In a significant advancement for cryptocurrency adoption in Japan, Rakuten has announced a groundbreaking integration between its digital asset platform and electronic payment services. The e-commerce and financial services giant will now allow users to top up their Rakuten Cash e-wallets using Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Bitcoin Cash (BCH) through the Rakuten Wallet platform. This marks the first time in Japan that such a seamless, fee-free conversion from crypto to spendable digital cash is available—setting a new benchmark for fintech innovation.
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Bridging Cryptocurrency and Everyday Spending
Rakuten, founded by Hiroshi Mikitani on February 7, 1997, has evolved into one of Japan’s most influential conglomerates. With a vast ecosystem spanning e-commerce (Rakuten Market), travel (Rakuten Travel), banking (Rakuten Bank), mobile services (Rakuten Mobile), and more, the company has long prioritized integrated digital experiences. Its proprietary payment solutions—Rakuten Cash and Rakuten Pay—are widely accepted across major retailers including Lawson, 7-Eleven, and Seiyu supermarkets.
Now, with this latest update, Rakuten is blurring the lines between decentralized finance and real-world spending. Users of the Rakuten Wallet—the group’s licensed cryptocurrency exchange and wallet service—can convert their BTC, ETH, or BCH holdings directly into Rakuten Cash, which can then be used instantly at thousands of physical and online merchants.
This integration is being hailed as a milestone in Japan’s evolving crypto landscape. According to Rakuten, no other provider currently offers a fee-free, direct path from cryptocurrency to electronic money usable in daily transactions—a claim that positions the company as a leader in practical blockchain application.
How Rakuten Wallet Supports Secure Crypto Transactions
Launched in April 2019, Rakuten Wallet began accepting user registrations on April 15 and officially rolled out its virtual currency trading system on August 19. Since then, it has provided round-the-clock access to crypto trading, enabling users to deposit or withdraw Japanese yen and digital assets at any time.
Security remains a top priority. Customer funds are safeguarded through multiple layers of protection:
- Asset segregation: Cash deposits are held in trust accounts managed by Rakuten Trust Co., Ltd., separate from corporate funds.
- Cold storage: Cryptocurrency holdings are stored in offline wallets to prevent unauthorized access.
- Two-factor authentication (2FA): Required for login, withdrawals, and asset transfers, adding an essential layer of account security.
These measures ensure compliance with Japanese financial regulations while building user trust—an essential factor for mainstream crypto adoption.
It's important to note that only users of the standard Rakuten Wallet (not Wallet Pro, the margin trading app) can utilize the crypto-to-eCash conversion feature. This distinction helps maintain regulatory compliance while limiting risk exposure associated with leveraged trading accounts.
Incentivizing Adoption with Bonus Rewards
To encourage early adoption, Rakuten is offering a limited-time promotional campaign. Users who recharge their Rakuten Cash accounts using cryptocurrency will receive bonus loyalty points—a hallmark of Rakuten’s ecosystem where points function like cash across services.
The promotion runs until March 24, providing a strong incentive for existing crypto holders to integrate their digital assets into everyday spending. These points can be redeemed across the entire Rakuten network—from shopping and dining to travel bookings—further enhancing the utility of cryptocurrency beyond speculative investment.
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Additionally, Rakuten plans to enhance user experience by introducing a dedicated crypto payment tab within its main e-payment app. This will streamline navigation, allowing users to access Rakuten Wallet’s crypto services directly from the payment interface—minimizing friction and improving accessibility for non-technical users.
Service Limits and Availability
The new service is set to launch in spring 2025, aligning with Japan’s broader push toward digital finance modernization. Transaction parameters have been carefully calibrated to balance accessibility with risk management:
- Minimum top-up: Approximately $9.50 USD equivalent
- Monthly cap: Up to $950,000 USD per user
These thresholds reflect both anti-money laundering (AML) considerations and the needs of retail and high-volume users alike. By setting a relatively high monthly limit, Rakuten accommodates power users and small businesses looking to leverage crypto for operational expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Which cryptocurrencies can I use to top up my Rakuten Cash?
A: Currently, only Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Bitcoin Cash (BCH) are supported for e-wallet top-ups via Rakuten Wallet.
Q: Are there any fees for converting crypto to Rakuten Cash?
A: No. Rakuten emphasizes that this service is completely fee-free—a unique offering in the Japanese market.
Q: Can I use Wallet Pro to fund my e-wallet?
A: No. Only standard Rakuten Wallet accounts are eligible. Margin trading accounts (Wallet Pro) do not support this feature due to regulatory restrictions.
Q: Is my cryptocurrency safe with Rakuten Wallet?
A: Yes. Your digital assets are stored in cold wallets, kept separate from company funds, and protected by two-factor authentication.
Q: When will the service be available?
A: The feature is scheduled to launch in spring 2025. Users should monitor official updates within the app for exact rollout dates.
Q: Do I earn Rakuten Points when topping up with crypto?
A: Yes—during the promotional period ending March 24, users receive bonus points for each crypto-powered top-up.
The Bigger Picture: Crypto Meets Consumer Finance
Rakuten’s move signals a growing trend: the integration of digital assets into mainstream financial ecosystems. Rather than treating crypto as a standalone investment class, companies like Rakuten are embedding it into daily financial behavior—turning volatility into utility.
This shift aligns with global movements toward tokenized economies, where value flows seamlessly across platforms. For Japanese consumers, it means greater control over their financial tools and expanded options for spending digital assets without relying on third-party exchanges or complex conversions.
As adoption grows, expect more integrations between crypto wallets and payment networks—potentially including stablecoins, cross-border remittances, and DeFi-linked savings products.
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Final Thoughts
Rakuten’s decision to enable BTC, ETH, and BCH for e-wallet top-ups represents more than just a feature upgrade—it’s a strategic leap toward a unified digital economy. By removing fees, ensuring security, and rewarding usage, the company is not only driving crypto adoption but also redefining what digital money can do in everyday life.
With strong infrastructure, regulatory compliance, and user incentives in place, Rakuten is setting a precedent others may soon follow. As we move deeper into 2025, this integration could serve as a blueprint for how traditional financial ecosystems can embrace blockchain technology—responsibly, securely, and profitably.
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