A-Pay

Integrate a secure payment gateway to accept QR code and online payments. Access a large user base, manage transactions, and grow your business with ease.

Screenshot of A-Pay website

What is a-pay.com

a-pay.com, also known as au PAY, is a mobile payment and digital wallet service developed by KDDI, a major telecommunications operator in Japan. Its main purpose is to provide a simple and secure way for users to make payments using their smartphones. For businesses, au PAY offers a payment gateway solution that allows them to accept online and in-store payments from a large base of users in Japan. The service works through QR code scanning for physical stores and as an integrated payment option for e-commerce websites and applications. It is a significant player in the Japanese digital payment market, competing with other services to make transactions cashless and convenient.

a-pay.com Features

  • QR Code Payments: Merchants can generate and display QR codes for customers to scan with their au PAY app, making in-store transactions fast and touch-free.
  • Online Payment Gateway: Businesses can integrate au PAY into their websites and mobile apps to accept payments online. This provides a familiar payment option for many Japanese consumers.
  • Merchant Dashboard: A dedicated portal for businesses to track transactions, view sales reports, and manage their account settings. This helps in monitoring business performance.
  • Ponta Point Integration: au PAY is linked with the Ponta point loyalty program. Customers can earn and use Ponta points when they pay, which encourages repeat business for merchants.
  • Secure Transactions: The platform uses security measures to protect both customer and merchant data during transactions, ensuring a safe payment process.
  • Multiple Payment Methods: Customers can fund their au PAY wallet using various methods, including credit cards and bank accounts, offering flexibility.

a-pay.com Pricing Plans

a-pay.com typically operates on a pay-as-you-go pricing model for its business clients. There are no fixed monthly fees for standard accounts. Instead, merchants are charged a percentage-based fee for each transaction processed through the platform. The exact rate can vary depending on the industry, transaction volume, and the specific agreement with the business. For larger enterprises with high sales volume, custom pricing plans may be available, offering lower transaction fees and additional support services. This structure makes it accessible for small businesses while being scalable for larger operations.

a-pay.com Free Plan

For consumers, the au PAY mobile application is free to download and use. There are no charges for making payments. For businesses, there is no traditional free plan, but the standard pricing model does not include monthly subscription fees. Merchants only pay a fee when they successfully process a payment. This means there are no upfront costs or recurring charges to start accepting au PAY, making it a low-risk option for businesses of all sizes.

How to use a-pay.com

To start using a-pay.com as a merchant, you need to follow these general steps:

  1. Apply for an Account: Visit the au PAY for Business website and submit an application. You will need to provide information about your business, such as company registration details and bank account information.
  2. Undergo Screening: KDDI will review your application to ensure your business meets their criteria. This is a standard procedure for payment service providers.
  3. Integration: Once approved, you will receive access to the merchant dashboard and integration details. For online stores, you will use their API or a plugin for your e-commerce platform (like Shopify or WooCommerce) to add au PAY as a payment option. For physical stores, you will receive materials to display the QR code.
  4. Start Accepting Payments: After integration, customers can select au PAY at checkout or scan your QR code in-store to make a payment.
  5. Manage Funds: Payments are processed and collected in your merchant account. You can track all transactions in your dashboard, and the funds are transferred to your business bank account on a regular schedule.

Pros and Cons of a-pay.com

Pros:

  • Access to a Large User Base: au PAY is used by millions of people in Japan, giving merchants access to a wide customer pool.
  • No Monthly Fees: The pay-per-transaction model is cost-effective for small businesses and startups.
  • Increased Customer Loyalty: Integration with the Ponta point system can encourage customers to choose your business to earn or spend points.
  • Simple In-Store Payments: QR code payments are quick and easy for both customers and staff.

Cons:

  • Primarily Japan-Focused: The service is designed for the Japanese market and is not suitable for businesses with a global customer base.
  • Transaction Fees: Like all payment gateways, there is a fee for every sale, which can impact profit margins.
  • Integration Can Be Technical: Integrating the API for online payments may require some technical knowledge or developer assistance.

a-pay.com integrations

a-pay.com primarily integrates with e-commerce platforms, POS systems, and business tools popular in the Japanese market. While a specific, exhaustive list is maintained by the provider, common integrations include:

  • E-commerce Platforms: Plugins and extensions are available for major platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento, allowing online stores to easily add au PAY as a payment method.
  • POS Systems: It integrates with various Point of Sale systems used in retail and restaurants across Japan, enabling seamless QR code payments at the counter.
  • Custom Integrations: Businesses can use the developer API to build custom integrations with their own applications, websites, or internal management software.

a-pay.com Alternatives

  • PayPay: A leading mobile payment service in Japan, backed by SoftBank and Yahoo! Japan. It has a very large user base and offers similar QR code and online payment features.
  • LINE Pay: The payment service integrated into the popular messaging app LINE. It is widely used for peer-to-peer transfers and merchant payments.
  • Rakuten Pay: Part of the Rakuten ecosystem, this service allows users to pay with their Rakuten ID and earn Rakuten Super Points. It is a strong competitor, especially within the Rakuten marketplace.
  • Stripe: A global payment processor that also operates in Japan. It offers more extensive international payment options and developer tools, making it a better choice for businesses with a global audience.

a-pay.com API

Yes, a-pay.com provides a developer API to allow businesses to integrate the payment gateway directly into their websites, mobile applications, and other systems. To get access to the API, you must first register for a merchant account and be approved. Once your account is active, you can find your API keys and technical documentation in the developer section of your merchant dashboard.

Here is a conceptual example of an API call to create a payment request, shown in cURL:

curl https://api.a-pay.com/v1/payments \
  -u YOUR_API_KEY: \
  -d amount=2000 \
  -d currency="jpy" \
  -d order_id="order_12345" \
  -d redirect_url="https://yourstore.com/confirmation"

This is a representative example. Please refer to the official API documentation for the correct endpoints and parameters.

a-pay.com Affiliate program

There is no public information available about a formal affiliate program for a-pay.com where individuals can earn commissions for referring new merchants. Business partnership and referral programs for payment gateways are often managed through direct relationships. If you are interested in becoming a partner or promoting the service, it is recommended to contact their business development or sales department directly through their official website to inquire about potential partnership opportunities.

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