News

Japanese consumers to shop with debit cards

February 24, 2002

TOKYO -- Consumers will be able to shop with debit cards at 10,822 stores run by eight companies by February, according to data compiled by the Posts and Telecommunications Ministry. The debit card system will begin Jan. 4 under the ministry's leadership, according to the Nikkei Financial Daily.

The eight firms, which include Seibu Department Stores Ltd., JTB Inc., Cosmo Oil Co. and Daiwa Securities Co., will install 13,774 terminals. Among them, Seibu will accept debit cards at all 23 department stores, while Cosmo Oil will accept them at 1,917 gas stations, or one-third of its outlets.

JTB, Japan's largest travel agency, will install terminals in 8,070 convenience stores for ticket sales.