TOKYO, JAPAN, 2016-Sep-22 — /EPR Retail News/ — Lawson will start accepting in-store ATM transactions using JCB, Visa and MasterCard that have been issued outside of Japan from Wednesday, September 28, 2016. The gradual introduction of this new service will be operated and monitored by consolidated subsidiary Lawson ATM Networks Co., Ltd.
Starting on September 28, customers will be able to use overseas-issued JCB cards to withdraw Japanese yen at any of Lawson’s 11,414 ATM machines (end August 2016), and overseas-issued Visa cards to withdraw cash at 2,327 new-style ATM machines. Users of overseas-issued MasterCard will also be able to withdraw Japanese yen at new-style ATM machines starting Tuesday, October 25, 2016.
Use of overseas-issued credit cards at Lawson Japan
| Card type | Launch date | Compatible ATMs | Number of ATMs (end August 2016) |
|---|---|---|---|
| JCB | Wednesday, September 28, 2016 | All ATMs | 11,414 |
| Visa | Wednesday, September 28, 2016 | New-style ATMs* | 2,327 |
| MasterCard | Tuesday, October 25, 2016 | New-style ATMs* | 2,327 |
| China Union Pay | Already in use | All ATMs | 11,414 |
*Lawson is currently upgrading its ATM machines at a pace of 1,500 to 2,000 ATMs per year. At this rate, the upgrade will be completed by 2020.
Lawson ATM Networks sets a single-use withdrawal limit for overseas-issued credit cards of 50,000 yen. The company also consistently monitors transactions to detect any abnormal activity or suspicious card use.
Other Lawson inbound tourism promotion measures
- ◆Accept purchases via credit card such as China Union Pay, Visa and MasterCard at all Lawson stores
- ◆Facilitate electronic payment via Alipay at nine Lawson stores in major airport and hotel locations.
- ◆Offer a tax-free service at 60 stores, rising to over 100 stores by end fiscal 2016.
- ◆Print product name in English on the packaging of onigiri rice balls, sushi rolls and private brand ‘Lawson Select’ items.
- ◆Set up an official account on Chinese Weibo and WeChat SNS to provide customers with the latest information on Lawson.
Foreign customers visit Lawson stores for a variety of reasons and so the amount of money they spend also varies. Some want to buy sweets and daily goods as souvenirs to take back home, while others want to buy drinks, tea or milk to consume in Japan. Offering foreign visitors more payment options along with a cash withdrawal facility will make their Lawson shopping experience more convenient. Lawson is working hard to establish and extend a variety of services across its nationwide network of over 12,000 stores to help ensure international visitors have a comfortable stay in Japan.
Source: Lawson