TL;DR
- Rakuten is integrating XRP into its Rakuten Pay app, allowing 44 million users to spend the asset across more than 5 million merchants in Japan.
- Users can also trade XRP directly within the app and convert Rakuten Points into the token, linking crypto with one of the country’s largest loyalty ecosystems.
- The rollout expands Rakuten’s crypto offerings and reinforces the growing role of digital assets in everyday payments.
Rakuten is expanding its digital payments ecosystem by introducing XRP to its widely used Rakuten Pay platform. The integration connects millions of users with a cryptocurrency designed for fast and low-cost transactions, bringing it closer to everyday consumer activity.
— Tats (@tatsuya_kohrogi) April 13, 2026
The Japanese company has steadily built its presence in digital assets over recent years, and this addition strengthens its position as a bridge between traditional commerce and crypto infrastructure.
XRP Payments Integration Across Rakuten Ecosystem
Starting April 15, users gain access to XRP as both a tradable asset and a payment method within the Rakuten Pay app. The update allows customers to convert Rakuten Points into XRP, hold the asset in Rakuten Wallet, and use it for payments across a network of more than 5 million merchants nationwide.
This move links XRP to a loyalty program with over 3 trillion points in circulation, equivalent to roughly $23 billion. By enabling direct conversion between points and crypto, Rakuten reduces barriers for new users entering the digital asset space.
The inclusion of in-app spot trading also simplifies access. Users no longer need external exchanges to gain exposure to XRP, which may increase engagement and liquidity within Rakuten’s ecosystem.
Growing Utility For XRP In Japan Payments Market
Rakuten had already introduced support for bitcoin, ether, and bitcoin cash in 2023, positioning itself early within Japan’s regulated crypto environment. The addition of XRP builds on that foundation and reflects increasing demand for payment-oriented digital assets.
Japan remains one of the most structured markets for crypto adoption, supported by clear regulations and strong consumer protections. Within this environment, XRP’s integration into a widely trusted platform like Rakuten may encourage broader usage beyond trading.
From a market perspective, embedding XRP into everyday payment flows aligns with its original design as a bridge currency. Faster settlement times and lower transaction costs compared to traditional systems remain key advantages, particularly in high-volume environments.
Rakuten’s scale as a consumer platform adds further relevance. Its ecosystem spans e-commerce, fintech, and mobile services, allowing XRP to reach users across multiple touchpoints rather than existing solely as an investment asset.
In conclusion, Rakuten’s XRP rollout reflects a shift toward practical crypto use cases integrated into familiar platforms.
