Bitbank Enters the Credit Card Market With 0.5% Crypto Cashback on BTC, ETH, and ASTR Rewards

TLDR: Bitbank and Epos Card launched Japan’s first crypto-linked credit card on April 27, 2026. Cardholders earn a 0.5% crypto cashback monthly, choosing between Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Astar. Users can pay monthly card fees directly from their bitbank exchange account using Bitcoin. Visa’s Japan president confirmed support, calling it a key step in connecting crypto to daily payments. Japan’s Bitbank has officially entered the credit card market with a compelling cashback offer. In partnership with Epos Card Co., Ltd., the company launched the EPOS CRYPTO Card for bitbank on April 27, 2026. The card gives users a 0.5% crypto cashback on all monthly card spending. This move positions Bitbank as a serious player in Japan’s broader consumer financial services space. A Cashback Model Built Around Crypto Asset Returns The 0.5% crypto cashback feature sits at the center of this card’s value proposition. Unlike traditional cashback programs that return yen or points, this card rewards users in digital assets. Cardholders can receive their returns in Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), or Astar (ASTR). The chosen crypto asset is then credited directly to the user’s Bitbank exchange account. What makes this arrangement particularly practical is the monthly selection flexibility. Users are not locked into one crypto asset for the entire year. Instead, they choose their preferred return asset each month based on personal preference. This gives cardholders direct control over how they build their digital asset holdings over time. New members also receive an additional welcome benefit worth 2,000 yen upon signing up. This is awarded on top of the recurring 0.5% crypto cashback program. Together, both incentives make the card attractive for users already active on the bitbank exchange. Applicants must hold a verified bitbank account to qualify for the card. Epos Card, the fintech arm of the Marui Group, brings its financial inclusion mission to this partnership. The company has long...