XRP Mastercard is making waves as it catapults Gemini past Coinbase on the U.S. Apple App Store, despite the latter’s dominant trading volumes. The surprising rise in Gemini’s app rankings occurred shortly after it launched its XRP Rewards Card, signaling a powerful blend of crypto adoption and user engagement.

Although Coinbase boasts significantly higher transaction volumes, Gemini’s newly released XRP-backed Mastercard rewards feature appears to be driving a surge in user downloads. According to current app store rankings, Gemini now holds a higher position in the finance section than its long-time rival Coinbase.

This sudden rise comes as Gemini introduces a game-changing credit product: the XRP Rewards Card. Through this offering, users can make everyday purchases while earning cashback in the form of XRP, a unique twist on the standard crypto rewards model. This innovation seems to have resonated with users looking to combine traditional spending with cryptocurrency investments.

Despite Coinbase’s leadership in terms of crypto volume and market presence, the convenience and reward ecosystem provided by Gemini’s partnership with Mastercard has struck a chord with both investors and day-to-day users. The card’s seamless integration with Gemini’s mobile platform makes it even easier for users to earn and track their XRP rewards in real time.

In the increasingly competitive arena of mobile crypto platforms, user experience often rivals raw trading capacity. Gemini’s recent app update and the XRP rewards rollout have clearly impacted its visibility and attractiveness on mainstream platforms. The timing was also ideal, given growing interest in accessing crypto through day-to-day financial tools.

This development is also a significant nod to Ripple and its ongoing effort to make XRP a practical digital asset rather than merely a speculative one. By allowing users to earn XRP through real-world transactions, the card promotes broader adoption and usage of the token beyond trading on exchanges.

While Coinbase retains its crown as the largest U.S.-based crypto exchange by volume, it now faces rising pressure to adapt and innovate beyond basic trading capabilities. Gemini’s success implies that utility-focused offerings—such as XRP rewards—could alter how users choose their preferred platforms.

The financial technology space continues to evolve rapidly, and integrations like Gemini’s XRP Mastercard represent a growing trend toward making crypto spending simple, rewarding, and accessible. Whether this momentum will continue or spark similar initiatives from competitors like Coinbase remains to be seen.

For users, the key takeaway is clear: crypto isn’t just for trading anymore—it’s becoming part of everyday financial behavior, with XRP helping lead the charge.

Related: XRP Price: $12M Max Pain for Bears

Gemini climbs app store rankings after launching XRP Mastercard rewards card.