Bitflyer Launches Visa Prepaid Card for Bitcoin Users in Japan

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Japan’s largest bitcoin exchange by trading volume, Bitflyer, has taken a major step toward mainstream cryptocurrency adoption by launching a Visa prepaid card that allows users to spend their digital assets in everyday transactions. The new card, available starting October 6, enables customers to convert bitcoin into Japanese yen and use the funds at millions of merchants worldwide that accept Visa — a significant development for crypto-to-fiat usability in one of Asia’s most regulated financial markets.

With over 800,000 users and monthly virtual currency trading volume exceeding 2 trillion yen, Bitflyer is positioning itself at the forefront of Japan’s evolving fintech landscape. This strategic move not only enhances user convenience but also strengthens the bridge between decentralized digital currencies and traditional payment infrastructure.

How the Bitflyer Visa Prepaid Card Works

The Bitflyer Visa prepaid card operates as a reloadable payment solution linked directly to a user’s digital wallet. Funds on the card are denominated in Japanese yen, meaning bitcoin must first be converted before use. Users can manage their account and top up the card through Bitflyer’s online platform or mobile app, offering seamless integration with their existing crypto holdings.

Key features of the card include:

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This structure ensures compliance with Japanese financial regulations while providing flexibility for daily spending. The card is issued under Vandle, a Visa-affiliated brand co-owned by Kanmu and Orico, two established players in Japan’s payment ecosystem. According to Kanmu, Vandle cards are accepted at more than 40 million retailers across 200+ countries and regions, giving Bitflyer users global purchasing power.

Easy Recharge Options for Maximum Accessibility

One of the standout aspects of the Bitflyer Visa card is its diverse range of recharge methods, designed to accommodate both crypto-native users and those less familiar with digital assets.

Users can top up their cards via:

To begin using the card, customers must first register with Bitflyer and complete the application process. Once approved, the physical card is delivered by mail. This hybrid model — combining digital onboarding with physical delivery — aligns with Japanese consumer expectations around security and legitimacy.

Strategic Backing from Japan’s Financial Giants

Bitflyer’s credibility has been significantly bolstered by investments from Japan’s top financial institutions. In February, the exchange secured $1.75 million (approximately 200 million JPY) from Mizuho Financial Group and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group — the nation’s second and third-largest banking conglomerates.

This follows earlier funding in August 2015, when Bitflyer raised $4.08 million (510 million JPY) from Mitsubishi UFJ Capital (a subsidiary of Japan’s largest bank), Dentsu Group, and Nikkei Inc.

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With all three of Japan’s biggest financial groups now invested in Bitflyer, the message is clear: institutional confidence in regulated cryptocurrency services is growing rapidly. These partnerships signal strong regulatory alignment and long-term sustainability — crucial factors for mass adoption.

The Global Trend of Crypto-Linked Payment Cards

Bitflyer’s entry into the prepaid card market places it within a broader global trend of crypto-fiat integration. Since 2015, both Visa and Mastercard have collaborated with cryptocurrency platforms to issue debit and prepaid cards that allow users to spend digital assets seamlessly.

Notable early adopters include:

Other platforms like WageCan, Bit-X, OKPay, and Neteller have partnered with Mastercard, while Ethereum-based solutions such as TenX have expanded support beyond bitcoin.

Despite this momentum, regulatory challenges remain — especially outside the EU. As Visa stated in a September interview with NFC World:

“Cryptocurrency is an innovative technology, but regulatory environments around the world are not yet fully developed. We are closely monitoring developments to ensure all Visa-branded programs comply with our rules and applicable laws. Visa has approved a limited number of card programs enabling consumers to convert cryptocurrency to fiat currency, but Visa does not handle the conversion process itself — that is managed by the issuer or program administrator through a crypto exchange.”

This highlights the importance of trusted intermediaries like Bitflyer in ensuring compliance while delivering user-friendly financial products.

FAQ: Your Questions About the Bitflyer Visa Card Answered

Q: Who can apply for the Bitflyer Visa prepaid card?
A: Only users with a "Trading Level" account on Bitflyer are eligible. Wallet-only users cannot apply unless they upgrade their account type.

Q: Can I load the card directly with bitcoin?
A: Not directly — bitcoin must first be converted to Japanese yen within your Bitflyer account before topping up the card.

Q: Is there a fee to receive or use the card?
A: There are no application or annual fees. However, standard transaction fees may apply depending on usage (e.g., foreign exchange or ATM withdrawals).

Q: Where can I use the Bitflyer Visa card?
A: Anywhere Visa is accepted globally — including online stores, retail outlets, and ATMs — across more than 200 countries.

Q: What happens if I reach the lifetime reload limit?
A: Once a card reaches its 1 million JPY lifetime reload cap, you may need to request a new card if further usage is required.

Q: Are there promotional benefits for early adopters?
A: Yes — during the launch period from October 6 to October 22, the first 1,000 eligible Trading Level users who make transactions will receive special gifts.

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Core Keywords

By launching this Visa-powered solution, Bitflyer is not just offering a new product — it’s advancing the vision of everyday cryptocurrency utility in a highly regulated, tech-savvy market. As more users seek practical ways to integrate digital assets into their financial lives, solutions like this represent the next phase of blockchain adoption: from speculation to real-world spending.