payment

Rakuten Obtains Patent for Simplifying P2P E-Money Transfers

Norbert Gehrke

28 Jul 2025 — 4 min read

Rakuten Group has obtained a patent for a system and method for simplifying person-to-person (P2P) e-money transfers, particularly when the recipient is not yet a registered user of the e-money service.

1. Core Problem to be Solved

Traditionally, to send e-money to someone, the sender must first confirm that the recipient is also a registered user of the same e-money service. This creates friction and a burden on the sender, potentially discouraging the use of the service. The invention aims to reduce this burden by creating a seamless transfer process, regardless of the recipient's registration status.

2. Key Systems and Actors

The system involves two main services that work together:

E-Money Service: A platform that manages users' e-money balances and facilitates payments and transfers (e.g., Rakuten Pay, Rakuten Edy). A user on this service has a "P-Account" (Payment Account).
Linked Service (連携サービス): A separate service that integrates with the E-Money Service. The patent explicitly states this is a messaging service (e.g., Rakuten Viber). A user on this service has a "C-Account" (Communication Account).

The main actors are:

User 1 (Sender): Registered on both the messaging service (C-Account) and the e-money service (P-Account).
User 2 (Recipient): Registered on the messaging service (C-Account), but may or may not be registered on the e-money service.

3. Core Concept: Seamless Initiation and Automated Status Check

The process begins within the Linked Service (the messaging app).

Initiation: The sender (User 1) initiates a money transfer to the recipient (User 2) directly from their chat window. They do not need to switch apps or ask the recipient if they are registered.
Automated Check: The system automatically checks the status of the recipient (User 2). The "Determination Means" (判定手段) checks if the recipient's C-Account is linked to a valid, fully registered P-Account. A "fully registered" account is one that has all the necessary "attribute information" (属性情報), such as name, email, and password, required for financial transactions.

4. Key Concept: Conditional Recipient Workflow

The recipient's experience is tailored based on the result of the automated check.

Scenario A: Recipient is a Registered User
- If the system determines User 2 is already registered with the e-money service, the transfer is processed directly.
- The specified amount is deducted from User 1's balance and added to User 2's balance.
- User 2 receives a simple confirmation message, e.g., "You have received ¥1000 from User 1."
Scenario B: Recipient is NOT a Registered User
- This is the core of the invention. If User 2 is not registered, the system doesn't fail.
- The "Presentation Means" (提示手段) sends a message to User 2 containing a link (URL) or button to "Accept/Receive the Money."
- The sent money is held in a pending state, associated with the recipient in an "Expected Recipient Database" (受取予定データベース).

5. Key Concept: Streamlined Onboarding for New Users

When the unregistered recipient (User 2) clicks the link to receive the money, the "Registration Management Means" (登録管理手段) activates a simplified onboarding process:

Guided Registration: The recipient is guided through the steps to create a new P-Account for the e-money service.
Attribute Collection: The system prompts them to enter any missing "attribute information" required for a full account. Some information may be pre-filled using data from their existing C-Account (e.g., phone number).
Terms of Service Agreement: The user must review and agree to the e-money service's terms.
Account Creation & Fund Transfer: Once registration is complete, the pending transfer is finalized, and the e-money is added to the recipient's newly created account balance.

6. Additional Innovative Concepts

Account Linking & Merging: The patent describes a sophisticated account management system. It can handle cases where a user might already have an e-money P-Account that wasn't linked to their messaging C-Account. The system allows the user to log in and merge the pending transfer into their existing account, rather than creating a new one.
Incentive Mechanism: To encourage unregistered recipients to complete the sign-up process, the system can offer a bonus or reward (特典), such as loyalty points. This reward is granted upon transfer initiation but remains "restricted" or "locked" until the recipient successfully registers and claims the money. This incentivizes onboarding and grows the user base.

In Summary

This patent describes an intelligent P2P payment system that removes the registration barrier for e-money transfers. By initiating transfers from a familiar messaging interface and providing a conditional, streamlined onboarding workflow for new users, it creates a frictionless experience for both the sender and the recipient. This method not only improves user convenience but also serves as a powerful tool for customer acquisition for the e-money service.