Osaifu-Keitai
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- How to read in Japanese: Osaifu-Keitai
- synonyms
- antonym
Osaifu-Keitai (Mobile wallet) is a mobile phone equipped with a contactless IC chip called a FeliCa chip. It is very convenient because payment can be made by simply holding the device over a reader at a station ticket gate or at the cash register of a convenience store.
The FeliCa chip is a technology originally developed jointly by SONY and docomo. Initially, models that could use the Osaifu-Keitai function were limited, but the technology quickly became popular when it was licensed to au and SoftBank.
The iPhone has also been equipped with Apple Pay since the 7. Models with a FeliCa chip have the FeliCa symbol on the back or other parts of the device, so it is a good idea to look for it.
To use the Osaifu-Keitai function, you must sign up with the electronic payment service you wish to use and install the corresponding application.
There are two types of deposit (charge) methods: prepaid and postpaid. In the prepaid type, a certain amount of money is charged in advance, and payment can only be made within that amount.
Rakuten Edy, nanaco, and WAON use this method. The maximum amount that can be charged is set, minimizing the risk of losing the mobile phone. On the other hand, the post-pay type is a system in which only the amount used is charged from the credit card at a later date.
“iD” and “QUICPay” fall into this category. Generally, each merchant has its own spending limit. With Osaifu-Keitai, there is no need to carry coins or cards, but it cannot be used when the mobile phone’s battery runs out. In addition, when you update the device, you will be required to transfer the data.
The most popular method is to store the usage data with the service provider and then transfer the data after upgrading the device. If you are using Osaifu-Keitai, you must be very careful not to lose your mobile phone, but at the very least, you should lock your device.