In a groundbreaking development for digital asset integration, Aplus, a credit card service under the Shinsei Bank Group, has teamed up with SBI VC Trade to allow customers to redeem reward points for cryptocurrencies, including XRP. This marks the first time cryptocurrencies have been included in the Aplus Points program, signaling a new chapter for mainstream crypto adoption in Japan.
Cryptocurrency Joins the Aplus Points Program
Aplus cardholders can now convert their accumulated points into major digital assets: XRP, Bitcoin (BTC), and Ethereum (ETH). Until now, Aplus Points could only be exchanged for traditional rewards such as consumer goods, digital vouchers, cash equivalents, and mileage programs. For example, customers could transfer 1,000 points into All Nippon Airways (ANA) miles.
The system is simple: users earn 1 Aplus Point for every ¥200 spent, and those who spend over ¥50,000 in a month receive a 0.5% bonus. Points are valid for two years from the month they are earned, giving customers a generous window for redemption.
With this latest update, customers can now redeem 2,100 points for ¥2,000 worth of XRP, BTC, or ETH, providing an easy on-ramp for cardholders looking to enter the world of crypto through everyday spending.
SBI VC Trade Leads the Integration
This development is made possible through a partnership with SBI VC Trade, the digital asset exchange arm of SBI Holdings, one of Japan’s largest financial groups. The move underscores SBI’s ongoing commitment to expanding the utility of cryptocurrencies in Japan’s traditional financial systems.
SBI’s relationship with Ripple has been particularly strong. When SBI VC Trade launched in 2018, XRP was the only available trading option on the platform. Since then, SBI has expanded its XRP-related offerings, including the introduction of XRP lending services earlier this year.
Additionally, SBI Holdings has embraced blockchain-based innovations, launching non-fungible token (NFT) projects on the XRP Ledger (XRPL), further demonstrating its investment in Ripple’s ecosystem and its broader belief in Web3 infrastructure.
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XRP’s Continued Momentum in Japan
XRP’s inclusion in this cutting-edge reward program is yet another sign of its strong position in the Japanese market. Unlike in other regions where regulatory uncertainty has clouded the token’s future, Japan has maintained a clear, supportive stance, enabling XRP to flourish in both retail and institutional spaces.
The fact that XRP is part of this initiative is no surprise. With deep-rooted ties to SBI Holdings and a solid foundation in Japan’s crypto landscape, XRP remains one of the country’s most widely accepted and actively promoted digital assets.
A Glimpse Into the Future
This integration could signal a broader trend in how traditional financial products engage with digital currencies. By allowing customers to passively gain exposure to cryptocurrencies through daily spending, Aplus and SBI VC Trade are bridging the gap between conventional finance and the decentralized future.
If widely adopted, such models could revolutionize the way reward programs function, turning routine purchases into opportunities for investment in emerging technologies.
The addition of XRP, alongside Bitcoin and Ethereum, to the Aplus Points program is more than just a new redemption option—it’s a clear indication of Japan’s forward-thinking approach to crypto adoption. Backed by the influential SBI Group and seamlessly integrated into an everyday financial tool, XRP continues to cement its role as a leader in Japan’s evolving digital finance ecosystem.
Disclaimer: This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are urged to do in-depth research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses.
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