Rakuten integrates XRP into payments network for millions of users in Japan

Rakuten, a major Japanese e-commerce company, is integrating XRP into its Rakuten Pay app, enabling its 44 million customers to use the cryptocurrency as a payment method at over 5 million merchant locations across Japan. Starting April 15, users will also be able to spot trade XRP directly within the app and exchange their Rakuten loyalty points to purchase Ripple's token. This move connects XRP to one of Japan's largest loyalty programs, where a significant volume of points can now be converted into XRP. Rakuten Wallet will list XRP as both an asset and a payment method, allowing users to buy XRP with points and use it to fund their Rakuten Cash for spending. This integration is seen as a significant milestone for XRP adoption, embedding it into Rakuten's loyalty and payments infrastructure. Rakuten has previously supported other cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ether, and Bitcoin Cash, and launched its own Rakuten Coin in 2021.

(Source：CoinDesk)