Japanese cryptocurrency exchange Bitbank, a licensed entity under the Financial Services Agency (FSA), has officially bridged the gap between digital assets and traditional retail finance. In a strategic partnership with Epos Card, a subsidiary of the Marui Group, Bitbank has introduced the "EPOS CRYPTO" card. This Visa-based credit instrument represents a significant milestone in Japan’s regulatory landscape, becoming the first credit card from a regulated exchange to allow users to settle monthly bills directly using Bitcoin (BTC) from their exchange accounts.
The Mechanism of Integrated Settlement
Unlike traditional crypto cards that often require manual liquidation into fiat before spending, the EPOS CRYPTO card automates this process at the point of repayment. When a user settles their monthly credit statement, the system automatically sells the necessary amount of Bitcoin at the prevailing platform price to cover the yen-denominated debt. This systems-level integration reduces friction for long-term holders (HODLers) who wish to utilize their assets for daily expenses like utilities, dining, or retail shopping without exiting the crypto ecosystem entirely.
Data-Driven Rewards and Strategy
The card’s value proposition is centered on a 0.5% cashback rate, paid in cryptocurrency. Users have the flexibility to choose their reward currency among Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), or Astar (ASTR). These rewards are deposited directly into the user’s Bitbank account, creating a self-reinforcing loop of asset accumulation. From a data perspective, this move targets the retail segment that seeks "passive" exposure to crypto through everyday consumption.
Regulatory and Market Context
Japan has long been known for its stringent but clear regulatory framework for digital assets. The launch of this card signifies a "clean regulatory window" that Bitbank is now leading. By utilizing the Visa network, the card is accepted at millions of merchants globally, effectively transforming a Bitbank balance into global purchasing power. However, users must remain mindful of the tax implications inherent in Japan's "sale of crypto" during the settlement process, as each bill payment triggers a taxable event. This product is a calculated step toward the mainstreaming of Web3 infrastructure in one of the world’s most advanced financial markets.
Source : theblock