Japanese APLUS cardholders have gained a new way to use points by exchanging ciphers. Starting this week, APLUS customers can now convert reward points to XRP, Bitcoin, or Ether.
This will make it the country’s first major reward system to offer direct cryptocurrency redemption, rather than regular cash, merchandise, or airline miles.
This new option allows users to trade around 13-15 US dollars with crypto over 2,000 yen, depending on the exchange rate. Essentially, the program connects daily spending directly to crypto ownership without requiring people to invest from their pockets.
Users don’t need technical background either. Only points and accounts with access to SBIVC trades or APLUS portal. It’s a small amount, but turns daily transactions into a route to XRP, BTC or ETH, with zero cash.
Aplus users earn points from spending and get bonuses for higher usage
Every time someone spends 200 yen using their Aplus credit card, they earn 1 point. Anyone who spends over 50,000 yen per month will receive a bonus rate and receive a 0.5% extra points. These points remain active for two years after they are acquired. This means that customers don’t have to hurry up and redeem.
Cryptographic integration remains the same. It adds another option to what people can do at their own point. That may not sound much, but this opens the door for users who have never touched Crypto. You don’t need to study blockchain, open a special wallet, or buy ciphers directly. They spend their time as usual, earn points and redeem when they’re ready.
People can log in to XRP, Bitcoin, or Etheric points either into their APLUS portal or in their SBI VC Trade account.
Also, while crypto is earned via points rather than cash, users are bound by national crypto rules, including tax obligations, which does not mean they have no surveillance.
So let’s say someone redeems their points for bitcoin and it increases value before it sells it.
This means that users must either maintain their assets in SBI VC trades or manually transfer them to a private wallet. It is entirely up to them to handle custody and ensure their code is secure.
However, it remains to be seen whether people can redeem their code each month, or if there are restrictions.
There is also a size issue. If you get a crypto worth 2,000 yen, you may not move the needle for a large investor. But for people who are new to Crypto or are curious, this setup may be the easiest way to start holding XRP, Bitcoin, or ether without many headaches.
Kobayashi, senior manager at SBI VC Trade, explained that the goal is to provide a secure and easy entry point for people who have never owned a code before. “With reward points, you can do that without asking for cash risks or dealing with exchanges.”
Still, clear communication will be important if this program grows. Aplus has not yet released full guidelines, which is causing the question. Users want to know each month whether there is a minimum balance or whether it changes based on the cipher you choose.
Some customers may postpone until those answers come up.
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