In the ever-evolving landscape of mobile payment apps in Japan, Rakuten Pay and PayPay stand out as two major players. While both have their merits, let’s explore why Rakuten Pay emerges as the preferred choice for MobalPay users.
Rakuten Pay vs PayPay? Only one winner for MobalPay users!
Rakuten Pay
Pros
Seamless MobalPay Integration: Rakuten Pay takes the lead with its effortless integration of MobalPay, offering users a smooth experience when making in-app barcode payments on their smartphones. This streamlined process ensures a hassle-free transaction every time.
Rewarding Loyalty: Users of Rakuten Pay can accumulate points when making purchases on the Rakuten online store- Japan’s answer to Amazon. These points can later be redeemed for discounts and other benefits on the app version, making future payments cheaper!
No Daily Spending Limits: Rakuten Pay stands out by eliminating the need for in-app verification and daily spending limits. This freedom allows users to make transactions without constraints, catering to those who engage in varied or frequent financial activities.
Inclusive Card Acceptance: Unlike some competitors, Rakuten Pay affirms its commitment to user convenience by having no plans to stop accepting non-Rakuten cards, including MobalPay. This inclusivity ensures users can continue to use their preferred payment methods without interruption.
Cons
Japanese Language Interface: While the Rakuten Pay app is only in Japanese, the language barrier becomes less significant when considering that users only need to open the app for payments.
Visual Overload: Critics may label the Rakuten Pay app as visually overwhelming, akin to an online version of a typical Donki store. However, this is a small trade-off for the wealth of features and benefits the platform offers.
Points Earned Outside the App: Rakuten Pay users cannot earn points directly within the app. However, the integration with MobalPay for purchases on Rakuten’s online marketplace ensures that users still accrue points and discounts, redeemable within the app.
PayPay
Pros
MobalPay Compatibility: PayPay shares a common ground with Rakuten Pay by offering easy integration with MobalPay, making in-app barcode payments a breeze for users.
English Language Interface: PayPay distinguishes itself with its English language interface for non-Japanese users.
Point Rewards System: Users earn points for every 200 yen spent on PayPay, contributing to a rewards loyalty program. While points aren’t added immediately, users can track their expected arrival time within the app.
Cons
Payment Limit: One notable limitation of PayPay is the 5,000 yen payment limit every 30 days, potentially restricting users with higher transaction needs.
Planned Card Restriction: PayPay’s decision to stop accepting non-PayPay cards, including MobalPay, in January 2025 may pose a significant inconvenience for users who prefer alternative payment methods.
In the face of this comparison, Rakuten Pay emerges as the favored choice, providing users with unparalleled convenience, flexibility, and rewards. While PayPay has its merits, Rakuten Pay’s commitment to user-friendly practices, inclusivity, and seamless integration with MobalPay positions it as the superior option for those seeking a robust mobile payment experience in Japan.