Cryptocurrency card processing device, cryptocurrency card processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide a cryptocurrency card processing device, a cryptocurrency card processing method, and a program that make it easier for users to make payments with cryptocurrency. [Solution] According to the embodiment, the cryptocurrency card processing device includes a deposit unit that advances the deposit amount for regularly depositing a first type of cryptocurrency using a credit card based on the request of the credit card user, and a billing unit that calculates the billing amount based on the credit card usage amount including the deposit amount, and bills the payment account for a second type of asset specified by the user.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a cryptocurrency card processing device, a cryptocurrency card processing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Card payment settlement processing for purchasing goods using a credit card is known. By using a credit card, a user can purchase goods without cash and can shift the payment timing from the purchase timing.

[0003] In recent years, as a new asset having a property value that can be used for payments and can be mutually exchanged with fiat currency, cryptocurrencies have emerged. With the emergence of cryptocurrencies, a system that enables the use of cryptocurrencies when purchasing goods with a credit card has been studied.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a system in which when purchasing goods with a credit card, a credit card merchant settles in fiat currency and a credit card user settles in cryptocurrency.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] According to the embodiment, the cryptocurrency card processing device receives information from a credit card user regarding the periodic accumulation of cryptocurrency using the credit card. The information includes the amount to be saved, the savings account, and the payment account. The registration department that accepts applications and , place On the designated deposit date, the above deposit amount will be deposited to the cryptocurrency exchange that manages the above deposit account. Equivalent to legal tender Send the money The system comprises a savings unit and a billing unit that calculates the billing amount based on the amount of credit card usage including the savings amount over a predetermined period, bills the billing amount to the payment account, and receives payment in fiat currency regardless of whether the payment instrument associated with the payment account is cryptocurrency or fiat currency. The registration unit receives the payment from the user. account To switch from one of crypto assets and one of fiat currencies to the other. The essential We are accepting more requests. ,above The billing department is above Summary After receiving the request, the above invoice amount Cut The payment will be billed to the new payment account and payment will be received in legal tender. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a cryptocurrency card processing device, a cryptocurrency card processing method, and a program that make it easier for users to make payments with cryptocurrency. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a cryptocurrency card processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a card operator server that constitutes the cryptocurrency card processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a card operator server that constitutes a cryptocurrency card processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of member information stored in a card operator server according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of claim information stored in a card operator server according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of point information stored in a card operator server according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the accumulation registration process in a card operator server according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the transaction process in a card operator server according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the billing process in a card operator server according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the proposal process in a card operator server according to an embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, several embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having the same functions and configurations are denoted by common reference numerals.

[0012] 1. Configuration 1.1 Cryptocurrency Card Processing System FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a cryptocurrency card processing system according to an embodiment.

[0013] The cryptocurrency card processing system 1 is a system configured to accumulate cryptocurrency using a credit card. Cryptocurrency has a property value that can be used for payments and the like and can be mutually exchanged with fiat currency, and includes, for example, Bitcoin, Ethereum, and the like. The fiat currency is, for example, the Japanese yen.

[0014] The cryptocurrency card processing system 1 includes a card issuer server 100, a cryptocurrency exchange server 200, a bank server 300, a merchant terminal 400, and a user terminal 500. The card issuer server 100 is configured to be able to communicate with each of the cryptocurrency exchange server 200, the bank server 300, the merchant terminal 400, and the user terminal 500.

[0015] The card issuer server 100 is a server managed by a credit card issuer. The card issuer server 100 issues a credit card that can accumulate cryptocurrency in response to a request from a user. In an embodiment, the card issuer server 100 is also referred to as a cryptocurrency card processing device.

[0016] In addition, the card issuer server 100 is configured to perform, for example, transaction processing and billing processing related to a credit card. The transaction processing includes shopping processing and accumulation processing. The shopping processing includes a process of advancing payment in fiat currency to the merchant of the credit card used by the user for the purchase (shopping) of goods. The accumulation processing is a process of advancing the accumulation amount in fiat currency to a cryptocurrency exchange that manages the account for the user to accumulate cryptocurrency. The billing processing is a process of billing the total amount of the advanced payment and the accumulation amount (claims) to a cryptocurrency exchange or a bank that manages the account for the user to make a payment, and receiving payment in fiat currency by the payment due date. Note that the goods subject to the shopping processing include financial goods other than cryptocurrency, such as investment trusts.

[0017] The cryptocurrency exchange server 200 is a server managed by a business that conducts cryptocurrency trading. The cryptocurrency exchange server 200 links member information, including information about accounts used for cryptocurrency accumulation via credit card (accumulation accounts), with the card company server 100. When the cryptocurrency exchange server 200 receives an accumulation amount from the card company server 100, it converts the fiat currency of the accumulation amount into the cryptocurrency to be accumulated and then deposits it into the accumulation account.

[0018] Furthermore, if a user designates a cryptocurrency account as the account to be used for settlement (payment account), the cryptocurrency exchange server 200 will further link information about that payment account with the card company server 100 as member information. In response to a request from the card company server 100, the cryptocurrency exchange server 200 will withdraw the cryptocurrency corresponding to the requested amount from the designated payment account. The cryptocurrency exchange server 200 will then convert the withdrawn cryptocurrency into fiat currency and pay it to the card company server 100. The payment account may be the same as or different from the savings account.

[0019] The bank server 300 is a server managed by the bank. When a fiat currency account is designated as a payment account, the bank server 300 exchanges information about that payment account with the card company server 100. In response to a request from the card company server 100, the bank server 300 withdraws the fiat currency corresponding to the requested amount from the designated payment account and pays it to the card company server 100.

[0020] The merchant terminal 400 is a terminal managed by a retailer that handles the purchase of goods using a credit card. When a user purchases goods using a credit card, the merchant terminal 400 requests payment from the card company server 100. Once the merchant terminal 400 receives payment from the card company server 100, it ships or delivers the goods to the user.

[0021] The user terminal 500 is, for example, a personal computer or smartphone owned by the user. The user terminal 500 requests the issuance of a credit card that can be traded with cryptocurrency from the card issuer server 100, for example, via the cryptocurrency exchange server 200. The user terminal 500 specifies the credit card payment account to the cryptocurrency exchange server 200 or the bank server 300. The user terminal 500 requests the merchant terminal 400 to purchase goods using the credit card issued by the card issuer server 100.

[0022] 1.2 Cardholder Server Next, the configuration of the card operator server that constitutes the cryptocurrency card processing system according to the embodiment will be described. (Hardware configuration) Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a card operator server that constitutes the cryptocurrency card processing system according to the embodiment.

[0023] The card operator server 100 includes a control unit 11, storage 12, communication module 13, user interface 14, drive 15, and storage medium 16.

[0024] The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), and ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. The ROM of the control unit 11 stores programs used for various processes such as transaction processing and billing processing in the card company server 100. The CPU of the control unit 11 controls the entire card company server 100 according to the programs stored in the ROM of the control unit 11. The RAM of the control unit 11 is used as a workspace for the CPU of the control unit 11.

[0025] The storage 12 includes, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage 12 stores information used for various processes in the card operator server 100.

[0026] The communication module 13 is a circuit used for sending and receiving data between the card operator server 100 and the cryptocurrency exchange server 200, the bank server 300, the merchant terminal 400, and the user terminal 500.

[0027] The user interface 14 is an interface that manages communication between the credit card business operator and the control unit 11. The user interface 14 includes input devices and output devices. The input devices include, for example, a keyboard, a touch panel, and operation buttons. The output devices include, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an EL (Electroluminescence) display. The user interface 14 converts the input from the credit card business operator into an electrical signal and then transmits it to the control unit 11. The user interface 14 outputs the results of various processes based on the input from the credit card business operator to the credit card business operator.

[0028] Drive 15 is a device for reading software stored on the storage medium 16. Drive 15 includes, for example, a CD (Compact Disk) drive or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) drive.

[0029] The storage medium 16 is a medium for storing software by electrical, magnetic, optical, mechanical, or chemical means. The storage medium 16 may also store programs for executing various processes in the card operator server 100. (Functional Configuration) Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a card business server constituting the cryptocurrency card processing system according to the embodiment. In Figure 3, it is assumed that the user has already opened a cryptocurrency account with the cryptocurrency exchange server 200. The cryptocurrency account may have a predetermined amount of cryptocurrency deposited, or it may be empty or have only a small amount deposited.

[0030] The CPU of the control unit 11 loads the program stored in the ROM or storage medium 16 of the control unit 11 into the RAM of the control unit 11. Then, the CPU of the control unit 11 interprets and executes the program loaded into the RAM of the control unit 11. As a result, the control unit 11 functions as a computer equipped with a registration unit 21, an issuance unit 22, a savings unit 23, a shopping unit 24, a reward unit 25, a billing unit 26, and a proposal unit 27. The storage unit 12 stores member information 31, debt information 32, and point information 33.

[0031] The registration unit 21 receives various requests related to credit cards from the user terminal 500. These requests include various information about the user for using the credit card. Specifically, for example, these requests include requests for credit card issuance, and requests to change payment accounts and payment securities, savings accounts and savings securities, and reward accounts and reward securities, as described later. Here, "security" refers to currency names such as Japanese yen, which is a legal tender, or Bitcoin and Ethereum, which are crypto assets. Upon receiving an issuance request, the registration unit 21 performs a credit check as appropriate and registers eligible users as candidates for credit card issuance. Specifically, the registration unit 21 generates member information 31 based on the information included in the various requests and stores it in the storage 12.

[0032] The issuing department 22 issues a credit card based on the member information 31. The issuing department 22 then sends the issued credit card to the user.

[0033] Figure 4 shows an example of the data structure of member information stored in the card business operator server according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the member information 31 includes basic information, billing information, reward information, and savings information about the credit card user.

[0034] Basic information refers to fundamental information about the credit card user. This includes, for example, the ID, name, and card number. The ID is a number that uniquely identifies the user. The name is the user's name. The card number is the credit card number.

[0035] Billing information is information used in billing processing. Billing information includes, for example, the payment account and the payment token. The payment account is the account number from which the billed amount is withdrawn when the user settles the billing in billing processing. The payment account may be a fiat currency account managed by the bank server 300 or a cryptocurrency account managed by the cryptocurrency exchange server 200. The payment token is the fiat currency or cryptocurrency token withdrawn from the payment account. More specifically, if the payment account is a fiat currency account, the payment token may be, for example, Japanese yen. If the payment account is a cryptocurrency account, the payment token may be, for example, Bitcoin or USDC, which is classified as a stablecoin.

[0036] Reward information is information used in the process of converting points awarded to a credit card into cryptocurrency. Reward information includes, for example, a reward account and a reward cryptocurrency. The reward account is the account for the cryptocurrency to which the points are redeemed. The reward cryptocurrency is the cryptocurrency to which the points are redeemed. The reward cryptocurrency may be, for example, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Aster, etc. Note that the reward cryptocurrency may be the same as the payment cryptocurrency, or they may be different. If the reward cryptocurrency is the same as the payment cryptocurrency, the reward account may be the same as the payment account. If the reward cryptocurrency is different from the payment cryptocurrency, the reward account may be different from the payment account.

[0037] Accumulation information is information used in the accumulation process. Accumulation information includes, for example, the accumulation account, the accumulation asset, the accumulation amount, and the credit check result. The accumulation account is the account for crypto assets accumulated using a credit card. The accumulation asset is the crypto asset used for accumulation using a credit card. The accumulation asset may be, for example, Bitcoin or Ethereum. The accumulation amount is the amount of fiat currency paid periodically (for example, monthly) when accumulating crypto assets using a credit card. The credit check result is the result of the credit check performed by the card company on the user regarding the approval or rejection of the accumulation process.

[0038] The investment asset may be the same as at least one of the payment asset and the return asset, or they may be different from each other. If the investment asset is the same as the payment asset, the investment account may be the same as the payment account. If the investment asset is different from the payment asset, the investment account may be different from the payment account. If the investment asset is the same as the return asset, the investment account may be the same as the return account. If the investment asset is different from the return asset, the investment account may be different from the return account.

[0039] Member information 31, which includes various types of information such as basic information, billing information, reward information, and savings information as described above, is linked together, for example, between the card company server 100 and the cryptocurrency exchange server 200.

[0040] Returning to Figure 3, the functional configuration of the card operator server 100 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0041] The accumulation unit 23 refers to the member information 31 and executes the accumulation process on a predetermined accumulation date. Specifically, on the accumulation date, the accumulation unit 23 sends legal tender equivalent to the accumulation amount to the cryptocurrency exchange server 200. The accumulation unit 23 stores the claim generated by the transfer of the accumulation amount as claim information 32 in the storage 12. The accumulation unit 23 also calculates points by multiplying the accumulation amount by a predetermined return rate and stores the calculated points as point information 33 in the storage 12.

[0042] Furthermore, when the cryptocurrency exchange server 200 receives a deposit amount, it deposits the corresponding amount of cryptocurrency of the deposit type into the deposit account.

[0043] The shopping unit 24 performs a shopping transaction with the merchant terminal 400 when a user purchases goods from a merchant using a credit card. Specifically, the shopping unit 24 transfers legal tender equivalent to the purchase price of the goods to the merchant terminal 400. The shopping unit 24 stores the receivable generated by the transfer of the purchase amount as receivable information 32 in the storage 12. The shopping unit 24 also calculates points by multiplying the purchase amount by a predetermined redemption rate and stores the calculated points as point information 33 in the storage 12.

[0044] Figure 5 shows an example of the data structure of debt information stored in the card business operator server according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, debt information 32 is generated on a monthly basis. For each debt incurred by a predetermined closing date (for example, the date on which the billing amount is finalized), information including the date of occurrence, amount, and transaction type is associated and stored in the monthly debt information 32.

[0045] The date of occurrence is the date and time the claim was created. The amount is the amount of the claim. The transaction type is the type of transaction that created the claim. In the example in Figure 5, it is shown that a claim of X1 yen was created on the date of occurrence D1 by a shopping transaction, and a claim of X2 yen was created on the date of occurrence D2 by a savings transaction. It is also shown that the total amount of claims created in the month is Xt yen. Such credit card usage history may be stored on the chain, for example.

[0046] Figure 6 shows an example of the data structure of point information stored in the card operator server according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, the point information 33 includes the date of occurrence, points, and transaction type for each claim that has occurred to date.

[0047] The "Date of Occurrence" is the date and time the points were generated. "Points" is the amount of points generated. "Transaction Type" is the type of transaction that generated the points. In the example in Figure 6, it is shown that points P1 were generated on date D1 through shopping, and points P2 were generated on date D2 through savings. It is also shown that the total points generated in the month is Pt.

[0048] Returning to Figure 3, the functional configuration of the card operator server 100 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0049] The redemption unit 25 refers to the point information 33 on a predetermined day (for example, a few days before the payment due date) and subtracts all of the total points Pt. As a result, the point balance stored in the point information 33 becomes 0. The redemption unit 25 calculates the amount of legal tender equivalent to the total points Pt (redemption amount) and outputs it to the billing unit 26.

[0050] The billing unit 26 refers to the debt information 32 corresponding to the current month on a predetermined date (for example, a few days before the payment due date). If the payment security is the same cryptocurrency as the rebate security, the billing unit 26 calculates the billing amount by subtracting the rebate amount received from the rebate unit 25 from the total debt amount Xt yen in the debt information 32 corresponding to the current month. The billing unit 26 then notifies the cryptocurrency exchange server 200 of the calculated billing amount. The cryptocurrency exchange server 200 debits the payment security corresponding to the notified billing amount from the payment account, converts it to fiat currency, and then sends it to the billing unit 26.

[0051] If the payment asset is a different cryptocurrency from the rebate asset, the billing unit 26 calculates the total amount of claims Xt yen in the claims information 32 corresponding to the current month as the billing amount. The billing unit 26 then notifies the cryptocurrency exchange server 200 of the calculated billing amount and the rebate amount calculated by the rebate unit 25. The cryptocurrency exchange server 200 debits the payment asset corresponding to the notified billing amount from the payment account, converts it to fiat currency, and then sends it to the billing unit 26. The cryptocurrency exchange server 200 also deposits the rebate asset corresponding to the notified rebate amount into the rebate account.

[0052] If the payment instrument is fiat currency, the billing unit 26 calculates the total amount of claims Xt yen in the claims information 32 corresponding to the current month as the billing amount. The billing unit 26 then notifies the bank server 300 of the calculated billing amount. The billing unit 26 also notifies the cryptocurrency exchange server 200 of the rebate amount calculated by the rebate unit 25 and sends the funds. The bank server 300 debits the fiat currency equivalent to the notified billing amount from the payment account and sends it to the billing unit 26. The cryptocurrency exchange server 200 also deposits the rebate instrument equivalent to the rebate amount received into the rebate account.

[0053] When the billing unit 26 receives the fiat currency payment for the billed amount from the cryptocurrency exchange server 200 or the bank server 300, it subtracts the total amount Xt of the claims stored in the claims information 32. As a result, the balance of claims stored in the claims information 32 becomes 0.

[0054] The proposal unit 27 provides users with various information, for example, at a predetermined timing before the billing date, aimed at increasing the volume of cryptocurrency transactions and reducing the risk of non-payment. Specifically, for example, the proposal unit 27 outputs a message to the user terminal 500 prompting the user to change their payment method to cryptocurrency if the user who has registered fiat currency as their payment method meets the first condition. The first condition is a condition set for providing information aimed at increasing the volume of cryptocurrency transactions, and includes, for example, that the monetary value (e.g., the amount converted to fiat currency) of the cryptocurrency deposited in the user's savings account or redemption account is equal to or greater than the first threshold. Also, for example, the proposal unit 27 outputs a message to the user terminal 500 prompting the user to change their payment method to fiat currency if the user who has registered cryptocurrency as their payment method meets the second condition. The second condition is set for the purpose of providing information aimed at reducing the risk of non-payment in crypto assets, and includes, for example, that the monetary value (e.g., converted to fiat currency) of the crypto assets deposited into the user's payment account is less than the second threshold, which is lower than the first threshold.

[0055] 2. Operation Next, the operation of the card operator server according to the embodiment will be described.

[0056] 2.1 Savings Registration Process Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the deposit registration process in the card business operator's server according to the embodiment.

[0057] As shown in Figure 7, when the card provider server 100 receives an application from a user regarding the accumulation of cryptocurrency (start), the registration unit 21 acquires the accumulation information (S11). The timing of the acquisition of the accumulation information by the registration unit 21 may be at the same time as the credit card issuance request or after the issuance request.

[0058] The registration unit 21 determines whether or not credit can be extended to the user based on the deposit information obtained in the processing of S11 and other information contained in the member information 31 concerning the user (S12).

[0059] If it is determined that credit is possible (S12; yes), the registration unit 21 starts accumulating crypto assets using a credit card (S13).

[0060] If credit is denied (S12; no), or after processing S13, the deposit registration process ends (end).

[0061] 2.2 Transaction Processing Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of transaction processing in a card business operator server according to the embodiment. Figure 8 shows the processing of the accumulation unit 23 or the shopping unit 24 when one transaction occurs.

[0062] When a transaction using a credit card by a user occurs (start), the card provider server 100 determines the type of transaction that occurred (S21).

[0063] If the type of transaction is shopping (S21; case A), the shopping unit 24 executes the processes S22, S23, and S24 shown below.

[0064] Specifically, the shopping unit 24 pays the purchase amount to the merchant terminal 400 where the transaction with the user occurred (S22).

[0065] The shopping department 24 records the receivables arising from the payment of the purchase amount in the processing of S22 in the receivables information 32 (S23).

[0066] The shopping department 24 awards points based on the purchase amount paid in the processing of S22 (S24).

[0067] If the type of transaction is a deposit (S21; case B), the deposit unit 23 executes the processes S25, S26, and S27 shown below.

[0068] Specifically, the accumulation unit 23 pays the accumulated amount to the cryptocurrency exchange server 200 that manages the accumulation account (S25).

[0069] The accumulation unit 23 records the receivables arising from the payment of the accumulated amount in the processing of S25 in the receivables information 32 (S26).

[0070] The accumulation unit 23 awards points based on the amount of the accumulated payment made in the process of S25 (S27).

[0071] After processing S24 or S27, the transaction processing is completed (end).

[0072] 2.3 Billing Process Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of billing processing in a card operator server according to the embodiment.

[0073] On a predetermined date before the payment due date (start), the billing unit 26 aggregates the receivables recorded in the receivables information 32 corresponding to the current month (S31). The aggregated receivables may include receivables arising from shopping using credit cards and receivables arising from cryptocurrency accumulation using credit cards.

[0074] The redemption unit 25 aggregates the points recorded in the point information 33 (S32).

[0075] The reduction unit 25 subtracts the total points aggregated in the processing of S32 from the point information 33 (S33).

[0076] The redemption unit 25 calculates the redemption amount corresponding to the total points subtracted from the point information 33 in the processing of S33 (S34).

[0077] The billing unit 26 determines whether the payment security is the same crypto asset as the return security (S35).

[0078] If the payment security is the same cryptocurrency as the rebate security (S35; yes), the billing unit 26 calculates the billing amount based on the total amount of claims aggregated in processing S31 and the rebate amount calculated in processing S34 (S36). Specifically, for example, the billing unit 26 uses the amount obtained by subtracting the rebate amount from the total amount of claims as the billing amount.

[0079] The billing unit 26 notifies the cryptocurrency exchange server 200 or the bank server 300 of the billing amount calculated in processing S36 (S37). Specifically, if both the payment instrument and the rebate instrument are cryptocurrencies, the billing unit 26 notifies the cryptocurrency exchange server 200 of the billing amount. If both the billing amount and the rebate amount are fiat currency, the billing unit 26 notifies the bank server 300 of the billing amount.

[0080] In processing S37, the cryptocurrency exchange server 200 or bank server 300, upon being notified of the invoiced amount, debits the invoiced amount (i.e., the total amount of the claims minus the refund amount) from its payment account and pays it to the card company server 100.

[0081] If the payment security is not the same cryptocurrency as the repayment security (S35; no), the billing unit 26 calculates the billing amount based on the total amount of claims aggregated in the processing of S31 (S38). Specifically, for example, the billing unit 26 uses the total amount of claims as the billing amount.

[0082] The billing unit 26 notifies the cryptocurrency exchange server 200 or the bank server 300 of the billing amount calculated in processing S38 and the rebate amount calculated in processing S34 (S39). Specifically, if the payment instrument and the rebate instrument are different cryptocurrencies, the billing unit 26 notifies the cryptocurrency exchange server 200 of the billing amount and the cryptocurrencies. If the payment instrument is a cryptocurrency and the rebate instrument is fiat currency, the billing unit 26 notifies the cryptocurrency exchange server 200 of the billing amount and the bank server 300 of the rebate amount. If the payment instrument is fiat currency and the rebate instrument is a cryptocurrency, the billing unit 26 notifies the bank server 300 of the billing amount and the bank server 200 of the rebate amount.

[0083] The billing unit 26 determines whether the payment is in legal tender (S40).

[0084] If the payment is in legal tender (S40; yes), the billing unit 26 sends the refund amount calculated in processing S34 to the cryptocurrency exchange server 200 (S41).

[0085] In processing S39, the cryptocurrency exchange server 200, having been notified of the invoiced amount, withdraws the cryptocurrency equivalent to the invoiced amount (i.e., the total amount of the debt) from its payment account, converts it to fiat currency, and pays it to the card operator server 100. In processing S39, the bank server 300, having been notified of the invoiced amount, withdraws the invoiced amount (i.e., the total amount of the debt) from its payment account and pays it to the card operator server 100. In addition, in processing S41, the cryptocurrency exchange server 200, having received the rebate, deposits the cryptocurrency equivalent to the rebate amount notified in processing S39 into its rebate account.

[0086] After processing in S37, if the payment instrument is not legal tender (S40; no), or after processing in S41, the billing unit 26 receives the billed amount from the cryptocurrency exchange server 200 or the bank server 300 (S42).

[0087] The billing unit 26 subtracts the total amount of claims aggregated in processing S31 from the claims information 32 (S43).

[0088] After processing S43, the billing process is complete (end).

[0089] 2.4 Proposal Processing Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the proposal processing in the card operator server according to the embodiment.

[0090] At a predetermined time before the date on which the invoice amount is finalized (start), the proposal unit 27 determines whether the user's payment type is legal tender (S51).

[0091] If the payment is in legal tender (S51; yes), the proposal unit 27 converts the balances of the savings account and the redemption account into legal tender (S52).

[0092] The proposal unit 27 determines whether the balance converted in the process of S52 is equal to or greater than the first threshold (S53).

[0093] If the converted balance of at least one of the savings account and the redemption account is equal to or greater than the first threshold (S53; yes), the proposal unit 27 determines that settlement with cryptocurrency is possible and proposes to the user that the payment security be changed from fiat currency to cryptocurrency (S54).

[0094] If the payment is not fiat currency (i.e., it is a cryptocurrency) (S51; no), the proposal unit 27 converts the balance of the payment account into fiat currency (S55).

[0095] The proposal unit 27 determines whether the balance converted in the process of S55 is less than the second threshold (S56).

[0096] If the converted balance of the payment account is below the second threshold (S56; yes), the proposal unit 27 determines that there is a high risk of non-payment and proposes to the user that the payment security be changed from cryptocurrency to fiat currency (S57).

[0097] If the converted balance of both the savings account and the redemption account is less than the first threshold (S53; no), after processing S54, if the converted balance of the payment account is equal to or greater than the second threshold (S56; no), or after processing S57, the proposed process ends (end).

[0098] 3. Effects according to the embodiment According to the embodiment, the accumulation unit 23 advances the amount to be accumulated periodically using a credit card to accumulate crypto assets of the accumulation type, based on the credit card user's request. The billing unit 26 calculates the billing amount based on the credit card usage amount including the accumulation amount and bills the payment account for the payment type specified by the user. The payment type may also be fiat currency. This allows even users unfamiliar with trading crypto assets through crypto asset exchanges to automatically increase their crypto assets using a credit card that settles in fiat currency.

[0099] Furthermore, if the payment instrument is fiat currency and the amount of the savings account balance converted to fiat currency is equal to or greater than the first threshold, the proposal unit 27 proposes to the user that they change the payment instrument to cryptocurrency. This allows card operators to smoothly guide users who have acquired the ability to settle in cryptocurrency through the savings process from fiat currency to cryptocurrency as their payment method. As a result, users who are not familiar with trading cryptocurrency through cryptocurrency exchanges can be smoothly transitioned from settling in fiat currency to settling in cryptocurrency.

[0100] Furthermore, if the payment instrument is a cryptocurrency and the conversion amount of the payment account balance to fiat currency is below the second threshold, the proposal unit 27 proposes to the user that they change the payment instrument to fiat currency. This allows card operators to smoothly guide users who are determined to lack sufficient ability to settle in cryptocurrency and have a high risk of non-payment to change their payment method from cryptocurrency to fiat currency. This reduces the risk of non-payment.

[0101] Furthermore, the registration unit 21 is configured to switch the payment account from one of cryptocurrency and fiat currency to the other based on the user's request. This allows users who have increased their cryptocurrency holdings through the accumulation process to switch to cryptocurrency settlement in response to a proposal from the proposal unit 27. Also, users who have decreased their cryptocurrency balance in their payment account can switch to fiat currency settlement in response to a proposal from the proposal unit 27 before any unpaid balances occur.

[0102] Furthermore, the reward unit 25 converts credit card usage points, including accumulated points corresponding to the accumulated amount, into a reward amount, and returns the reward amount to the reward account for the reward asset specified by the user. This allows users to obtain more cryptocurrency in proportion to their credit card usage. This makes the transition from fiat currency to cryptocurrency settlements smoother.

[0103] Furthermore, if the rebate is the same as the payment, the billing unit 26 calculates the billed amount by subtracting the rebate amount from the usage amount and bills the payment account. This allows the card operator server 100 to offset some of the billing and rebate processing. As a result, the processing load between the card operator server 100 and the cryptocurrency exchange server 200 can be reduced.

[0104] 4. Variations, etc. Various modifications can be applied to the embodiments described above.

[0105] The above embodiment describes a case where one account is registered as a payment account, but it is not limited to this. For example, multiple accounts, including a primary payment account and a secondary payment account, may be registered as payment accounts. Specifically, it is conceivable that a cryptocurrency account is registered as the primary payment account and a fiat currency account is registered as the secondary payment account. In this case, if the cryptocurrency account set as the primary payment account does not have the cryptocurrency equivalent to the requested amount deposited, the deficit can be requested from the secondary payment account. This further reduces the risk of non-payment. In order to enable this two-stage request, it is desirable to have different dates for making requests to the cryptocurrency exchange server 200 and to making requests to the bank server 300. More specifically, it is desirable that the date for making a request to the cryptocurrency exchange server 200 be set earlier than the date for making a request to the bank server 300.

[0106] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes a case where the card business operator server 100 cooperates with one cryptocurrency exchange server 200, it is not limited to this. For example, the card business operator server 100 may cooperate with multiple cryptocurrency exchange servers 200. In this case, the card business operator server 100 may issue different credit cards to each cryptocurrency exchange server 200.

[0107] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes a case in which a part of the rebate process is offset against the claim, it is not limited to this. For example, the rebate and the claim may be processed separately. In this case, the rebate unit 25 may perform the rebate process between the cryptocurrency exchange server 200 and the bank server 300 without going through the claim unit 26.

[0108] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0109] 1…Cryptocurrency card processing system 11…Control Unit 12…Storage 13…Communication module 14…User Interface 15…Drive 16...Storage medium 21...Registration Department 22…Publishing Department 23…Savings Department 24...Shopping Department 25…Reduction section 26…Billing Department 27…Proposal Department 31…Member Information 32… Debt Information 33... Point Information 100...Card Provider Server 200... Cryptocurrency exchange server 300... Bank Server 400... Merchant terminal 500... User terminal

Claims

1. A registration unit that receives information from credit card users regarding the amount to be deposited, deposit account, and payment account for regularly depositing crypto assets using the said credit card, On a designated deposit date, the deposit unit transfers legal tender equivalent to the deposit amount to the cryptocurrency exchange that manages the deposit account, A billing unit that calculates the billing amount based on the amount of credit card usage including the accumulated amount during a predetermined period, bills the billing amount to the payment account, and receives payment in fiat currency regardless of whether the payment instrument associated with the payment account is cryptocurrency or fiat currency, Equipped with, The registration unit further receives requests from the user to switch the payment account from one of crypto assets and fiat currency to the other. The billing department, after receiving the request, will bill the requested amount to the new payment account and receive payment in legal tender. Cryptocurrency card processing device.

2. If the payment security is in legal tender, obtain a first converted amount by converting the balance of the savings account into legal tender. If the first conversion amount is equal to or greater than the first threshold, the user is offered the option to change the payment security to a cryptocurrency. To further enhance the proposal department, The cryptocurrency card processing device according to claim 1.

3. If the payment security is a cryptocurrency, a second converted amount is obtained by converting the balance of the payment account into legal tender. If the second conversion amount is less than the second threshold, the user is offered the option to change the payment security to legal tender. To further enhance the proposal department, The cryptocurrency card processing device according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned information further includes the rebate account, The accumulation unit calculates accumulation points according to the accumulated amount, The shopping department calculates purchase points based on the amount spent on goods purchased through shopping, The system further includes a rewards unit that calculates the credit card usage points, including the accumulated points and the purchase points, converts the usage points into a reward amount, and returns the reward amount to the rewards account. The cryptocurrency card processing device according to claim 1.

5. The billing unit, when the rebate security associated with the rebate account is the same as the payment security, calculates the billing amount by subtracting the rebate amount from the usage amount, bills the payment account, and receives payment in legal tender. The cryptocurrency card processing device according to claim 4.

6. A method for processing cryptocurrency cards using a cryptocurrency card processing device, The system accepts information from credit card users regarding the amount to be deposited, the deposit account, and the payment account, as information for regularly depositing crypto assets using the aforementioned credit card. On a designated deposit date, transfer the equivalent amount of fiat currency to the cryptocurrency exchange managing the deposit account, The amount to be billed is calculated based on the amount of credit card usage, including the accumulated amount, during a specified period, the amount to be billed to the payment account, and payment is received in fiat currency regardless of whether the payment instrument associated with the payment account is cryptocurrency or fiat currency. Further accepting requests from the user to switch the payment account from one of cryptocurrency and fiat currency to the other, After receiving the aforementioned request, the aforementioned invoice amount will be billed to the new payment account and payment will be received in legal tender. including, Cryptocurrency card processing method.

7. A program for causing a computer to function as a component of the cryptocurrency card processing device described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

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