Google has launched its Android Pay mobile payments platform in Japan in collaboration with prepaid card provider Rakuten Edy, allowing consumers to make payments with their compatible devices at more than 470,000 locations accepting Rakuten Edy eMoney.

Users can top up their prepaid account within the Android Pay app with a credit card, or at stores that support Rakuten Edy, including Bic Camera, Family Mart, Lawson, McDonald’s and Yodobashi Camera. Supported loyalty programmes will also be compatible with Android Pay.

Google’s global head of payment products Pali Bhat says the company aims to “continue working with FeliCa networks to support more eMoney providers”.

‘Top up instantly’

“You can create a new Edy card in seconds directly in the app, or, if you already have a mobile Rakuten Edy, you can also enable it in Android Pay,” Bhat writes in a blog post.

“Adding money to your Edy card is quick and easy in Android Pay — you can top up instantly in the app with your credit card, or at any local store that supports Rakuten Edy top-up. To pay, just tap your phone to the eMoney reader and see your balance update. You can also add your plastic loyalty cards for supported points programs like Rakuten Super Points.”

“In 2017, we plan to continue working with FeliCa networks to support more eMoney providers and are working with payments companies like The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Visa and Mastercard in many ways, such as helping you speed through checkout with Android Pay in your favourite apps,” Bhat adds.

Android Pay also launched in New Zealand and in Ireland this month. Australian bank Westpac announced its support for the service earlier this week.

Next: Visit the NFCW Expo to find new suppliers and solutions