Tourist rebound squeezes Japan credit card firms with big fees

Money paid to brands like Visa and Mastercard exceeds commissions from stores

20230816N tourists in Japan

Tourists from abroad stroll Nakamise Street in Tokyo's Asakusa district. © Reuters

NATSUMI IWATA, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- As foreign tourists return to Japan after the pandemic, the country's credit card companies could face 20 billion yen ($137 million) yearly in deficits by paying more in fees to overseas card brands and other expenses than they receive in transaction commissions.

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