Rakuten Wallet users can now spend XRP at more than 5 million merchant locations across Japan. The feature, announced by a Ripple manager in April 2024, launched quietly this week after a two-year buildout. It’s the first time XRP has been enabled for mass retail payments in the country’s largest consumer network.
How Users Spend XRP Today
Wallet holders convert Rakuten Points directly into XRP within the app. They trade the cryptocurrency without leaving the platform. Then they load Rakuten Cash using that XRP value for seamless checkouts. No external steps are required.
The 2024 Promise Fulfilled
A Ripple manager confirmed the partnership publicly on April 30, 2024. It took over two years to activate. The delay wasn’t explained but the timing aligns with Japan’s revised crypto regulations taking effect this year.
Why 5 Million Locations Matters
That number covers virtually every major store in Japan that accepts Rakuten. The integration turns XRP into a practical payment tool overnight. Users aren’t trading coins for goods—they’re spending converted value like regular cash.
What’s Still Unchanged
Rakuten hasn’t added other cryptocurrencies. XRP remains the sole option. The platform also isn’t offering new rewards for XRP transactions beyond the standard point conversions already available. Users report no issues since launch Tuesday.
Next Week’s Reality Check
Japan’s Financial Services Agency will review the service during its quarterly crypto compliance sweep starting May 15. Any adjustments would likely arrive after that deadline.
