The deal enables the use of JCB cards at UniCredit ATMs and Italian merchants who are clients of the banking group, significantly increasing JCBI's presence in the Italian market and offering more choices to UniCredit customers.

JCBI has increased its presence in Europe in recent years by expanding its merchant network. Currently, JCB cards are accepted by about 29 million merchants worldwide, including several million in Europe. The partnership with UniCredit will further enhance the use of JCB cards in Italy and increase overall brand visibility for JCB cardmembers.

"We are pleased to welcome our new partner to the JCB network. Italy is one of the favorite destinations of Japanese, Asian, and European tourists, so this enhancement of JCB card acceptance will bring more benefits and convenience to JCB card members," said Ryuji Shinzawa, JCBI's Executive Vice President, Head of Sales and Marketing Headquarters - Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Remo Taricani, Italy UniCredit Retail Manager said: "By accepting the JCB payment cards, UniCredit extends its offer of direct payment services. This agreement represents an important step towards the goal of achieving a payment service model fully managed in-house. A few months after agreeing to this launch, we can confirm that our merchants have expressed a high interest in the service and have started accepting JCB cards."