Japan just found a way to let you earn XRP without spending yen

Key Points

1. Aplus and SBI VC Trade launched a rewards program on July 8, 2025, enabling Aplus credit cardholders to redeem points for XRP, BTC, and ETH.

2. Users earn 1 point per 200 yen spent, with a 0.5% bonus for monthly spending over 50,000 yen, redeemable for approximately 2,000 yen worth of cryptocurrency.

3. XRP's inclusion aligns with SBI Holdings' partnership with Ripple and its utility in fast, low-cost payments compared to Bitcoin and Ethereum.

4. Japan’s clear regulatory framework by the FSA supports cryptocurrency adoption, facilitating initiatives like Aplus’s rewards program.

5. The integration reflects a global trend of blending digital assets with consumer finance, similar to partnerships like Amex-Coinbase in the US.