SBI and Visa Launch XRP Rewards Credit Cards in Japan

Japan's financial giant SBI Group is one of Ripple's largest partners, collaborating with Visa to introduce XRP rewards into everyday spending.

SBIs CEO Yoshitaka Kitao highlighted the initiative yesterday on X, introducing two new credit cards that automatically convert reward points into cash. XRP is listed alongside Bitcoin and Ethereum.

This development marks another important step forward for SBI Holdings, which has long been committed to integrating crypto assets into the mainstream financial system. Notably, this move strengthens the company’s commitment to promoting XRP in Japan, as SBI has been one of XRP’s most steadfast institutional supporters.

• SBI Holdings partners with Visa to launch an XRP rewards credit card in Japan.
• The new card automatically converts spending rewards into cryptocurrencies such as XRP and Bitcoin.
• The company has launched a promotion running from May 1, 2026, to May 31, 2026.
• During the promotion, regular cardholders can earn up to 2.5% in rewards, while gold cardholders can earn up to 10%.

According to the official announcement, the State Bank of India (SBI) officially launched two new Visa credit cards on May 1, 2026: the SBI Visa Crypto Card and the SBI Visa Crypto Gold Card.

The Standard SBI Visa Crypto Card is designed for customers who want to invest in cryptocurrency more conveniently through everyday spending, while the Gold Card focuses on helping users accumulate more cryptocurrency more efficiently.

Both cards allow users to earn reward points through everyday spending. SBI automatically converts these points into the user’s chosen cryptocurrency at no additional fee. When applying for the card, customers can select XRP, Bitcoin, or other cryptocurrencies.Ethereum.

In addition, SBI highlighted its unique features related to its SBI Securities Investment Trust Savings service. Through this integration, users can automatically accumulate cryptocurrency based on their monthly investment trust savings activities. SBI describes this as Japan’s first cryptocurrency rewards system tied to credit card investment trust savings.

To accelerate adoption, SBI has launched a special promotion starting on May 1, 2026, and running through May 31, 2026. During the promotion, standard cardholders can earn up to 2.5% in cryptocurrency rewards, while gold cardholders can earn up to 10%.

In addition, Gold Card holders who spend over 2 million JPY (12,773 USD) annually receive a cryptocurrency reward equivalent to the annual fee.

Although the card supports rewards in Bitcoin in addition to Ethereum, the inclusion of XRP remains significant for the two largest cryptocurrencies globally. This move further demonstrates SBI’s ongoing commitment to XRP. Support is vital for the Ripple ecosystem and XRP’s long-term role in finance.

For years, SBI has supported XRP and promoted Ripple’s technology as a vital component of the future financial system.

Last month, SBI also entered into a strategic partnership with DSRV to explore how the XRP Ledger can improve remittance processes between South Korea and Japan. Additionally, the company launched a token issuance platform based on the XRP Ledger.