Tech FamilyMart to add credit-card option for portable-charger rentals

[thomas]

FamilyMart is preparing to introduce charger-rental kiosks that visitors from overseas can use simply by tapping a credit card. Until now, anyone wanting to borrow a charger from the ChargeSpot kiosks run by the startup Inforich had to sign up through an app beforehand. The new machines will accept credit card payments directly, making the service far more convenient for travellers.

Some ChargeSpot charger rental kiosks at FamilyMart locations in Japan will begin accepting credit card payments (via FamilyMart).

The first new kiosks will be installed at FamilyMart's Ginza Miyuki-dori location in Tokyo on Thursday. FamilyMart plans to expand the updated service to stores in airports, train stations, and tourist destinations. Charger rentals cost 330 yen ($2.13) per hour. Each rental kiosk holds 10 chargers. FamilyMart is the first major convenience store chain to offer mobile charger rentals that accept credit cards. FamilyMart began installing the current ChargeSpot kiosks in 2019 and currently has them in approximately 8,300 stores. The company also hopes to cash in on incidental purchases from travellers who use the kiosks.

Paywall alert:

Japan's FamilyMart phone charger rentals to accept credit cards

Updated payment method to make rentals more accessible to foreign tourists

asia.nikkei.com