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Rakuten offers a variety of payment and point services with similar names, which can be confusing. You might be wondering, “What exactly is the difference between them?”

In this article, we will explain the features of the four main services—Rakuten Points, Rakuten Pay, Rakuten Cash, and Rakuten Edy—and how to best use each one.

Table of Contents

▮About Rakuten Points

Rakuten Points are rewards earned automatically when you use Rakuten Group services. They function like cash, but you don’t need to manually top them up.

▼ Key Features

• Earning: You can earn points through services like Rakuten Ichiba, Rakuten Mobile, and Rakuten Card.
• Usage: Points can be used via Rakuten Pay, on Rakuten Ichiba, and at participating physical stores.
• Types: There are two types: “Standard Points” and “Limited-Time Points.”
• Note: Limited-Time Points must be used before they expire.

To earn or use Rakuten Points at physical stores, the “Rakuten Pay” app is the most convenient option. Please note that the standalone “Rakuten Point Card” app was discontinued as of March 2025.

▮About Rakuten Pay

Rakuten Pay is a QR code payment app that allows you to pay with your smartphone. A major advantage is its seamless integration with Rakuten Points, Rakuten Cash, and Rakuten Card. Once you log in with your Rakuten ID (which is free to create), you can start using it immediately.

▼ Key Features

• Online Shopping: Can be used for purchases at various online stores.
• Widespread Offline Use: Widely accepted at convenience stores, supermarkets, restaurants, and other physical shops.
• Use Points for Payment: You can use your Rakuten Points directly for payments.
• Earn Points: You earn Rakuten Points every time you make a payment.

▮About Rakuten Cash

Rakuten Cash is an electronic money balance that can be used within the Rakuten Pay app. You can use it by topping it up via your bank account or credit card.

▼ Key Features

• Peer-to-Peer Transfers: You can send and receive money between Rakuten Pay users (convenient for splitting bills).
• Wide Usage: Can be used at physical stores and online shops via the Rakuten Pay app.
• Double Point Rewards: You can earn double the points by charging your balance with a Rakuten Card.
• Online Shopping: Can also be used for purchases on Rakuten Ichiba.
  
  

▮About RakutenEdy

Rakuten Edy is an electronic money service that can be used via physical cards or FeliCa-enabled smartphones (Osaifu-Keitai). Among the four services, it is the one with the longest history and the most widespread adoption.

▼ Key Features

• Tap-to-Pay: Simply tap your card on the reader to pay (no smartphone required).
• Extensive Network: Accepted at over 2 million merchant locations nationwide.
• Flexible Charging: Can be topped up via bank accounts, credit cards, and other methods.
• Standalone Service: It is a separate service from Rakuten Pay, so the balances are not shared.

▮Summary・・・

By combining these four services, you can maximize the benefits of the Rakuten Ecosystem. If you are considering switching to Rakuten Mobile, it is a great time to review how you use your points.

• Rakuten Points: Points earned through shopping. Make sure to use “Limited-Time Points” before they expire.
• Rakuten Pay: A QR code payment app. You can manage your points and Rakuten Cash all in one place.
• Rakuten Cash: A balance within the Rakuten Pay app. You can earn double the points by charging it with a Rakuten Card.
• Rakuten Edy: A “tap-to-pay” electronic money service. Convenient and easy to use, even without a smartphone.

If you switch to Rakuten Mobile from another carrier using the “Employee Referral Campaign,” you’ll receive a massive 14,000 points!

When considering a switch, please be sure to check the campaign entry requirements. Whether or not you apply for the campaign will significantly impact your initial out-of-pocket costs.

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