PayPay

What PayPay is

PayPay is a smartphone payment service that lets people pay by displaying a barcode or scanning a QR code. The app is available for Android and iOS. Users can connect a bank account or PayPay Card, or add cash balance at Seven Bank or Lawson Bank ATMs. They can use PayPay at participating physical stores, online services, and for utility bill payments, though acceptance can vary by store. The service also supports sending PayPay balance to friends and family, with instant transfers, tracking, and scheduled transfers listed among its functions.

Beyond payments, the app includes bill payment, delivery ordering, investment experiences, financial services, and external service integrations. PayPay says purchases can earn PayPay Points and offers campaigns and coupons. It describes 24/7 fraud monitoring, two-factor authentication, and encryption of customer payment card and bank account information, and lists PCI DSS and ISMS certifications among its security measures. Registration is free, though users need a smartphone that can receive SMS verification, mobile data use incurs charges, and payment, top-up, and transfer limits apply. Merchants can use PayPay for Business to issue coupons and stamp cards. Merchant payment system fees are 1.60% with the Lite Plan under stated eligibility conditions and 1.98% without it, before tax.

Who it suits

PayPay suits people who want to make smartphone payments at participating stores, online services, or for utility bills, and send balance to friends and family. It may also suit users interested in bill payment, delivery ordering, investment experiences, and the app’s other financial services.

Limits

The app is free to register, but payment and balance limits vary by payment method, and payment, top-up, and transfer limits apply. Use requires a smartphone that can receive SMS verification, and mobile data charges may apply.

Getting started

1. Install PayPay on an Android or iOS device.
2. Register for the app; the smartphone must be able to receive SMS verification.
3. Link a bank account or PayPay Card, or add cash at a Seven Bank or Lawson Bank ATM.
4. Pay at a participating store by showing a barcode or scanning a QR code.

Verdict

Pick PayPay if you want a free-to-register smartphone payment app with store payments, balance transfers, and additional bill and delivery functions. Check whether the stores you use participate and consider the applicable limits and mobile data charges; merchants should also review the payment fees and Lite Plan conditions.