- Aplus, part of SBI Shinsei Bank Group, now allows credit card users to redeem Aplus Points for XRP.
- XRP’s inclusion aligns with SBI’s longstanding relationship with Ripple.
- The move reflects growing crypto acceptance in Japan’s regulated financial sector.
Aplus Co., a subsidiary of SBI Shinsei Bank Group, has partnered with SBI VC Trade to allow credit card users to redeem reward points for leading cryptocurrencies, including XRP, Bitcoin, and Ethereum.
Cryptocurrency Now a Redemption Option for Aplus Points
Aplus, a popular credit card and financial services provider in Japan, has expanded its rewards ecosystem by enabling the conversion of customer loyalty points into digital assets.
This initiative, according to an official press release, is carried out in collaboration with SBI VC Trade, the cryptocurrency exchange arm of SBI Holdings, one of Japan’s most influential financial conglomerates.
Aplus cardholders can now redeem 2,100 Aplus Points for ¥2,000 worth of XRP, Bitcoin (BTC), or Ethereum (ETH). The points are accumulated based on card spending and were previously limited to redemptions for merchandise, gift cards, cash, or transfers to affiliated loyalty programs.
Also Read: XRP Registers Identical Inflows as Ripple Seeks U.S. Banking Approval
This initiative marks one of the most direct integrations of crypto assets into mainstream financial loyalty systems in Japan. It reflects growing consumer interest in digital currencies and aligns with SBI’s broader strategy to promote crypto adoption across financial services.
“This is the first time that cryptocurrencies have appeared as exchange prizes for APLUS Points,” the release reads.
XRP Featured Prominently Due to SBI-Ripple Alliance
The inclusion of XRP as one of the redeemable assets is consistent with SBI Holdings’ long-standing relationship with Ripple. SBI has been a major advocate of XRP’s use in financial applications, dating back to 2016 when the firm first began exploring blockchain for cross-border settlement.
SBI VC Trade, launched in 2018, initially offered XRP as its sole trading option, a testament to its strategic alignment with Ripple. Since then, the exchange has expanded its offerings and continued to support XRP-centric innovations.
Earlier this year, SBI VC Trade introduced XRP lending services, enabling users to earn interest by depositing their tokens. In addition, SBI Holdings launched a native NFT platform on the XRP Ledger, further solidifying its commitment to Ripple’s blockchain ecosystem.
Crypto Rewards Reflect Broader Adoption Trends in Japan
This development arrives amid a broader wave of cryptocurrency adoption across Japan’s financial sector. Regulatory clarity provided by Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) has allowed licensed exchanges like SBI VC Trade to safely expand their services, including staking, lending, and point integration.
Experts see the introduction of crypto point redemption as a strategic move to drive user engagement among younger demographics increasingly comfortable with digital assets.
SBI’s integration of crypto into its credit card rewards program represents a step toward normalizing digital asset use in everyday financial products, a trend also observed in parts of the U.S. and South Korea.
Future Outlook
As the partnership between Aplus and SBI VC Trade matures, more offerings are expected, such as dynamic crypto cashback features, automated conversion of unused points into digital assets, or additional token options aligned with Japan’s regulatory guidelines.
SBI Holdings has long signaled its vision of a blockchain-enabled financial future. By embedding digital assets into routine financial activities such as credit card rewards, it continues to solidify its position as a pioneer of crypto-finance integration in Asia.
Also Read: Analyst Says ‘Something Big is Brewing’ as $1.7 Million XRP Shifts From Coinbase
