【2026 Latest】How to Implement Rakuten Pay for EC: Strategic Use of ID Payments to Maximize Your Site's CVR
One of the biggest challenges in operating an e-commerce site is "cart abandonment." It is said that on average, 70% of users who add items to their cart drop out due to the hassle of entering information on the checkout screen. A powerful tool to dramatically improve this issue and maximize your conversion rate (CVR) is the implementation of "Rakuten Pay (Online Payment)." In this article, we will provide a detailed professional explanation, from the specific methods of implementing Rakuten Pay on your EC site to strategic utilization techniques based on 2026 trends.
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1. Three Benefits of Implementing Rakuten Pay for Your EC Site
Implementing Rakuten Pay on your e-commerce site offers value beyond simply adding another payment method. In particular, the ability to target over 100 million users within the Rakuten ecosystem is a strength that other ID payment services do not possess.
- Dramatic Reduction in Cart Abandonment: Since credit card and shipping information registered to a Rakuten ID can be used directly, users can skip tedious data entry, lowering the psychological barrier to purchase.
- Attracting and Retaining Customers via Rakuten Points: Because users can "earn and use" Rakuten Points even for purchases on your own site, you can expect an influx of point-driven users and continued usage (improved LTV).
- Gaining Trust from New Customers: Having a highly recognized payment method like "Rakuten Pay" helps eliminate security concerns for users visiting your EC site for the first time.
2. Four Specific Steps for Implementing Rakuten Pay for EC
To implement Rakuten Pay (Online Payment), you generally need to follow the four steps below. While the difficulty level varies depending on whether you use a custom-developed site or an ASP (Shopify, MakeShop, etc.), the basic flow remains the same.
When considering implementation, many businesses are concerned about "changes in CVR after implementation." According to market data, sites that implement ID payments tend to see a significant improvement in payment completion rates compared to those that do not.
- Merchant Application: Apply via the official Rakuten Pay website by entering corporate information and details about the products you handle.
- Screening: A review is conducted by Rakuten and credit card companies. This process typically takes between two weeks and one month.
- System Integration: Perform integration settings via API for custom development or through the management screen of your EC cart system (Shopify, MakeShop, futureshop, etc.).
- Testing and Launch: Verify that payments are processed correctly in a test environment before going live.
3. Implementation Costs and Fees: Simulations to Protect Profit Margins
When considering the implementation of Rakuten Pay for EC, costs are an unavoidable factor. Fees are not uniform and may vary depending on the product type, monthly transaction volume, and the payment service provider (PSP) used.
Generally, the transaction fee market rate is around 4.0% to 5.0%. While this is slightly higher than standard credit card payments (3.2% to 3.6%), it can be fully offset by the increase in sales resulting from the aforementioned CVR improvement. Since monthly fixed costs may also apply, it is important to calculate the break-even point in advance.
4. Further Boosting CVR! UX Strategies for Leveraging Rakuten Pay
Simply implementing it is not enough. To maximize the strengths of Rakuten Pay, you must optimize the user experience (UX) and navigation within your site. For example, effective tactics include placing banners stating "Earn Rakuten Points" on product detail pages or positioning the Rakuten Pay button at the very top of the cart screen.
Additionally, by synchronizing your own site's unique point-up campaigns with major Rakuten sales (such as Shopping Marathon or Rakuten Super SALE), it becomes possible to smoothly drive customers from the marketplace to your own e-commerce site.
FAQ
- Q. Can sole proprietors also implement Rakuten Pay (Online Payment)?
- A. Yes, it is possible. However, like corporations, there is a prescribed screening process, and identity verification documents and site compliance will be checked. Depending on the products, implementation may not be possible in some cases.
- Q. How long does it take until implementation?
- A. Generally, it is common to expect about 1 to 1.5 months, including application, screening completion, and system integration. We recommend early preparation.
- Q. Is the cost of Rakuten Points borne by the merchant?
- A. Basically, the cost of regular points (1%) awarded to users is borne by the merchant. In many cases, limited-time points from campaigns conducted by Rakuten are covered by Rakuten.
Take your e-commerce business to the next level
Optimizing payment methods is the shortest route to improving CVR. We propose the optimal payment strategy, including the implementation of Rakuten Pay.
Talk to us for a free strategy consultationSummary
The method of implementing Rakuten Pay for e-commerce is an extremely effective strategy for enhancing the convenience of your own site and preventing cart abandonment. A frictionless payment experience utilizing Rakuten IDs not only increases user satisfaction but also promotes inflow from the powerful point ecosystem. While implementation requires effort for screening and system integration, it can be expected to yield CVR improvements and LTV maximization that justify the effort. In the increasingly competitive e-commerce market of 2026, payment optimization is now an essential measure.
Published: May 15, 2026 / By: Osamu Yasuda
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References
- [1] Rakuten Pay (Online Payment) Official Site - Implementation Guide for Merchants
- [2] Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry - Market Survey Report on Electronic Commerce (FY2024 Edition)