- Aplus cardholders can get crypto by swapping 2,100 points for XRP, BTC, or ETH on VC Trade.
- The XRP token remains the lead token in the offer due to SBI’s link with Ripple.
- Users earn points by spending, and they can redeem these points for real crypto value.
Aplus cardholders in Japan can now redeem their credit card points for XRP, Bitcoin, or Ethereum through a new rewards program. SBI VC Trade and Aplus, a credit card issuer under Shinsei Bank Group, launched a joint initiative enabling cryptocurrency redemptions. Aplus users can exchange 2,100 loyalty points—earned through spending—for ¥2,000 worth of XRP, BTC, or ETH on SBI VC Trade. This program marks a milestone in integrating cryptocurrencies into everyday transactions. The offer enables consumers to access digital assets without incurring additional costs.
Ripple Gains New Ground in Japan
SBI Holdings has moved forward with this rewards initiative, providing lasting tactical support for Ripple and the XRP token. CEO Yoshitaka Kitao, a vocal XRP advocate, sees the program as part of the firm’s broader blockchain vision. When SBI VC Trade launched in 2018, XRP was the only trading asset available. XRP lending services were added earlier this year. The initiative fits within the central bank’s plan to integrate XRP across Japan’s payment ecosystem by 2025. According to official statements, this reinforces SBI’s intention to position XRP at the center of digital financial services in Japan.
The availability of ETH and BTC broadens user choice, covering the top three digital assets by market capitalization. The redemption structure is transparent: for every ¥200 spent, one Aplus Point is awarded. Additionally, a 0.5% bonus is applied to those whose monthly spending exceeds ¥50,000. Points expire two years after the month they are earned. The ease of conversion makes acquiring points very straightforward for daily cardholders, and consequently, it lessens any friction that could deter them from entering the crypto sphere. The points can now be seamlessly converted into digital assets on SBI’s trading platform.
Notably, this follows SBI VC Trade’s rollout of support for the USDC stablecoin in March. The USDC listing from SBI was the first controlled Japanese exchange to list USDC. This aligns with the SBI Group’s goal of building an ecosystem of digital finance based on customer-centric infrastructure. The SBI roadmap integrates crypto access, blockchain lending, and tokenized financial instruments through in-house synergy among financial entities.
Crypto as a Retail Rewards Option
The program enables consumers to convert everyday spending into crypto investments with no additional financial commitment. It targets both experienced crypto holders and newcomers by offering low-risk exposure through existing reward systems. Cardholders do not need prior trading knowledge or exchange registration beyond the redemption interface.
XRP’s involvement appears to be driven by both market strategy and longstanding corporate alignment. Ripple’s technology is used by over 60 Japanese banks, many of which are affiliated with SBI. As legal clarity around XRP’s classification improves, investors anticipate potential price appreciation. Kitao previously suggested XRP’s value could rise sharply if regulators confirm it is not a security.
Related: Dubai Launches Real Estate Tokenization Project on XRPL
Will Points-for-Crypto Be Japan’s On-Ramp to Digital Assets?
The ability to convert reward credits into cryptocurrency could reshape how Japanese consumers engage with financial technology. By linking traditional asset management with the digital economy, SBI may be creating a scalable gateway into the broader crypto ecosystem.
As of press time, XRP trades at $2.29 with a 24-hour rise of 0.13%, according to CoinMarketCap. Significant trading activity occurred, with a 87.71% increase in daily volumes, reaching $4.88 billion. XRP reached a high of around $2.35 and subsequently retreated to its current price. The market capitalization stands at $135.49 billion, backed by the circulating supply of 59.06 billion XRP. With a volume-to-market capitalization ratio of 3.05%, it indicates a high level of investor activity.
