Visa and Mizuho Bank Announce Comprehensive Partnership Agreement for Realizing a Cashless Society

Mizuho Bank, Ltd. (President & CEO: Katsuhiko Kato; hereinafter, "Mizuho Bank") and Visa Worldwide Japan Co., Ltd. (Representative Director & President: Sheetal Kithney; hereinafter, "Visa") have announced the signing of a comprehensive partnership agreement aimed at realizing a cashless society. Under this agreement, the entire Mizuho Group will begin collaborating to expand credit card payments. According to new domestic indicators published by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan's cashless payment ratio is projected to reach 58% in 2025, 65% by 2030, and the government aims for a world-leading 80% in the future, indicating further market expansion. Against this backdrop, improving consumer convenience, streamlining business operations, and promoting the digitalization of the overall economy have become crucial issues, leading both companies to agree on collaborating to achieve a cashless society. Specifically, Mizuho Bank and Visa will implement the following initiatives to promote cashless payments: 1. Strengthening Credit Card Payment Collaboration in Japan: Aiming to build a safer and smoother payment environment through system integration, enhanced security, and expansion of the merchant network for credit card payments in Japan. This will allow users to use credit card payments with greater peace of mind at a wider range of stores and online services. 2. Promoting Cashless Transactions in the Business-to-Business (B2B) Cashless Payment Market: Promoting the introduction of cashless payments in inter-company transactions. Leveraging Mizuho Bank's expertise in corporate transactions and Visa's global payment infrastructure, they will strengthen the provision of cashless services in the B2B domain, such as invoice payments and expense settlements. This will support companies in improving operational efficiency and advanced fund management, accelerating the overall cashless transformation of the B2B market. 3. Exploring Cashless Experiences that Pursue User Convenience: Jointly considering expanding smartphone app functions, introducing new digital payment methods, and point reward programs to meet diverse customer needs. This will allow users to enjoy more convenient and comfortable cashless experiences. Moving forward, Mizuho Bank and Visa will continue to respond to the diverse needs of society and customers to realize a cashless society and improve customer convenience, striving to provide sustainable value through the creation of safe, secure, and convenient services. *Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry release: https://www.meti.go.jp/press/2025/03/20260331006/20260331006.html (METI website) [About Visa] Visa is a global leader in electronic payments, connecting consumers, merchants, financial institutions, and government entities through payment transactions in over 200 countries and territories worldwide. Visa's mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable, and secure payment network, contributing to the prosperity of individuals, businesses, and economies. We believe that inclusive economic access for everyone, everywhere, uplifts everyone everywhere and sees access as foundational to the future of money movement. For more information, visit Visa.com (English site) or www.visa.co.jp (Japanese site).