JCB and Resona Target 2028 for Commercial Rollout of World’s First Ultra-Wideband Payment System
Japanese credit major JCB and banking group Resona Holdings have announced the launch of a full-scale project to commercialize Ultra-Wideband (UWB) payment technology.
The partnership aims to supersede current Near Field Communication (NFC) and QR code standards by introducing a "hands-free" payment ecosystem. Under the proposed timeline, the companies intend to begin small-scale commercial operations in 2027, with a full market rollout targeted for 2028.
Moving Beyond the "Tap"
While current contactless methods require consumers to physically hold a device near a terminal or scan a code, UWB technology leverages short-range wireless communication with high-precision location detection. This allows for transactions to be processed while the user’s smartphone remains in a pocket or bag.
According to the joint announcement, the project seeks to capitalize on the high penetration rate of UWB-enabled smartphones in the Japanese market. The initiative is being touted as the world's first full-scale project committed to the practical application of this specific payment architecture.
Operational Efficiency and Data Integration
Beyond friction-less payments, the collaboration highlights the potential for value-added services driven by UWB’s data transmission capabilities. JCB and Resona envision a system that automates the exchange of granular customer data—such as loyalty points, receipt preferences, and even allergen information—simultaneously with the payment.
For merchants, the technology offers operational benefits including:
- Labor Savings: Automating checkouts to address Japan’s chronic labor shortages.
- Precision Marketing: Delivering personalized coupons or advertisements via smart displays based on the customer's exact location within a store.
- VIP Service: Alerting staff to the presence of high-value customers to provide personalized assistance without verbal cues.
Strategic Roadmap
This announcement serves as an acceleration of the strategic partnership the two companies formed in January 2024, known as the "Hands-free Payment" project.
Throughout 2026, JCB and Resona will collaborate with the FiRa Consortium—an industry body dedicated to UWB standardization—and various technology vendors to conduct proof-of-concept testing. These tests will focus on validating user experience and refining store payment operations ahead of the planned 2027 soft launch.
By establishing an open infrastructure, the project aims to create a payment environment compatible with competitor solutions, signaling a push for UWB to become a universal standard in next-generation retail infrastructure.
Norbert Gehrke
