Fintech firms launch invoice card payment services for Japanese SMEs

Japanese fintech companies Kanmu Inc. and Smart Bank Inc. are launching new services to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and freelancers manage cash flow by paying invoices via credit card.

Kanmu Inc. will introduce ‘YELL Invoice Card Payment’ on September 7, 2026. This service follows Kanmu’s acquisition of business assets from Vankable, including the ‘AD YELL’ and ‘Vankable Invoice Card Payment’ platforms. The service allows businesses to replace bank transfers with credit card payments to adjust payment timing and improve liquidity.

Simultaneously, Smart Bank Inc., in partnership with Orient Corporation (Orico), is launching ‘OneBank Invoice Card Payment’ on September 7, 2026. Utilizing Orico’s card settlement infrastructure, the service enables users to pay bank-transfer-only invoices using Visa or Mastercard. This aims to address the liquidity gap faced by freelancers and sole proprietors who must often pay subcontractors before receiving revenue from clients.