Delicia Introduces Infcurion's 'CharG', Enables Cashless Charging Across 59 Stores in Nagano Prefecture

Infcurion Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO Hioki Maruyama; hereinafter 'Infcurion') announces that Delicia Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture; President Shinya Mori; hereinafter 'Delicia'), a regional supermarket chain focused on Nagano Prefecture, will introduce the charging platform 'CharG (Chargie)' to its electronic money-enabled loyalty card 'Picoca Plus' (※1) starting in September.

As a result, 'Picoca Plus' users can now utilize 'Bank Pay', provided by the Japan Electronic Payment Promotion Association, to directly charge their cards from their bank accounts at 350 (※2) financial institutions nationwide via the app. This eliminates the need to queue at store registers or charging machines, enabling users to charge anytime from their smartphones.

(※1) Usage requires downloading the official Delicia app and completing membership registration.

(※2) The 350 financial institutions nationwide that support this service are members of the Bank Pay network.

◆ Background of Implementation

Delicia operates 61 stores in Nagano Prefecture, including supermarkets 'Delicia', 'Delicia Meals', and 'U Palette', as a community-focused retail company. 'Picoca Plus', a loyalty card with electronic money functionality, is available at 59 of these stores. Until now, charging 'Picoca Plus' was limited to cash-only transactions at store registers or charging machines, making it difficult to respond to customer requests such as 'I want to charge before shopping' or 'I want to increase my balance without visiting the store'.

To enhance customer digital experience and improve store operations, Delicia explored implementing a system that allows direct charging from bank accounts. In selecting a solution, the company prioritized minimizing additional development costs for its app while ensuring secure integration with financial institutions.

'CharG' was selected because it offers a one-stop solution for user-facing interfaces and payment information management required for bank account charging. It significantly reduces development time and costs compared to building a custom charging infrastructure. Additionally, its scalable architecture allows for future expansion to include other charging methods, leveraging the existing platform.

◆ Future Outlook

Infcurion will leverage its expertise gained from serving various industries, including drugstore chains and retailers, to actively approach retail businesses nationwide—including supermarkets, drugstores, and home centers—that are launching or considering their own private payment systems. In response to labor shortages and the need for operational efficiency in the retail sector, Infcurion will continue supporting cashless initiatives and retail digital transformation (DX) by gradually expanding charging options beyond bank accounts to meet diverse business needs.

About the Charging Platform 'CharG'

'CharG' is a charging platform that enables businesses to quickly integrate diverse charging methods—such as real-time bank account charging, pay-later charging, and ATM charging—into their services without building a proprietary charging infrastructure.

CharG Service Page: https://infcurion.com/charg/

About Infcurion

Infcurion is a 'Fintech Partner for all industries and services,' implementing optimal payment and financial functions for society. The company develops technologies and platforms that allow flexible, modular use of diverse financial services and provides consulting for cashless payment initiatives. Leveraging years of consulting expertise and a modern, flexible next-generation payment system, Infcurion offers an 'end-to-end payment platform' covering all payment scenarios—from B2C cashless payments to B2B corporate settlements. By aligning with clients' business strategies, Infcurion comprehensively supports fintech strategy development and the creation of new financial services. The company aims to solve societal challenges and deliver rich customer experiences by supporting leading businesses through payment and financial innovation.

Company Name: Infcurion Co., Ltd.

Established: May 1, 2006

Representative: President and CEO Hioki Maruyama

Headquarters: 5-7-2 Kurimoto, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, MFPR Kurimoto Building 7F

Affiliated Organizations: Japan Fintech Association

Cashless Promotion Council

Japan Association of Financial Settlement Institutions

Invoice Card Payment Association

URL: https://infcurion.com/

*This press release is based on information available as of the date of issuance. Content may be subject to change in whole or in part.

*Company names, product names, and service names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.