A new digital public-payment service using the My Number Card infrastructure has launched. The integration of SmartPOST and Billing BOX—paperless collections—allows users to complete smartphone payments immediately after receiving a notification.
A new service for utility providers and local governments has been announced that completes the entire process, from digital-mail notification to payment. Notifications are sent to users whose identities have been verified using My Number Cards, and users are taken to a payment screen via a unique payment URL.
Available payment methods include PayB, as well as smartphone and convenience-store payments via PayB HUB, providing a range of options that can be completed on a smartphone. By combining notification authenticity with streamlined payments, the service addresses issues involving unpaid charges and mailing costs.
Kusaka Hikaru (日下 光), Representative Director and CEO of xID, and Kohata Toru (木幡 徹) of Billing System commented that the combination of reliable notifications and diverse payment options would provide a safe and convenient payment experience. The companies plan to strengthen cooperation with local governments with nationwide rollout in mind, including water utilities in the Chubu region.
xID operates digital ID apps and SmartPOST, while Billing System supports greater efficiency in billing, collections and payments through PayB and Billing BOX. Both aim to address the limitations of the traditional reliance on paper payment slips. Verification of the implementation benefits and the pace of rollout are expected to be key factors.