“Can a global messaging super app monetize its hundreds of millions of users by embedding a full-featured digital wallet and payment layer directly inside the chat experience?”
Founded in 2010 as a VoIP and messaging app, Viber was acquired by Rakuten in 2014 and evolved into one of Europe's leading messaging super apps. In 2022, Viber launched Viber Pay via Rapyd, signaling a strategic push into embedded payments within its chat interface. By late 2025, it migrated Viber Pay's infrastructure to Paynetics, extending the offering with Visa virtual cards to over 1 million European users — underscoring a deliberate move to monetize its large user base through financial services layered onto messaging.
Rakuten Viber discloses Paynetics as its banking provider, according to the Embedded Finance Index 2026.
Rakuten Viber does not disclose a bank charter of its own; its banking services are provided through Paynetics.
Rakuten Viber processes payments through Rapyd (former — replaced 2025) and Paynetics.
Rakuten Viber's cards are issued through Paynetics (Visa virtual debit cards).
Rakuten Viber uses Rapyd (former — cross-border P2P, 2022–2025), Paynetics (current) and Rapyd for FX and cross-border payouts.
The Embedded Finance Index 2026 maps 4 layers in Rakuten Viber's stack: Payments / PSP (Rapyd (former — replaced 2025) and Paynetics); Banking / BaaS (Paynetics); Card issuing (Paynetics (Visa virtual debit cards)); FX & payouts (Rapyd (former — cross-border P2P, 2022–2025), Paynetics (current) and Rapyd).
Rakuten Viber is founded in 2010 and headquartered in Luxembourg (Viber Media S.à r.l.).
Get a read on where your own stack stands against Rakuten Viber and the rest of its category — what they built versus bought, which providers they use, and where the gaps in your own strategy and competitive set actually are.