Japanese financial giant SBI Holdings has teamed up with Aplus, part of the Shinsei Bank Group, to allow credit card holders to exchange loyalty points for popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP.
This marks the first time digital assets have been included as redeemable rewards in the Aplus Points programme, which until now offered only goods, vouchers, cash, or airline miles.
Cardholders earn one Aplus Point for every ¥200 spent, with a 0.5% bonus kicking in for monthly spending above ¥50,000.
Points remain valid for two years, giving users plenty of time to cash in.
Under the new scheme, 2,100 points can be swapped for around ¥2,000 ($13.64) worth of crypto — a small amount, but a novel way to nudge everyday users toward digital currencies.
Source: SBI
SBI’s crypto arm, SBI VC Trade, said,
“This is the first time that cryptocurrencies have appeared as exchange prizes for APLUS points.”
The presence of XRP alongside Bitcoin and Ethereum isn’t accidental.
SBI has been a key Ripple partner for years, with XRP as the only token available on its exchange at launch in 2018.
The firm has since expanded XRP offerings, including lending products and NFT projects on the XRP Ledger.
Integrating XRP into credit card rewards continues SBI’s strategy of blending traditional finance with blockchain innovation.
At first glance, the scheme may seem limited.
The current redemption cap at roughly $13 per transaction suggests this is more an experiment than a full-scale roll-out.
The value of the Japanese yen, which has weakened recently, means these points don’t convert to much crypto.
Details on how assets are custodied or transferred remain unclear.
Despite this, the programme may pave the way for broader acceptance of crypto rewards in Japan’s established financial system.
While many countries wrestle with crypto regulations, Japan maintains a balanced approach that encourages cautious innovation.
SBI’s credit card scheme fits into this picture, where crypto is integrated thoughtfully rather than adopted wildly.
The inclusion of cryptocurrencies as loyalty rewards is a subtle yet clear sign that digital assets are being woven into everyday financial habits.
Japan’s approach contrasts with the often uncertain or restrictive attitudes seen elsewhere.
If users respond positively, this small initiative could inspire other financial firms in Japan to follow suit, expanding crypto options in loyalty programmes.
It also hints at a potential future where blockchain technology and everyday finance collide seamlessly.
As digital assets find footing in rewards systems, the way consumers interact with crypto could shift from niche investing to regular spending and earning.
The SBI and Aplus partnership raises a provocative question: can cryptocurrencies become as common as air miles or gift vouchers in loyalty schemes?
While the current limits are modest, the move reveals a willingness among established finance players to rethink rewards through a digital lens.
If such programmes grow, they might redefine value exchange in personal finance, blurring lines between traditional currency and digital tokens — not just for investors, but for anyone holding a credit card.
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