DXYZ, a Japan-based facial recognition technology company led by President Sei Nakanishi, will begin beta testing FreeiD Pay on Sumitomo Mitsui Card’s stera market on November 20, 2026. The trial will test facial recognition payments through existing stera terminal standard devices. Participating merchants will be able to use the service without installing additional hardware.
Beta testing through stera market
stera market is Sumitomo Mitsui Card’s app marketplace for its Android-based payment terminals. Merchants will be able to add the FreeiD Pay beta app to compatible terminals. The devices already support credit cards, debit cards, electronic money, and QR payments.
Previous trials and company reach
DXYZ previously tested FreeiD Pay at events and commercial facilities in Japan. During a six-day trial at Aeon Mall Tokoname in 2025, 346 people made approximately ¥3.5 million in payments, according to the company. By October 2026, its broader FreeiD platform had been installed in 480 completed residential buildings.
How facial payments work
Customers must first register their facial information through the FreeiD app. At checkout, staff enter the payment amount, and customers look into the terminal camera to authenticate and pay. Users receive app and email confirmations, while merchants can require PIN verification for certain payment amounts.
DXYZ plans to use the beta testing period to improve FreeiD Pay before its official release. The company aims to gradually expand the service to physical stores using stera terminal standard. It is also considering app features for store searches, coupons, visit-based rewards, and exclusive benefits for FreeiD users.