten Pay
Rakuten Pay was officially launched in 2016 as part of Rakuten’s push to create a fully cashless ecosystem. Leveraging the company’s existing user base from Rakuten Card and Rakuten Ichiba, the app aimed to capitalize on Japan’s rapid smartphone adoption and the growing demand for secure, convenient, and cashless payment solutions.
Early iterations of Rakuten Pay featured QR code-based payments, online checkout options, and direct integration with Rakuten’s loyalty points program. This allowed users to seamlessly convert everyday spending into reward points, fostering a sense of value while using the service. Over the years, the app has expanded to include support for international merchants, online casino deposits, and integration with various e-commerce platforms, making it a versatile and widely adopted tool for digital transactions.
The app is engineered for user-friendliness and robust security. Features like biometric login, real-time transaction notifications, and end-to-end encryption provide a secure environment for sensitive financial activity. For online gambling, Rakuten Pay is particularly advantageous: it allows instant deposits, ensures smooth account linking, and in many cases, enables bonus eligibility at participating casinos. Its combination of convenience, rewards, and security positions it as a competitive alternative to other local and international e-wallets, making it a go-to choice for Japanese players looking for reliable, fast, and rewarding payment options.
💡 Fun fact: Users can often redeem Rakuten Super Points directly at partner casinos, effectively giving free play while earning loyalty rewards – an edge few other e-wallets offer.