XRP Adoption Grows as SBI Japan Converts Card Points to Crypto

XRP adoption continues to expand in Japan as SBI Group introduces a new program allowing credit card users to convert their APLUS loyalty points into cryptocurrency. This initiative marks another step toward integrating digital assets, such as XRP, bitcoin (BTC), and ether (ETH), into everyday consumer rewards in a compliant and user-friendly manner.

Announced by SBI’s credit card unit, APLUS, eligible cardholders can now redeem their accumulated APLUS Points for cryptocurrency, bridging the gap between traditional rewards programs and decentralized finance. The program is opt-in and only available to users with qualifying APLUS cards, reaffirming SBI’s careful positioning to keep the venture compliant with Japan’s strict financial regulations.

Under the new feature, 2,100 points can be exchanged for cryptocurrencies worth just over 2,000 Japanese yen, approximately USD $13 based on current exchange rates. The purchased digital assets are automatically deposited into users’ VC Trade accounts — SBI’s own cryptocurrency exchange platform — which has supported XRP from its inception in 2018.

While the amount users can earn may seem modest, the symbolic value of this offering is significant. This is the first time APLUS has included cryptocurrencies in its rewards catalog, which previously focused on traditional options such as cash-back incentives and partnerships with retail businesses. For SBI, the move is a strategic method of introducing cryptocurrency to everyday users without promoting speculative investing or trading.

The initiative also reflects the increasing mainstream maturity of cryptocurrency infrastructure in Japan. Unlike many other jurisdictions, Japan maintains a tightly regulated digital asset ecosystem, and this rollout demonstrates both regulatory compliance and growing public trust in digital assets like XRP. It enables everyday users to experience crypto ownership in an approachable context — leveraging a familiar reward format rather than complex trading platforms or promotional gimmicks.

Notably, SBI’s long-standing relationship with Ripple, the company behind XRP, is once again central to the development. XRP was the first digital asset to be listed on VC Trade when it launched, and SBI has consistently championed Ripple’s technology across financial use cases, particularly in cross-border payments. This newest integration furthers SBI’s efforts in fostering XRP utility among its consumer base.

With this rewards initiative, SBI creates low-risk crypto exposure opportunities tailored for mainstream users. This could pave the way for wider adoption of cryptocurrencies — and XRP especially — by making the interaction more seamless and trustworthy. It also sets a strong precedent for how financial institutions can innovate within regulatory frameworks, using everyday financial tools like loyalty programs to introduce customers gently to digital assets.

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As Japan maintains leadership in cryptocurrency regulation and innovation, SBI’s program could serve as a roadmap for others seeking responsible crypto integration. And with XRP featured prominently in the offering, its visibility and relevance in everyday consumer finance could continue to grow.