"New AEON Pay" launched
The "New AEON Pay" has been launched, combining the legacy AEON Pay and WAON electronic money services, and creating a unified mobile payment platform. Key highlights include:
- Expansion to 4.3 million merchant locations (1.4x increase)
- Support for approximately 180 local communities through donation features
- New promotional campaigns including 10x points on the 10th of each month
- Enhanced functionality combining QR code and contactless payment options
The integration aims to create a more comprehensive mobile payment ecosystem while maintaining AEON's focus on community support and customer rewards.
Balance Transfer Function and Merchant Network Expansion
Balance transfers between AEON Pay code payments (QR code payments) and WAON Touch (contactless payments) are now possible, allowing seamless usage at any affiliated merchant. This expands AEON Pay's usable locations to approximately 4.3 million locations—a 1.4-fold increase—and broadens usage outside the AEON Group.
Regional Contribution to Approximately 180 Communities and Organizations Through Mobile Payments
The "Local WAON" function, where AEON donates a portion of usage amounts to local governments and organizations, has been expanded to include AEON Pay charge payments. Customers can select from approximately 180 local communities and organizations they wish to support in their residential areas, travel destinations, or hometown visits, contributing to regional economic revitalization, environmental conservation, and tourism promotion.
Categories include:
- Hometown Support
- Environmental Conservation
- Cultural Heritage Preservation
- Disaster Recovery Support
Japan National Parks WAON Smartphone-Exclusive Design Launch
To commemorate the AEON Pay renewal, a smartphone-exclusive Japan National Parks WAON with a "Hello" theme has been added. Daily shopping becomes support for new encounters and protecting Japan's nature for the future. The "Hello" theme embodies this positive sentiment.
10x WAON POINTS on the 10th of Every Month for AEON Pay Usage at AEON Group Stores
Starting in July, customers using AEON Pay mobile payments on the 10th of each month will receive 10 times the basic WAON POINTS. This new benefit applies to AEON, AEON Style, AEON Mall, My Basket, U.S.M.Holdings (Maruetsu, Kasumi, MaxValu Kanto, Inageya), and other AEON Group companies where AEON Pay is available.
About AEON Pay
"AEON Pay" is available by downloading AEON's total app "iAEON" or the "AEON Wallet" app and registering an AEON-branded card for credit card payments. It also supports charge payments linked to bank accounts and cash charging at AEON Bank ATMs. Customers can easily make payments with just their smartphone at AEON Pay affiliated merchants. AEON Pay payments earn WAON POINTS, which can be used through AEON Pay's point redemption function at affiliated merchants. The service also includes money transfer functionality, allowing AEON Pay users to send balances to each other anytime, in 1-yen increments, free of charge.
Norbert Gehrke
