Japanese credit card holders can now swap loyalty points for crypto like BTC, ETH, and XRP.
- SBI’s APLUS program adds crypto to its rewards catalog
- Over 2,000 yen worth of tokens available for 2,100 points
- Rewards sent directly to users’ VC Trade accounts
Crypto Now Part of APLUS Rewards
People using the APLUS credit card points program in Japan can now exchange those points for bitcoin (BTC), ether (ETH), or XRP. This service is run by SBI Group’s exchange platform, VC Trade. Users need 2,100 points to get crypto worth more than 2,000 yen, which is about $13 today.
Available Only for Qualifying Cards
Not all cards can use this service. It only works for cards that are part of the APLUS Points program. Also, users have to choose to use this feature — it’s not automatic. The crypto earned is sent straight to the user’s VC Trade account, where they can hold it or sell it later.
Why This Is Important
This is the first time APLUS has offered crypto as a reward. Before this, the program only gave rewards through cashbacks or deals with partner brands. SBI Group says this move gives users a small, safe way to try out crypto without needing to risk large amounts of money or get involved in complex trading.
Crypto Adoption Grows in Japan
Japan has strict laws around digital assets. The country is known for its careful rules, which makes any legal crypto move more meaningful. By adding cryptocurrency to a common rewards program, SBI is showing that crypto can work within these rules. It may also help more people become familiar with crypto in a simple and safe way.
SBI and XRP’s Long History
SBI has supported Ripple and XRP for a long time. In fact, XRP was the first token available on VC Trade when it launched in 2018. This current rewards move continues their push for XRP use in Japan. It also introduces Ethereum and Bitcoin, showing that SBI is opening up to wider options for users.
Source: coindesk.com
