October 29, 2026, 8:03 a.m. (JST)
[Japan] On October 27, 2026, Resona Holdings held a press conference to unveil a new TV commercial for its consumer service “Resona Plus,” and provided details on the expansion of its coupon search feature—scheduled for early November—as well as its future business plans.In addition to using location data to make it easier to find special offers at nearby stores, the company will also expand its integration with JCB’s “J-POINT” program. By broadening the intersection between finance and daily life, the company aims to reach 1 million members within six months.
Offering approximately 100,000 coupons,
location-based search to be added in November
Under the purpose “Finance +: Creating a Positive Future,” and with the vision of “integrating finance and daily life,” the Resona Group launched “Resona Plus” on September 16.Targeted at individual customers of Resona Bank, Saitama Resona Bank, Kansai Mirai Bank, and Minato Bank, the service allows users to access coupons for dining, leisure, travel, and shopping through the existing “Resona Group App.”
For the first phase, the bank is partnering with companies such as Benefit One, a subsidiary of Dai-ichi Life Group, to offer approximately 100,000 coupons as part of a launch commemorative campaign running through March 31, 2027. After the campaign ends in April 2027, the bank plans to expand the offering to more than 1.4 million coupons, depending on customers’ banking activity.
At the press conference, Hidefumi Kawabe, Executive Officer and Group CDIO of Resona Holdings, explained that the value expected of banks is expanding beyond proximity to branches and a sense of security to include experiences that enrich people’s lives. He stated that the goal is not to focus solely on banking transactions but to naturally integrate finance into everyday life.
An update scheduled for early November will add a location-based coupon search feature. Three usage scenarios were demonstrated at the press conference.
The first is a feature that automatically displays eligible stores near the user’s current location, categorized by type, when the app’s coupon screen is opened. The second allows users to search for nearby stores on a map and proceed directly to the coupon redemption screen. The third enables users to search in advance for coupons at locations they plan to visit—such as travel destinations—using a map of the area around their destination.
In a press interview, Mr. Kawabe explained that the provision of coupons itself is handled in collaboration with Benefit One via APIs and other means. He added that the Resona Group app has refined its UI/UX in partnership with companies such as TeamLab, and emphasized the importance of enabling users to access great deals with as few steps as possible.The app aims to differentiate itself not only by the number of benefits offered but also by providing an experience that allows users to access them without hesitation whenever needed.
In addition, the Resona Group app already provides personalized recommendations powered by AI. Going forward, the app will also utilize lifestyle information gathered through the coupon feature to enhance recommendations tailored to users’ behaviors and interests. Furthermore, the app plans to distribute coupons provided by corporate clients of each group bank, with the aim of expanding connections with local stores.
Integrating JCB’s “J-POINT” and
exploring ways to enhance the payment experience
In May 2026, the Resona Group announced a collaboration with Dai-ichi Life Group and JCB. Following the expansion of coupon services, the next pillar of service enhancement is the renewal of the points program, scheduled for fiscal year 2027.
The Group plans to unify the points earned through traditional Resona Group banking transactions under JCB’s “J-POINT” brand. It will establish a system that allows even customers who do not hold a JCB card to earn J-POINTs based on their banking transactions.
In an off-the-record interview, Mr. Kawabe emphasized that it is important not only to allow users to accumulate points or exchange them for points from other companies, but also to create a system that makes it easy for users to redeem points during their everyday payments.
He also noted that the group is holding ongoing discussions with JCB not only regarding the points service but also on improving the overall payment experience, including credit card functionality. In addition to debit payments—a core strength of the Resona Group—the group aims to create a service that balances convenience and value by integrating contactless payments and credit card features within its app.
Furthermore, the company plans to expand its service lineup with an eye toward future collaborations with third- and fourth-party partners following the partnership with JCB.
Plans for Expansion into Regional Financial Institutions,
Promoting the Integration of Finance and Daily Life
The Resona Group is considering expanding beyond its own customer services to regional financial institutions.
During a press briefing, Mr. Kawabe explained the group’s open strategy regarding its financial digital platform. He outlined a policy to roll out services that have been well-received by customers within the Resona Group to other regional financial institutions with which the group can share its approach.
Regardless of whether the name “Resona Plus” is retained, the plan is to provide these features and services to external regional financial institutions to expand the ecosystem.
Regarding competition among banks in digital services, Mr. Kawabe explained that it is important to provide not only convenience but also tangible benefits that customers can feel. Rather than emphasizing the bank’s financial functions, the goal is to encourage customers to naturally incorporate finance into their daily lives.
Regarding future service expansion, he stated that rather than starting with individual products such as payments or loans, the bank will consider necessary functions based on users’ daily lives.
New TV commercial to air starting November 2,
Aiming for 1 million members within six months
At the press conference on October 27, new commercials featuring actors Tsuyoshi Muro and Aoi Miyazaki were also unveiled.Starting November 2, three commercials—“Resona Plus: Introduction,” “Resona Plus: Karaoke Coupon,” and “Resona Plus: Shopping Coupon”—will be released, promoting the service as a way to enhance everyday enjoyment.
During a press conference, Mr. Kawabe explained that current performance is progressing more smoothly than initially anticipated. Going forward, the company plans to accelerate efforts to acquire members by utilizing media such as commercials.
Furthermore, for existing customers, the bank aims to encourage greater use of Resona Group as their primary bank by enhancing the convenience of the Resona Group app. Meanwhile, for new customers, the bank intends to raise awareness through commercials and in-branch promotions, with the goal of driving new account openings and service usage.
Mr. Kawabe also touched on the importance of strengthening customer touchpoints through both in-person and digital channels. Regarding bank branches, he outlined a policy to reevaluate their value, moving away from their traditional role as locations primarily focused on administrative procedures.
The Resona Group is working to expand features that connect financial services with daily life, with the goal of reaching 1 million “Resona Plus” members within six months.
