Konbini payments have been a popular payment method in Japan since before widespread use of the internet. According to the 2023 Communications Usage Trends Survey conducted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Konbini payments are the third most used payment method when purchasing products online after credit cards and electronic money.

With Konbini payments, customers order goods online and pay for them at convenience stores. This is popular with customers of all ages in Japan, but there are associated fees. When considering the adoption of Konbini payments, it is important for businesses to fully understand the fee structure and its impact on customers, operating costs, and overall profit.

In this article, we explain Konbini payment and collection fees. We also look at the advantages and disadvantages of adopting Konbini payments, as well as important points to consider.

What’s in this article?

• What fees are associated with Konbini payments?
  
• How do Konbini payments work?
  
• Who pays the Konbini payment fees?
  
• The Konbini payment fees at major convenience stores
  
• A look at the Konbini payment process
  
• Advantages of Konbini payments
  
• Disadvantages of Konbini payments
  
• What to consider when implementing Konbini payments
  
• Choosing an agency to process Konbini payments
  
• How Konbini payments can help businesses in Japan expand
  

What fees are associated with Konbini payments?

For ecommerce businesses targeting the Japanese market, offering Konbini payments is practically a necessity. However, the associated fees can be a concern. There are two main types of Konbini payment fees businesses need to know: collection fees and payment fees.

The collection fee is charged to the business. While it is technically possible to contract directly with each convenience store chain, the administrative burden makes this approach fairly impractical. Instead, most businesses use a payment processing agency or receiving agent service that supports multiple Konbini payment systems. The exact collection fees vary depending on the agency, so it is important to compare different services and choose the one that best fits your business’s needs.

Payment fees are incurred when the customer completes a Konbini payment. Some ecommerce businesses cover this fee on behalf of the customer, but this is not a requirement. Businesses can decide whether to absorb the cost themselves or pass it on to the customer. The best approach depends on balancing customer satisfaction with the overall cost burden.

How do Konbini payments work?

There are two key payment methods for Konbini payments: the payment slip method and the payment number method. Each has its own characteristics and fees.

The payment slip method

With this method, the customer brings a paper payment slip to the service counter of the convenience store and makes the payment there. This method has been used for many years for the payment of mail-order shopping, utility bills, and taxes. Therefore, it is highly familiar to a wide range of people in Japan. While the payment slip method is very convenient for customers, it does require additional administrative processes of printing and sending out payment slips. For ecommerce sites, it is important to be cautious when using payment slips for post-delivery payment because they can increase the risk of nonpayment.

The business pays a fee for the payment slip method. This fee varies depending on the type and scale of the business and payment processing agency plan. As a rough guide, the fee per transaction is approximately ¥150–¥500, though the initial and monthly fees can range from ¥0 to tens of thousands of yen.

The payment number method

The payment number method is a paperless Konbini payment method often used for online purchases. A customer can pay at a convenience store using the order number issued when they placed an order online. They can also use a barcode displayed on their smartphone. Unlike the payment slip method, payment numbers can be easily reissued, and there is minimal paperwork—both are significant advantages for businesses. However, if customers are unfamiliar with online procedures or how to use convenience store payment terminals, they could find the process challenging and abandon their purchase partway through.

The business fees with this method vary based on factors such as the type and size of the business, plan selected with the payment processing agency, and total amount collected. As a general guideline, transaction fees range from approximately ¥120–¥500 per payment; initial setup fees range from ¥0–¥50,000; and monthly fees range from ¥0–¥15,000.

The specific costs of the payment slip and payment number methods depend on the payment processing agency and convenience store chain. It’s important for businesses to review the detailed fee structures before implementing Konbini payments.

Who pays the Konbini payment fees?

The business decides whether the Konbini payment fee is paid by the business or customer. If the business pays the fee, the customer does not pay it.

On ecommerce sites, it is common for the business to cover the Konbini payment fee, so some customers might believe the Konbini payment fee is always paid by the business. If your business charges the customer the Konbini payment fee, be sure to clearly state this in a visible place to avoid misleading your customers.

The Konbini payment fees at major convenience stores

Major convenience store brands have their own Konbini payment fees. Below are some popular examples in Japan.

For payments of ¥50,000 or more, 7-Eleven charges slightly less than FamilyMart, Lawson, Ministop, and Seicomart. There are exceptions for certain transfer slips, and some of the fees listed here might not be applicable. As such, it’s important to check directly with each convenience store for the most accurate, up-to-date information.

As of March 2025, the fees are as follows:

A look at the Konbini payment process

Here is a general step-by-step breakdown of the Konbini payment process:

• The customer selects Konbini payment as their payment method when making a purchase.
  
• The business issues a payment slip or number and sends it to the customer.
  
• The customer goes to the designated convenience store and pays at the cash register or a special terminal.
  
• The store processes the payment.
  
• The business confirms the money was received and provides the product or service.
  
• The agency notifies the business of payment confirmation.
  
• The payment collected by the agency on the payment date is deposited into the business’s account.
  

Advantages of Konbini payments

Konbini payments can be used by customers who do not have credit cards. When a customer uses a prepaid payment method, it can reduce the risk of nonpayment. Here are some other benefits of using Konbini payments:

Improved trust

When shopping on a new ecommerce site, some customers might hesitate to make a purchase because of security concerns. With Konbini payments, the business’s partnership with a major chain tends to improve the site’s credibility and trustworthiness. Since the customer doesn’t have to use a credit card, they can make purchases with peace of mind.

Wider range of customers

Konbini payments are also suitable for customers who are concerned about security and want to avoid entering their credit card details online or for customers who don’t have credit cards.

Easier bookkeeping

Konbini payments greatly reduce the administrative burden on the business because the agency manages payment data and automates payment management.

Disadvantages of Konbini payments

Despite their advantages, Konbini payments also have a few disadvantages:

Payment deadlines

When a customer orders a product, Konbini includes a payment deadline. If the customer doesn’t pay within this period, the order is automatically canceled. Canceled orders can lead to customer complaints or bad reviews, which can damage the reputation of new businesses. Because these negative reviews might spread, businesses must be careful about managing payment deadlines.

Payment limit

Konbini payments have an upper limit of ¥300,000. Stores that handle expensive products must allow their customers to choose different payment methods.

Varying payment procedures

The payment process is different for each convenience store. For example, some convenience stores have customers pay after using the terminal to issue a ticket or voucher. Other stores require the customer to simply scan the barcode to complete the payment. Since payment methods aren’t standardized, some customers could find the process complicated.

What to consider when implementing Konbini payments

When implementing Konbini payments, it’s important to be transparent about their associated fees. Make it clear in advance whether the fee will be paid by the business or the customer.

Clarify who pays the fee

Price competition is intensifying on ecommerce sites, and customers tend to choose inexpensive products. If the business pays the Konbini fee, this can emphasize the sense of value for the customer, lowering the barrier for them to make the purchase. On the other hand, this cost can put pressure on a business’s profits. Consider the balance of the cost burden compared to other payment methods before making a decision.

Check for changes in fees

Fees for Konbini payments can vary depending on the terms of the contract with the payment processor. For example, fees can vary depending on the payment amount and frequency of transactions. Therefore, it is important to verify the details with the business and choose the optimal plan before implementing this type of payment.

Consider the cost of small-value payments

When implementing a Konbini payment system, consider the cost of small-value payments. If customers make several small purchases, the percentage of the fee will increase. Businesses can keep these costs down by setting a minimum purchase amount to use Konbini payments. Businesses can reduce the cost burden of fees on inexpensive purchases, allowing for improved efficiency.

Choosing an agency to process Konbini payments

When implementing Konbini payments, it’s common to work with a payment processing agency. However, each agency is different regarding partnerships with convenience stores and fees. Security and ease of use are also important factors to consider when choosing an agency.

Consider a wide range of options so you can pick the payment processing agency best suited to your business.

Cost

The cost of using a payment processor’s services—such as initial costs and monthly fees—is important to consider. Businesses that process many transactions might be able to keep costs down by choosing a payment processing agency that offers low per-transaction fees, even if it means paying a monthly fee.

On the other hand, if your business processes many small-value transactions, it could be better to use a payment processing agency that has a fixed fee or charges a lower fee. Compare the fees charged by different Konbini payment processors, and choose the service that best suits your business.

Payment methods

For Konbini payments, the available convenience stores and payment methods vary depending on the payment processing agency. Check to see if the payment method is compatible with major nationwide chains and whether the payment method uses payment slips, remittance numbers, or barcodes. Choose the method that will be easiest for your customers to use.

Security

Because payment data involves handling customers’ personal information, security is extremely important. For Konbini payments, information related to the payment is passed through multiple systems. Therefore, it is important to use measures to prevent unauthorized access and information leaks. To find a reliable and secure agency, look into ones that are compliant with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). It’s also important to choose a service that uses encryption technology and a fraud detection system.

Ease of use

Check to see if the agency’s payment methods can be integrated with your business’s existing platform. You should also consider whether the administration screen is intuitive and easy to use.

How Konbini payments can help businesses in Japan expand

Konbini payments are a popular payment method and are likely to remain that way because of their appeal to a wide range of customers. Adopting a Konbini payment system that is compatible with your business’s current platform—while considering factors such as fees, implementation costs, and security—can help you grow your business.

Stripe Payments offers a variety of payment methods optimized for the Japanese market, including Konbini payments. Stripe is widely known for its high level of security, undergoing rigorous annual audits by an independent PCI-qualified security assessor. Stripe meets all PCI DSS requirements. A payment system that utilizes Stripe’s application programming interface (API) is not only highly flexible and easy for developers to use, but it also provides a secure environment.

For businesses that want a simple and flexible payment system while also prioritizing security, Stripe can be an attractive option. If your business is considering implementing Konbini payments, check out Stripe’s Konbini payments page and Stripe’s pricing and fees.