On July 8, 2025, SBI Group’s Aplus card division introduced a pioneering rewards program in Japan that allows credit card users to convert their reward points directly into cryptocurrencies, including XRP, Bitcoin (BTC), and Ethereum (ETH).
This initiative marks the first significant integration of crypto rewards within Japan’s mainstream credit card market, offering consumers a novel way to engage with digital assets.
????BREAKING: Japanese credit card users can now exchange their reward points for crypto like BTC, ETH, and XRP!????
????????SBI’s Aplus card is first to launch a #crypto rewards program within Japan’s credit card ecosystem. pic.twitter.com/YYvfwRIxZq
— Coin Bureau (@coinbureau) July 8, 2025
Under the program, cardholders can exchange 2,100 Aplus Points for 2,000 Japanese yen worth of XRP, BTC, or ETH. This conversion option aims to unlock the value of millions of yen in unused reward points that Japanese consumers accumulate annually, thereby encouraging broader adoption of cryptocurrencies in everyday financial activities.
The inclusion of XRP alongside Bitcoin and Ethereum highlights SBI Group’s longstanding collaboration with Ripple, the company behind XRP. XRP was SBI’s initial cryptocurrency offering when it first entered the digital asset space, establishing it as a foundational token within Japan’s crypto infrastructure.
This development aligns with Japan’s accelerating adoption of XRP across its banking sector. Industry reports forecast that by the end of 2025, nearly 80% of Japanese banks will integrate Ripple’s XRP to enhance cross-border payments and remittances. This integration is expected to significantly reduce transaction costs and processing times, driving wider blockchain adoption in Japan’s financial ecosystem.
The credit card rewards-to-crypto program is poised to serve as a gateway for mainstream consumers to enter the cryptocurrency market, potentially increasing XRP’s user base ahead of its broader implementation in banking systems. By bridging traditional financial services with digital currencies, SBI Group is advancing the normalization of crypto ownership in Japan.
Notably, SBI Holdings denied reports in April 2025 that it was considering divesting a minority stake in its cryptocurrency trading subsidiary, B2C2. B2C2 offers 24/7 trading in major cryptocurrencies and other digital assets. The firm caters to institutional clients, providing execution services and access to a deep liquidity pool.
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