Bitbank has rolled out what it calls Japan’s first credit card that lets customers settle their card bills directly from crypto held on an exchange. The new EPOS Crypto Card for Bitbank, launched in partnership with EPOS Card (the fintech arm of Marui Group), allows users to pay monthly credit-card bills using bitcoin stored in their Bitbank accounts, according to a Monday release. That settlement-from-exchange feature is being touted as a first for Japan’s regulated market. Key features: - Bill settlement directly from Bitbank exchange balances — currently limited to bitcoin, with more tokens possibly added later. - 0.5% cashback on monthly spending paid in crypto. Cardholders can receive rewards in bitcoin, ether, or Aster, which are deposited straight into their Bitbank accounts. Why it matters By enabling bill payments without moving funds off the exchange, Bitbank aims to simplify crypto spending and reduce the friction of converting assets back into fiat. The in-exchange cashback model also gives users immediate, on-platform access to rewards. Market context Bitbank’s launch follows increasing activity in Japan’s crypto-card space. Binance Japan introduced its own card in January, offering BNB rewards on spending. Where Binance’s card emphasizes earning a native token from purchases, Bitbank’s product is notable for letting users directly settle credit-card bills from exchange-held crypto — a step that highlights how Japanese crypto firms are expanding payment options while operating within local regulatory frameworks. Expectations Bitbank and EPOS Card signaled they may expand supported cryptocurrencies and features over time, suggesting this launch could be the first of several moves to integrate exchange balances more tightly with everyday payments. Read more AI-generated news on: undefined/news