Sony Bank Provides Access to Global Money with Easy Wallet

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Sony Bank offers a convenient and secure way to manage your finances with its Easy Wallet service. This innovative feature allows you to store and manage your credit cards, loyalty cards, and other payment methods in one place.

With Easy Wallet, you can make payments and transactions with just a few taps on your smartphone. This feature is designed to simplify your financial life and reduce the need to carry multiple cards.

Easy Wallet also provides a clear overview of your spending habits and financial situation, helping you stay on top of your finances and make informed decisions.

Additional reading: Mizuho Financial Group

Digital Wallet and Payments

Sony Bank's digital wallet, Sony Bank WALLET, offers seamless payments in and outside Japan with a single card. This card has a Visa Debit function for easy payment, and it's also a cash card that allows you to withdraw cash from partner ATMs in Japan and overseas.

You can also earn cashback on shopping in Japan, and make fee-waived payments directly from your yen and foreign currency accounts. This is convenient for individuals who frequently send money or make payments in different currencies.

Sony Bank is also experimenting with a yen-backed stablecoin, which could potentially offer lower fees for individuals when sending money and making payments. This stablecoin could be used as a form of payment for businesses that use intellectual property owned by the Sony Group, including games and sports.

Take a look at this: Bank of Japan Yen

Plans for Stablecoin Release

Different Parts of a Black Sony Camera
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Sony Bank is experimenting with issuing its own yen-backed stablecoin, pegged to the Japanese yen, on the Polygon blockchain in collaboration with SettleMint. This move aims to assess the feasibility of using stablecoins for payments and potential legal issues.

The stablecoin is expected to reduce fees for individuals when sending money and making payments, a benefit that Sony Bank hopes to capitalize on. By utilizing stablecoins, individuals may enjoy lower fees compared to traditional payment methods.

Sony Bank is also considering using the stablecoin as a form of payment for businesses that use intellectual property (IP) owned by the Sony Group, including games and sports. This move could provide a new revenue stream for the company.

The trial is set to occur over the next few months, and Sony Bank will be evaluating any legal issues that may arise from transferring yen-backed stablecoins.

Explore further: Sony Bank Wallet

Access Global Money With Wallet

You can access your money globally with Sony Bank WALLET, making it easy to manage your finances on the go.

Decorative cardboard illustration of lock on bank with American paper money under Deposit inscription on blue background
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One of the key benefits is the seamless payments in and outside Japan, all in one card. This makes traveling and shopping abroad a breeze.

The Sony Bank WALLET comes with a cash card that has a Visa Debit function for easy payment. This means you can use it to make purchases just like you would with a regular debit card.

You can also earn cashback on shopping in Japan, which is a great way to save some extra money.

Here are some of the key features of the Sony Bank WALLET:

  • Cash card with Visa Debit function for easy payment
  • Cashback on shopping in Japan
  • Fee-waived payments directly from your yen and foreign currency accounts
  • Withdraw cash from partner ATMs in Japan and overseas ATMs

With Sony Bank WALLET, you can enjoy fee-waived payments directly from your yen and foreign currency accounts. This can help you save money on transaction fees.

Account and Ownership

Sony Bank's ownership structure has changed over the years. Sony owned 80% of the bank upon its founding in 2001.

Sony Financial Holdings became the intermediate holding company of the bank by 2005, with Sony's stake rising to 84.2%. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group initially owned a 16% stake, but reduced it to 12.6% by 2005.

Sony Group is considered a Mitsuikeiretsu, and Sumitomo Mitsui allowed Sony Bank customers to access its 7,600 automated teller machines.

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Yen Account

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With a Yen account, you can simplify your daily life with easy payments, transfers, and cash withdrawals.

The account maintenance fee is a thing of the past with no fee to worry about.

You'll get 4 free partner ATM withdrawals per month, which is a convenient perk.

Just be aware that you can only make 2 free fund transfers per month.

However, transferring funds to other Sony Bank accounts is always free.

Here are the key benefits of a Yen account at a glance:

  • No account maintenance fee
  • 4 free partner ATMs withdrawals per month
  • 2 free fund transfer per month
  • Fund transfer to other Sony Bank accounts always free

The Yen account is affiliated with reputable organizations such as the Japan Securities Dealers Association and the Financial Futures Association of Japan.

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Ownership

Sony owned 80% of the bank when it was founded in 2001, increasing its stake to 84.2% by 2005.

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group initially held a 16% stake in the company, allowing Sony Bank customers to access its 7,600 automated teller machines.

Sony Group is considered to be a Mitsuikeiretsu, a business alliance.

Bank Indonesia Building in Yogyakarta City, Indonesia
Credit: pexels.com, Bank Indonesia Building in Yogyakarta City, Indonesia

Sumitomo Mitsui reduced its share to 12.6% by 2005, selling its remaining stake to Sony in 2008.

JPMorgan Chase initially owned a 4% stake in the bank, hoping to expand its asset and wealth management services in Japan.

It reduced its ownership to 3.2% by 2005, selling its entire stake to Sony in the same year.

By divesting its stake, Sony increased its ownership to 87.4% in 2005.

Card Services

Sony Bank offers a range of card services that cater to different financial needs and preferences.

Their credit card, for example, comes with a 0% interest rate for the first 12 months, allowing users to make purchases without incurring interest charges.

You can also use their credit card to earn rewards points, which can be redeemed for travel, shopping, or other experiences.

Their card services also include a cashback feature, giving users a percentage of their purchases back as a cash reward.

Sony Bank's card services are designed to be user-friendly and convenient, with online and mobile banking options available.

Their credit card also comes with a range of benefits, including travel insurance, purchase protection, and concierge services.

Here's an interesting read: Banks and Banking Services

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sony Bank good for foreigners?

Yes, Sony Bank is a great choice for foreigners as it offers all services in English. It's an ideal option for personal use, with free withdrawals available up to four times a month.

Elena Feeney-Jacobs

Junior Writer

Elena Feeney-Jacobs is a seasoned writer with a deep interest in the Australian real estate market. Her insightful articles have shed light on the operations of major real estate companies and investment trusts, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the industry. She has a particular focus on companies listed on the Australian Securities Exchange and those based in Sydney, offering valuable insights into the local and national economies.

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