Nintendo Japanese eShop Will No Longer Accept Payments With Overseas Credit Cards, PayPal To Prevent "Fraudulent Use"

Nintendo has given players multiple payment methods to "pay for the products they love," giving them control over which option to make purchases, like using My Nintendo Gold Points or credit card options. However, they'll be making massive changes regarding the payment systems when Japanese players purchase games, expansions, and other related content via the Nintendo eShop.

This was announced on their official account on social media; however, these changes are coming into effect in March 2025 for their Japanese storefront. They have also provided an explanation of these changes, which Japanese players should pay attention to and update their payment options before they become permanent.

Nintendo will be issuing a new policy for the Japanese Nintendo eShop, which comes into effect on 25th March 2025, explaining that it's intended to stave off all "fraudulent" activities made when making purchases. In the official statement, Nintendo stated, "In order to prevent fraudulent use, the Nintendo eShop and My Nintendo Store for Japan will stop accepting credit cards issued overseas and PayPal accounts opened overseas from Tuesday, March 25, 2025.”

The statement continues: "For customers who have previously used overseas-issued credit cards or PayPal accounts opened overseas, we ask that you please use other payment methods, such as credit cards issued in Japan, from now on." This change will prevent non-Japanese customers from purchasing content, including games and other content not available or cheaper in their region, via the Japanese eShop.

They're required to pay with a credit card issued in Japan or other alternative methods, including acquiring Nintendo eShop gift cards, which can be utilized towards these purchases. Nintendo concluded its statement by apologizing to their Japanese players for "any inconvenience" these changes may bring about and appreciated their understanding as this policy goes live in Japan in March 2025.