Bitbank and Epos Card Launch Japan’s First Bitcoin Credit Card with Crypto Cashback

Japan has introduced its first credit card allowing users to settle monthly bills directly using Bitcoin held in a cryptocurrency exchange account, marking a significant step in the integration of digital assets into mainstream financial services. The EPOS CRYPTO Card for bitbank, launched on April 27, 2026, is a collaboration between Tokyo-based cryptocurrency exchange Bitbank and Epos Card, a subsidiary of Japanese retail conglomerate Marui Group. The Visa-branded card enables users to choose between traditional fiat payments or Bitcoin settlements for their credit card bills, streamlining the process of using digital assets for everyday transactions.

How the Card Works

The EPOS CRYPTO Card operates by linking directly to a user’s Bitbank account, allowing them to pay their credit card balance using Bitcoin. When a user selects the crypto payment option, the system automatically converts the required amount of Bitcoin into Japanese yen at Bitbank’s prevailing exchange rate to cover the bill. This eliminates the need for manual conversions or transfers, simplifying the process for users who hold digital assets.

The card is designed to offer flexibility, supporting both fiat and crypto payments. At launch, only Bitcoin settlements are available, though the infrastructure is built on Visa’s global merchant network, ensuring acceptance at millions of locations worldwide. Applicants must undergo mandatory verification through their Bitbank account to qualify for the card, reinforcing security and compliance measures.

Incentives and Rewards

To attract users, the EPOS CRYPTO Card introduces a crypto-based rewards program. Cardholders earn 0.5% of their monthly spending back in digital assets, with the option to receive rewards in Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), or Astar (ASTR). These rewards are deposited directly into the user’s Bitbank account, providing an additional incentive for adoption.

New cardholders also receive promotional benefits, including ¥2,000 worth of cryptocurrency upon approval. Launch campaigns offer additional rewards of up to ¥4,000 in crypto, further sweetening the deal. The card carries no annual fee, making it accessible to a broad range of users, including those new to digital finance.

Market Impact and Challenges

The introduction of the EPOS CRYPTO Card reflects Japan’s progressive stance on cryptocurrency regulation and adoption. The country has long been a leader in digital asset innovation, with a regulatory framework that encourages experimentation while maintaining consumer protections. However, the card’s launch is not without challenges.

One key concern is the tax implications of using Bitcoin to settle credit card bills. Since the system converts Bitcoin to yen at the time of payment, users may trigger taxable events under Japan’s capital gains rules for cryptocurrency transactions. Bitcoin’s price volatility could affect the amount of digital currency required to cover a bill, introducing an element of unpredictability for users.

Another limitation is the card’s current restriction to Bitcoin settlements. While the infrastructure supports expansion to other cryptocurrencies, no timeline has been provided for additional digital asset options. The card does not allow direct purchases using crypto at point-of-sale terminals, meaning users cannot spend Bitcoin directly at merchants—only settle their credit card bills with it.

Target Audience and Broader Implications

The EPOS CRYPTO Card is positioned to appeal to younger, tech-savvy consumers who are already engaged in digital finance. By eliminating the friction of manually converting crypto to fiat, the card lowers the barrier to using digital assets for everyday financial activities. The rewards program, which offers crypto cashback, further aligns with the preferences of this demographic, which often prioritizes digital-native financial products.

For Bitbank and Epos Card, the partnership represents an opportunity to capture a growing segment of the market. Bitbank, one of Japan’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, gains a new use case for its users’ digital asset holdings, while Epos Card leverages its existing credit infrastructure to offer a differentiated product. The collaboration also underscores the increasing convergence of traditional finance and cryptocurrency, a trend that is likely to accelerate as digital assets gain broader acceptance.

Industry observers note that the card’s success could pave the way for similar products in other markets. Japan’s regulatory environment, which balances innovation with consumer protection, serves as a model for other countries exploring crypto-linked financial products. If the EPOS CRYPTO Card gains traction, it may encourage other exchanges and financial institutions to develop comparable offerings, further blurring the lines between traditional and digital finance.

What Comes Next

While the EPOS CRYPTO Card is currently limited to Bitcoin settlements, both Bitbank and Epos Card have indicated that future expansions are possible. Potential developments could include support for additional cryptocurrencies, such as Ether or stablecoins, as well as direct crypto spending at merchants. However, no specific roadmap has been announced.

For now, the card’s launch represents a milestone in Japan’s cryptocurrency ecosystem, offering a practical tool for users to integrate digital assets into their financial lives. As adoption grows, the product’s performance will provide valuable insights into consumer behavior and the viability of crypto-linked credit products in regulated markets.