In February 2026, Mitsubishi UFJ NICOS Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as Mitsubishi UFJ NICOS) and Zenhoren Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as Zenhoren) launched the “Mitsubishi UFJ Card Plan,” which combines rent liability guarantees and rent payments by credit card. It is the first product jointly developed by Mitsubishi UFJ NICOS and Zenhoren since the latter became a consolidated subsidiary (sub-subsidiary) of the Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group in April 2025. In an interview with Mitsubishi UFJ NICOS’ Reiji Mihara and Akihiro Yanagihara and Zenhoren’s Yusuke Uradaira and Hiroaki Terajima, who ran the project, we learned what was special about the plan and what inspired its development.

The biggest advantage is that points can be earned by paying rent. Tenants are awarded 0.6 Global Points (equivalent to a 0.3% reward rate) for every 1,000 yen they spend with a Mitsubishi UFJ Card. What’s more, they are eligible to enroll in the “Point Up Program” in which a rebate of up to 20% in the form of points can be claimed if they pay by credit card at participating stores and also meet certain requirements. Mihara says,

“While rent accounts for a big portion of one’s expenditures, credit cards are yet to be a common form of payment. It is a meaningful step to get involved in rent payments through our new product, “Mitsubishi UFJ Card Plan.” Together with another feature in which customers receive a rebate in the form of points by shopping at convenience stores and supermarkets, we will aim to make our credit card the best-suited main card for users’ everyday life.” (Mihara)

Another benefit is the simplicity of the process. When signing a rent liability guarantee agreement, tenants can apply for a Mitsubishi UFJ Card and register the card for their rent payments at the same time, both using a smartphone. They do not need to sign the rent liability guarantee agreement, apply for a credit card and register the card to charge rent payments separately; these procedures can be completed all at once. Yanagihara elaborates:

“Signing a lease agreement involves a lot of paperwork, which is a burden for customers. Given this situation, it is a great advantage to have this mechanism in which paying monthly rent via a credit card can begin right away.” (Yanagihara)

Furthermore, the electronic contract system has been revamped. This is in response to a challenge that the real estate industry had faced, namely, slow progress towards digitization because of long-standing business practices.

“Executing contracts traditionally required affixing the seals of both the tenant and the landlord. We introduced a system where a contract can be finalized only with the electronic signature of the tenant. This will reduce lead time by up to a month, allowing for a speedy start to credit card payments. This also has massively cut back on management tasks assumed by real estate companies.” (Uradaira)

This plan greatly benefits real estate companies as well. Terajima describes a real issue faced by the industry: “Costs, such as merchant fees incurred to member businesses, were an obstacle in introducing the system of charging rent to a credit card.”

“In this plan, Mitsubishi UFJ NICOS and Zenhoren worked together to reduce costs to the lowest possible. This allows realtors to suggest potential tenants, without worrying about the costs, that rent can be paid with a Mitsubishi UFJ Card. This will help realtors attract more customers.” (Terajima)

One of the biggest advantages is Zenhoren’s vast network; it partners with real estate companies with approximately 56,000 offices across the country.

“Our broad network covers not only leading firms but also local realtors. We believe that it is an innovative idea for the industry that any office can accept card payments.” (Uradaira)

This project was launched less than a year after the TOB was announced. This outcome resulted from combining the strengths of Mitsubishi UFJ NICOS and Zenhoren. Mihara reveals what went on behind the scenes of the collaboration:

“We ensured that we were always on the same page, not only regarding the ease of initial procedures but also regarding the operation after a payment begins. We were able to mutually make the most of both companies’ strengths, such as sales capabilities and the customer base, because we belong to the same group, although we are two different companies. We found solutions to issues together. We took time to discuss on multiple occasions the pursuit of ways that we both could agree on.” (Mihara)

For Yanagihara, hope is mounting for future expansion.

“In the past, the rent guarantee company and the payment method were often separated every time one relocated. We would be happy if a future tenant chose Zenhoren because they want to pay by Mitsubishi UFJ Card, and continued to use the Mitsubishi UFJ Card when shopping in the new location.” (Yanagihara)

Terajima adds, “Rent guarantee companies are used in 80% to 90% of individual contracts. It would be great if you could mention, ‘I want to pay by Mitsubishi UFJ Card’ when you rent a room.” Uradaira already has a picture of the future:

“When you move, the first party you come into contact with is a rent guarantee company. Having this as a hub, we hope to extend our reach to broader services in the future. As a member of the MUFG Group, we want to grow to be able to return profits to the entire Group.” (Uradaira)

This service links a rent liability guarantee with a credit card payment, using rent, a central expense in life, as its starting point. Backed by the collective strengths of the Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, it aims to acquire approximately 100,000 new members annually.

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