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XRP Jumps As Japan’s Rakuten Pay Integration Boosts Real-World Use
TL;DR
Rakuten's loyalty program now allows users to convert points into XRP, valued at $23 billion. This integration significantly boosts the real-world use of cryptocurrency.
Key points
- Rakuten's loyalty program allows points conversion to XRP
- Valued at $23 billion, Rakuten has over 3 trillion loyalty points
- XRP's price rose to $1.38 following the integration announcement
Mentioned in this story
Rakuten
Japan’s biggest loyalty program may have just become one of crypto’s most unexpected entry points.
A Rewards System Worth $23 Billion Opens Up
Rakuten is sitting on more than 3 trillion loyalty points — valued at roughly $23 billion — and users can now convert those points into XRP. That single detail changes the nature of this integration. It is not just another tech company adding a crypto option.
It is an existing, widely used rewards system being turned into a direct path into digital currency, no exchange account required. Reports confirmed the points-to-XRP conversion feature is part of the rollout inside the Rakuten Pay app and Rakuten Wallet.
The announcement pushed XRP to $1.38, with the token’s market cap climbing above $84 billion. Trading volume came in at $2.4 billion over the past 24 hours, though that figure was down 25% from the prior period.
🚨IT’S OFFICIAL:
XRP is LIVE for 44 million users on one of the largest wallets in Japan, Rakuten Wallet.
Enabling users purchasing anything by using #XRP! pic.twitter.com/pOd9CNXpTe
— JackTheRippler ©️ (@RippleXrpie) April 15, 2026
44 Million Users, 5 Million Merchant Locations
The scale of Rakuten’s network is what makes this stand out. Around 44 million users will be able to hold XRP in the Rakuten Wallet, buy it with loyalty points, and fund Rakuten Cash to spend in physical stores and online.
That covers more than 5 million merchant locations across Japan. Users can also spot trade XRP directly inside the app.
Q&A
How does Rakuten's loyalty program integrate with XRP?
Rakuten's loyalty program allows users to convert over 3 trillion loyalty points into XRP directly within the Rakuten Pay app and Rakuten Wallet.
What impact did the Rakuten Pay integration have on XRP's market value?
The announcement increased XRP's price to $1.38 and raised its market cap above $84 billion, despite a 25% drop in trading volume.
What is the total value of Rakuten's loyalty points?
Rakuten's loyalty points are valued at approximately $23 billion, providing a significant entry point for users into cryptocurrency.
