XRP News Today: Japan's Aplus Card Launches First Crypto Rewards Program via SBI Partnership

Japan’s Aplus credit card, operated by Shinsei Bank, has partnered with SBI VC Trade to launch a groundbreaking program allowing cardholders to convert reward points into cryptocurrencies such as XRP, Bitcoin, and Ethereum [1]. The initiative, which officially commenced on July 8, 2025, enables users to redeem 2,100 points—equivalent to 2,000 yen (roughly $13–$15)—for crypto via the SBI VC Trade platform. This marks the first time a major Japanese credit card rewards program offers direct point-to-crypto conversion, signaling SBI Holdings’ broader strategy to embed XRP into mainstream financial systems.

The program leverages a loyalty structure where cardholders earn 1 point for every 200 yen spent. Once accumulated, these points can be exchanged for digital assets, creating a bridge between daily consumer spending and cryptocurrency. SBI’s long-standing support for XRP, including its early 2018 listing on its crypto exchange, underscores its role as a key advocate for the token’s utility in payments. By integrating XRP into Aplus’ rewards ecosystem, SBI is advancing its vision of blockchain-based finance as a mainstream alternative to traditional rewards like cashback or gift cards.

Regulatory clarity in Japan has been a critical enabler of this initiative. The program operates under the oversight of the Financial Services Agency (FSA), ensuring compliance with consumer protection standards [1]. This regulatory backing differentiates the Aplus program from similar global efforts, where crypto rewards often lack clear legal frameworks. Japan’s proactive stance, including the Bank of Japan’s 2025 cross-border payment trials involving XRP, further validates the token’s potential as a bridging tool for international transactions [2].

While the program’s immediate impact is modest—redemption values are relatively small and users bear responsibility for managing their crypto assets—it addresses a key barrier to adoption: accessibility. By offering crypto rewards through a familiar system like credit card points, Aplus reduces entry costs for crypto-curious consumers. This aligns with broader trends seen in markets like the U.S., where Mastercard and Amex have experimented with crypto rewards via partners like Coinbase [1]. However, the Aplus program stands out for its regulatory alignment and the strategic emphasis on XRP, a token SBI has championed for years.

The initiative has coincided with a notable price surge for XRP, which hit a record high of $3.65 on July 18, 2025. Analysts attribute this partly to growing institutional interest in Ripple’s cross-border payment partnerships and the approval of an XRP-focused ETF [3]. While the program itself may not single-handedly drive such gains, it contributes to increased demand by expanding XRP’s use cases. For SBI, the move reinforces its position as a leader in Japan’s crypto market, leveraging its consumer finance infrastructure to drive adoption.

Looking ahead, the success of the program hinges on several factors. The Bank of Japan’s cross-border payment experiments could cement XRP’s role in international settlements, while the resolution of Ripple’s ongoing SEC lawsuit—expected by 2030—may determine whether XRP retains its utility as a payment tool or faces regulatory restrictions [4]. For now, the Aplus program represents a pragmatic step toward normalizing crypto in everyday finance, particularly in regions where regulatory frameworks are evolving.

Source:

[1] [XRP News: SBI Expands XRP Use in Japan With New Reward Program] [https://coinpedia.org/news/xrp-news-sbi-expands-xrp-use-in-japan-with-new-reward-program/]

[2] [Japan just found a way to let you earn XRP without ...] [https://cointelegraph.com/explained/japan-just-found-a-way-to-let-you-earnxrp-without-spending-yen]

[3] [XRP Hits $3.65 All-Time High on ETF Growth and ...] [https://www.ainvest.com/news/xrp-news-today-xrp-hits-3-65-time-high-etf-growth-partnerships-10-drop-regulatory-uncertainty-2507/]

[4] [XRP News: SBI Expands XRP Use in Japan With New Reward Program] [https://coinpedia.org/news/xrp-news-sbi-expands-xrp-use-in-japan-with-new-reward-program/]