Rakuten Integrates XRP for 44 Million Users, Expands Payments to 5 Million Merchants
Key Takeaways
- Rakuten Wallet enables XRP payments for 44 million users across 5 million Japanese merchants.
- Users can convert loyalty points to XRP and load XRP into Rakuten Cash.
- The integration marks a major expansion of XRP’s real-world utility in Japan’s payments ecosystem.
Rakuten Integrates XRP
Rakuten integrated XRP into its payment infrastructure, giving 44 million users access to spend the cryptocurrency across more than 5 million merchants.
“XRP climbs toward $1”
Users can buy XRP using Rakuten Points and hold it within Rakuten Wallet.
The integration ties XRP into one of Japan's largest rewards systems, where over $23 billion worth of points are in circulation.
The move marks one of the most significant XRP milestones to date, according to Ripple's senior ecosystem growth manager.
XRP's price responded by climbing from around $1.32 to $1.38, breaking out of prior resistance on strong volume.
Market Reaction and Technicals
XRP's price moved from $1.32 to $1.38 on strong volume, breaking out of the resistance zone.
Whale accumulation and rising open interest indicated sustained buying.
XRP remains within a broader downtrend channel.
A clean break above $1.40 to $1.42 is needed to signal stronger upside momentum.
The 14-day RSI was at 61, and the MACD had a bullish value of 0.009.
Loyalty Points Conversion
Rakuten users can convert their loyalty points into XRP.
“XRP Rebounds on Rakuten Payment-App Hopes, but Trend Reversal Is Not Yet Confirmed Summary - CoinDesk said investor sentiment improved on news that XRP is being considered for Rakuten's Japanese payment application”
Rakuten's points system has more than 3 trillion points in circulation, valued at roughly $23 billion.
This conversion enhances asset liquidity for users.
The integration creates a closed-loop ecosystem.
Analysts view this as a strategic play by Rakuten to enhance user engagement.
Regulatory and Market Context
Rakuten Wallet operates under a license from Japan’s Financial Services Agency.
The integration aligns with Japan’s progressive stance on cryptocurrency regulation.
Institutional interest in Ripple's token continues to grow in the United States.
Goldman Sachs became the largest disclosed holder of spot XRP ETF shares.
Several asset managers have filed for or launched spot XRP ETFs.
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