Stripe's New Multi-Currency Payment Solution with JCB
Stripe, a company dedicated to building programmable financial services, has recently announced the launch of a multi-currency payment solution for JCB cards. This initiative, aimed at Japanese businesses, marks a significant step in responding to the surging demand for cross-border payment options.
With the digital economy becoming increasingly globalized, the desire for flexible payment methods that go beyond the Japanese yen is rising. Businesses are now required to cater to various currencies due to the growing prevalence of cross-border ecommerce, expanded international operations, and increased inbound demand for Japan-made products.
JCB, being Japan's only international card brand, has a massive member base of 169.77 million as of March 2025. The introduction of multi-currency capabilities for JCB card payments will enhance opportunities for Japanese companies, allowing them to reach a wider audience and capitalize on global sales prospects.
Rising Demand for Cross-Border Payments
A notable trend contributing to the urgent need for multi-currency solutions is the increase in purchases of Japanese products and services by overseas consumers. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan has positioned content from Japan as a key industrial pillar, second only to the automotive sector. They aim to boost the overseas sales revenue for Japanese content businesses to 20 trillion yen by 2033, reflecting the global appeal of Japanese goods, games, and anime content.
Last year, Japan received approximately 36.87 million visitors, with a remarkable consumption amounting to about 8.1 trillion yen. This surge in inbound travelers has resulted in an escalating demand for domestic tourism tours, event tickets, and various services, further highlighting the necessity for adaptable payment solutions that accommodate multiple currencies.
However, businesses that cannot accept multi-currency payments risk missing out on significant opportunities, leading to unnecessary administrative burdens and accounting complications. Stripe's new JCB multi-currency solution addresses these challenges by allowing global businesses to utilize JCB's expansive network.
Simplified Payment Processing for Businesses
By accepting JCB payments in over 100 currencies, Stripe's solution will automatically convert these payments to Japanese yen and deposit directly into designated accounts. This process drastically simplifies accounting and funds management for businesses expanding internationally, particularly for those in cross-border ecommerce or export ventures.
JCB cardholders will benefit as they can make payments in their local currency without incurring additional exchange fees. This transparency enables consumers to purchase cross-border products and services without any unexpected costs, thus making transactions smoother and more appealing.
As Daniel Heffernan, CEO of Stripe Japan, stated, “We are thrilled to offer the first service of its kind in Japan, enabling businesses to seamlessly leverage multi-currency payments essential for growth in global markets. The payment landscape is rapidly evolving due to technological advancements, allowing for more efficient transactions and fund movements that align with business needs. We will continue to support Japanese businesses in their expansion using global technology standards.”
About Stripe
Stripe is at the forefront of crafting programmable financial services. Millions of companies worldwide utilize Stripe to manage online payments, integrate financial solutions, and customize revenue models, ultimately enabling them to build more profitable businesses. Headquartered in San Francisco and Dublin, Stripe processes over $14 trillion (approximately 210 trillion yen), equivalent to 1.3% of the global GDP. Its clientele includes half of the Fortune 100 and 80% of the Forbes Cloud 100 enterprises, along with virtually all businesses within the Forbes AI 50. Through investments in business expansion focusing on AI and stablecoins, Stripe contributes to the advancement of cutting-edge technologies in the global economy.
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