Japan Launches First Crypto Credit Card: Pay Bills Directly with Bitcoin

Quick overview

Japan has made a big move in crypto adoption. On April 27, 2026, crypto exchange bitbank and Marui Group’s Epcos Card launched the “EPOS CRYPTO Card for bitbank,” the country’s first credit card that lets users pay bills directly with their cryptocurrency.

Japan's Bitbank rolls out crypto-linked credit card that pays bills in bitcoin https://t.co/HPuKV71JHf

— The Block (@TheBlockCo) April 28, 2026

How the EPOS CRYPTO Card Works

• Each month, cardholders can decide to pay their bills from their bank account or straight from their bitbank crypto balance.
• Right now, the card supports Bitcoin (BTC). The exact amount needed is automatically sold at a preset rate to pay the bill in yen.
• Earn 0.5% cashback in crypto (Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Astar) on every purchase.
• Lifetime zero annual fee and runs on the global Visa network.

This hybrid solution lets users spend as usual while keeping their assets in crypto, so there is no need for manual conversions. bitbank’s Executive Officer Jun Kuwabara called it “Japan’s first initiative” of its kind.

Why It Matters for 2026

The card builds on Japan’s forward-thinking crypto rules and fits with recent projects like DCJPY. It is aimed at everyday users who want to use their Bitcoin and Ethereum for daily spending without having to sell them first.

Availability & Outlook

AppliApplications should open soon through bitbank and Epcos Card. This launch shows that crypto is becoming more common in daily payments in Japan and may lead other exchanges and banks to offer similar products. crypto holders in Japan, this represents a game-changing bridge between digital assets and traditional spending. Watch for expanded coin support and wider rollout in the coming months.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR See More

Arslan Butt

Lead Markets Analyst – Multi-Asset (FX, Commodities, Crypto)

Arslan Butt serves as the Lead Commodities and Indices Analyst, bringing a wealth of expertise to the field. With an MBA in Behavioral Finance and active progress towards a Ph.D., Arslan possesses a deep understanding of market dynamics. His professional journey includes a significant role as a senior analyst at a leading brokerage firm, complementing his extensive experience as a market analyst and day trader. Adept in educating others, Arslan has a commendable track record as an instructor and public speaker. His incisive analyses, particularly within the realms of cryptocurrency and forex markets, are showcased across esteemed financial publications such as ForexCrunch, InsideBitcoins, and EconomyWatch, solidifying his reputation in the financial community.

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