Regional financial institutions are stepping up efforts to expand their points ecosystems. Fukuoka Financial Group revamped its existing points service in January and launched a new Bari program linked to payments. Hokkoku Bank is moving to introduce a new payment service and has indicated a policy of lowering fees.
Regional banks are developing new ecosystems linking smartphone payments with points rewards. Efforts to expand customer touchpoints through payment integration, while using points as the core offering, are spreading.
In January, Fukuoka Financial Group revamped its existing points service and launched the Bari Program, which awards points in conjunction with payments. The group is believed to be seeking to expand purchasing opportunities in the region by issuing its own credit cards.
Previously, preferential points treatment was focused primarily on banking transactions, but under the new program, points are expected to be awarded for local shopping and service use as well. This is intensifying efforts to retain local customers.
Hokkoku Bank is considering and implementing a new payment service, and is considering offering it with lower fees. The bank is reportedly aiming to expand adoption in the region.