Merpay Launches New Feature Allowing Payments Without Needing to Charge Even When Balance is Insufficient

Merpay, Inc. (hereinafter, Merpay) will begin offering a new feature on May 12, 2026, that allows users to combine Merpay balance (sales proceeds from "Mercari" or funds charged from bank accounts), points, and credit (*1) for payments (*2). Even if the balance or points are insufficient, the deficit will be automatically covered by credit (*3), eliminating the stress of realizing insufficient balance at the register or having to recharge, thereby enhancing customer convenience and realizing a more seamless financial experience.

*1: "Merpay Smart Pay / Merpay Post-payment" has been renamed to "Merpay Credit." https://jp.mercari.com/notifications/news/7943821977100222464 *2: Starting today, this will be gradually applied to customers using the Mercari app. To use this feature, the "Mercari app" must be updated to the latest version. *3: For details on features and conditions, please refer to the Mercari Guide "Setting up payment methods in stores." https://help.jp.mercari.com/guide/articles/946/

Background Merpay, with its mission to "create trust and build a smooth society," has been providing the smartphone payment service "Merpay" since February 2019, establishing an environment where sales proceeds (Merpay balance) can be used in various places through code payments, iD payments (*4), and online payments.

Furthermore, by offering post-payment services "Merpay Smart Pay (now Merpay Credit)" and "MerCard," which utilize unique credit assessment based on Mercari usage history, Merpay has enabled experiences such as shopping first and settling later with sales proceeds (Merpay balance). By allowing customers to utilize Merpay's credit services, including those who previously had difficulty accessing services based solely on attribute information, new purchasing opportunities are being created.

Going forward, Merpay will evolve into a "wallet" that provides a more seamless financial experience, not just payment and credit services. As part of this, a new service for instant and free withdrawal of "Mercari" sales proceeds will start by the end of 2025, and now, by comprehensively offering traditional payment and credit, payments have become smoother and more convenient to use.

*4: "iD" is a registered trademark of NTT DOCOMO, Inc.

Approximately 60% of Cashless Payment Users Experience "Panicking at the Register Due to Insufficient Balance" A survey conducted by Merpay targeting cashless payment users nationwide (*5) revealed that approximately 60% have experienced "panicking at the register due to insufficient balance." This highlighted the psychological stress felt, such as feeling sorry for other customers waiting in line or feeling rushed. Furthermore, approximately 70% of those who experienced panicking due to insufficient balance responded that they "switched to cash," "gave up on the purchase itself," or "reduced the number of items to buy," indicating that insufficient balance directly impacts purchasing behavior.

*5: Internet survey results (Target: Nationwide, ages 10-50s, 370 cashless payment users, Period: April 14-16, 2025)

With this renewal, Merpay aims to reduce such inconveniences during cashless payments and provide customers with a seamless payment experience. By introducing a function that automatically supplements only the insufficient amount with credit, even if Merpay balance or points are insufficient, payments will no longer be halted at the register due to insufficient balance, allowing for smooth transactions.

◾️ Renewal Details

1. Smooth Payment Experience The aim is to provide a smoother and more efficient payment experience by prioritizing the use of existing sales proceeds (Merpay balance) and points, and automatically supplementing only the insufficient amount with credit.

2. Safe and Secure Usage Design For customers currently using sales proceeds (Merpay balance), announcements and guidance for setting changes will be displayed within the Mercari app. Furthermore, customers can easily set their credit limit, allowing them to check the "available amount" for credit anytime within the Mercari app, preventing overspending and enabling usage within a manageable range.

A mechanism has also been introduced to prevent unintended usage by sending notifications when Merpay Credit is used for the first time. Additionally, Merpay Credit usage can be paid immediately, not just debited next month, allowing customers to manage their payments in a way that suits them without postponing all bills.

3. MerCard