Smartphone payment apps like PayPay and Merpay (QR code payments) are widely used for daily shopping. While topping up (depositing into) these services is typically done via bank accounts or credit cards, some convenience store ATMs also allow you to charge them with cash.
This article provides detailed information on the basics of charging smartphone payment services with cash at convenience store ATMs, the compatibility status for major smartphone payment services, operating procedures for different convenience store ATMs, charge limits and fees, and what to check if you’re unable to charge.
- Basic Information on Charging Smartphone Payments with Cash at Convenience Store ATMs
- Cash Charging Compatibility at Convenience Store ATMs by Major Smartphone Payment Service
- Cash Charging for PayPay: Compatible ATMs and Charging Method
- Cash Charging for Merpay: Compatible ATMs and Charging Method
- Cash Charging for Rakuten Pay: Compatible ATMs and Charging Method
- Cash Charging for au PAY: Compatible ATMs and Charging Method
- Cash Charging for d払い (d Payment): Compatible ATMs and Charging Method
- Cash Charging Procedures for Smartphone Payments by Convenience Store ATM
- Cash Charge Limits and Fees for Smartphone Payments
- What to Check if You Can’t Charge Smartphone Payments with Cash at a Convenience Store ATM
Basic Information on Charging Smartphone Payments with Cash at Convenience Store ATMs
Charging smartphone payments with cash at convenience store ATMs is limited to specific ATMs and smartphone payment services. It’s important to understand the basic information beforehand.
What are Smartphone Payments (QR Code Payments, etc.)? Differences from E-money
Smartphone payments refer collectively to cashless payment methods that use smartphone apps. A typical example is “QR code payment,” where you make a payment by presenting or scanning a QR code or barcode.
Main Differences from E-money:
| Item | Smartphone Payments (QR code payments, etc.) | E-money (Transportation IC, Retail IC, etc.) |
|---|---|---|
| Payment Medium | Smartphone app | IC card, Smartphone (Osaifu-Keitai, etc.) |
| Main Payment Method | QR code/barcode payment, online payment | Contactless IC payment (tap-to-pay) |
| Charging Method | Diverse methods including bank account, credit card, ATM (some), points, etc. | Cash (ATM, register), credit card, auto-charge |
| Usage Scenarios | Physical stores, online services, peer-to-peer transfers (some) | Physical stores, public transport, vending machines, etc. |
Smartphone payments are characterized by their ease of integration with various functions via apps (point rewards, coupons, money transfers, etc.).
Advantages and Disadvantages of Charging Smartphone Payments with Cash at Convenience Store ATMs
Advantages:
- No credit card required: You can charge with cash even if you don’t have a credit card or don’t want to register your credit card information.
- No bank account required (for some services): You may be able to charge directly with cash without linking a bank account.
- Convenience: The convenience of being able to charge at a nearby convenience store ATM whenever you want (limited to compatible ATMs).
Disadvantages:
- Limited compatible ATMs and services: Not all convenience store ATMs or smartphone payment services are compatible.
- Cash only: Charging at convenience store ATMs is generally cash only; direct charging from a cash card is not possible.
- May require getting used to the operation: Operations involving coordination between the smartphone app and the ATM may be necessary.
- Charge limits are set: There are limits on the amount that can be charged per transaction or per day.
Cash Charging Compatibility at Convenience Store ATMs by Major Smartphone Payment Service
This section explains the cash charging compatibility at convenience store ATMs and an overview of general charging methods for major smartphone payment services. Compatibility status may change, so always check the latest information on each service’s official website or app.
Cash Charging for PayPay: Compatible ATMs and Charging Method
- Compatible ATMs: Cash charging is available at Seven Bank ATMs and Lawson Bank ATMs.
- Charging Method Overview:
- In the PayPay app, select “Charge” and then choose “ATM Charge.”
- On the ATM screen, select a menu option such as “Smartphone Transaction,” “Charge,” or “QR Charge.”
- Scan the QR code displayed on the ATM screen with the PayPay app.
- Enter the corporate number displayed in the PayPay app into the ATM.
- Insert the charge amount into the ATM.
Source: I want to charge with cash (How to charge from Seven Bank ATM, Lawson Bank ATM) – PayPay Help
Cash Charging for Merpay: Compatible ATMs and Charging Method
- Compatible ATMs: Cash charging is available at Seven Bank ATMs and Lawson Bank ATMs.
- Charging Method Overview:
- On the ATM screen, select “Smartphone Transaction” or “Smartphone Dealing.”
- In the Merpay app, select “+ Add” on “My Page” and choose “Charge from Bank/ATM.”
- Select “Charging Method” and choose “Seven Bank ATM” or “Lawson Bank ATM.”
- Scan the QR code displayed on the ATM screen with the Merpay app.
- Enter the corporate number displayed in the Merpay app into the ATM.
- Insert the charge amount into the ATM.
Source: How to Use Merpay ~About Charging Methods~ | Merpay – Easy Smartphone Payments with the Mercari App
Cash Charging for Rakuten Pay: Compatible ATMs and Charging Method
- Compatible ATMs: Cash charging is available at Seven Bank ATMs and Lawson Bank ATMs.
- Charging Method Overview:
- On the ATM screen, select a menu option such as “Smartphone Transaction,” “Charge,” or “QR Charge.”
- Scan the QR code displayed on the ATM screen with the Rakuten Pay app.
- Enter the corporate number displayed in the Rakuten Pay app into the ATM.
- Insert the charge amount into the ATM.
Source: You can charge Rakuten Cash from Seven Bank ATMs and Lawson Bank ATMs nationwide! | Rakuten Cash
Cash Charging for au PAY: Compatible ATMs and Charging Method
- Compatible ATMs: Cash charging is available at Seven Bank ATMs and Lawson Bank ATMs.
- Charging Method Overview:
- On the ATM screen, select a menu option such as “Smartphone Transaction” or “Smartphone Dealing.”
- In the au PAY app, select “Charge” and choose “Seven Bank ATM” or “Lawson Bank ATM.”
- Scan the QR code displayed on the ATM screen with the au PAY app.
- Enter the corporate number displayed in the au PAY app into the ATM.
- Insert the charge amount into the ATM.
Source: [au PAY] I want to know how to charge with cash
Cash Charging for d払い (d Payment): Compatible ATMs and Charging Method
- Compatible ATMs: Cash charging is available at Seven Bank ATMs.
- Charging Method Overview:
- On the ATM screen, select “Charge” and then choose “QR Charge.”
- In the d払い app, select “Charge” and choose “Seven Bank ATM.”
- Scan the QR code displayed on the ATM screen with the d払い app.
- Enter the corporate number displayed in the d払い app into the ATM.
- Insert the charge amount into the ATM.
Source: Charge to d払い Balance | d払い – Easy and Convenient Smartphone Payment
Cash Charging Procedures for Smartphone Payments by Convenience Store ATM
This section explains the major smartphone payment services supported by each convenience store ATM and the general operating flow.
Cash Charging at Seven Bank ATMs: Compatible Smartphone Payments and Operating Flow
- Compatible Smartphone Payments: PayPay, Merpay, Rakuten Pay, au PAY, d払い, etc.
- Operating Flow (for typical QR code method):
- Launch the smartphone payment app and select the ATM charge menu.
- On the Seven Bank ATM home screen, touch “Smartphone Transaction” or a similar button.
- Scan the QR code displayed on the ATM screen with your smartphone payment app.
- Enter the corporate number displayed in the app into the ATM.
- Insert the desired charge amount into the ATM’s bill slot.
- Confirm that the charge is complete on both the ATM screen and the app screen.
Source: Cashless Payment Charging Methods | Seven Bank
Cash Charging at Lawson Bank ATMs: Compatible Smartphone Payments and Operating Flow
- Compatible Smartphone Payments: PayPay, Merpay, Rakuten Pay, au PAY, etc.
- Operating Flow (for typical QR code method):
- Prepare for ATM charging in the smartphone payment app.
- On the Lawson Bank ATM screen, select a menu option such as “Smartphone Transaction” or “QR Charge.”
- Follow the instructions on the ATM screen and scan the QR code with your smartphone app.
- Enter the corporate number displayed in the app into the ATM.
- Insert the charge amount into the ATM.
- Confirm that the charge is complete.
Source: ATM Charge & ATM Withdrawal Services | Lawson Bank
Compatibility Status of Other Convenience Store ATMs (AEON Bank ATM, E-net ATM, etc.)
- AEON Bank ATM: As of 2025, there is no information that AEON Bank ATMs support cash charging for major smartphone payment services (PayPay, Merpay, etc.). They primarily support charging for WAON and transportation IC cards.
- E-net ATM: As of 2025, E-net ATMs generally do not support cash charging for major smartphone payment services.
Compatibility status is subject to change, so please check the latest information on the official websites or in-app help of each smartphone payment service, as well as information from ATM operating companies.
Cash Charge Limits and Fees for Smartphone Payments
- Charge Limits:
- Charge limit per transaction: Varies depending on the smartphone payment service and ATM type.
- Daily/Monthly charge limits: Limits set by the smartphone payment service also apply. Limits may also vary depending on identity verification status.
- Fees:
- Cash charging for smartphone payments using convenience store ATMs is generally offered free of charge.
- However, as this may change in the future or fees may be incurred under certain conditions, it is recommended to check the ATM screen or app guidance before charging.
What to Check if You Can’t Charge Smartphone Payments with Cash at a Convenience Store ATM
If you’re having trouble charging your smartphone payment with cash at a convenience store ATM, try checking the following points:
- ATM and smartphone payment service compatibility: Double-check if the ATM you are trying to use supports the smartphone payment service you want to charge.
- Smartphone payment app version: The app may not function correctly if it’s not the latest version.
- Smartphone’s internet connection: A stable internet connection is required.
- ATM system maintenance: You cannot use the service during ATM or smartphone payment service system maintenance.
- Exceeding charge limits: Check if you have exceeded the charge limit per transaction or the cumulative charge limit.
- Condition of inserted cash: ATMs may have difficulty recognizing wrinkled or dirty bills.
- QR code scanning status: If QR code scanning is unsuccessful, try wiping your smartphone’s camera lens or adjusting the screen brightness.
- Identity verification status on the smartphone payment service side: Some smartphone payment services may restrict charging functions depending on the completion status of identity verification.
If the problem persists, try contacting the customer support for the smartphone payment service or use the intercom at the ATM to make an inquiry.