DLSite Launches Its Own Payment Service Amid Card Disputes

The Japanese digital storefront DLSite, a popular source for otaku media including manga, indie games, and doujinshi, has launched its own payment service. The company says the goal is to create an environment where customers can enjoy the content they love with peace of mind.

The move comes against a wider backdrop that many digital platforms have faced in recent years, in which credit card companies have pressured storefronts over certain types of content, particularly adult material. Building an independent payment option gives DLSite more control over how its customers can pay.

The new system, called Minna no Bank, launched on October 6 as a joint effort between DLSite and its parent company, viviON Inc.

According to the company, it is a smartphone based service that allows direct account payments, letting users buy content quickly without relying solely on traditional card processors.

It is a notable step for a major otaku focused retailer, and one that other platforms dealing with similar payment pressures will likely be watching closely.

My take: Payment processing has become a real pressure point for digital storefronts, so it is understandable that a platform like DLSite would want more independence here. How well an in house system works in practice will be the thing to watch.