TOKYO — April 16, 2026

In a move that signals a seismic shift for the retail cryptocurrency market, Rakuten, the Japanese multi-industry giant, has officially unlocked the gates for its millions of users to engage with XRP. By integrating one of the world's most widely used digital assets into its e-commerce and payment infrastructure, the conglomerate is doing more than just adding a feature; it is redefining the utility of digital currency for the average consumer.

From Shopping Rewards to Digital Wealth

The centerpiece of this announcement is the seamless conversion of Rakuten Points. For years, these points have served as a cornerstone of Japanese consumer culture, earned through everything from online shopping to credit card transactions. Now, the roughly 3 trillion points currently in circulation—representing billions in latent value—can be converted directly into XRP.

This mechanism provides a low-friction entry point for individuals who have been curious about digital assets but hesitant to commit personal savings. By allowing loyalty rewards to act as a financial on-ramp, Rakuten has effectively democratized access to the crypto markets. Users can bypass traditional exchange hurdles, moving assets from their reward wallet to their trading balance in seconds.

digital services, the line between earning points and owning global assets has officially disappeared.