The relaunch of the Uphold debit card, effective immediately, allows users to earn up to 6% back in XRP on purchases, positioning it as one of the highest reward rates available in the crypto payments space.
XRP Rewards and Card Features
The new Uphold Card enables users to make purchases using U.S. dollars, cryptocurrencies, or stablecoins while earning XRP as cashback. Uphold has introduced two tiers of cards designed to meet different user needs:
- •Elite Card (metal): Offers up to 6% XRP back during a limited-time promotional period, which then reverts to 3% thereafter. This tier comes with higher spending limits and no ATM or foreign transaction fees.
- •Essential Card (plastic): Provides 4% XRP back during the promotional period, followed by a standard rate of 2%.
Users who enroll before January 1, 2026, will benefit from the promotional rates for their initial 90 days. Both virtual and physical card versions are available, with the physical card set to ship at a later date. Customers also have the opportunity to earn additional XRP bonuses by setting up direct paycheck deposits to the card.
Significance of the Relaunch
The return of the Uphold XRP Card signifies a significant endorsement for both the exchange and the broader XRP ecosystem. Uphold has consistently demonstrated strong support for XRP, notably choosing not to delist the token during its protracted regulatory dispute with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
With legal clarity now restored and the U.S. market once again conducive to innovation, Uphold is strategically positioning itself as a prominent player in crypto-based consumer payments. This relaunch follows the company’s March 2025 decision to reinstate staking rewards for American users, indicating a renewed emphasis on expanding its retail presence.
Competing in a Growing Market
This initiative places Uphold in direct competition with major financial entities such as Visa and Mastercard, both of which have been actively increasing their crypto integrations. However, Uphold’s deliberate choice to center its rewards program on XRP, rather than Bitcoin or stablecoins, differentiates it in the market. This approach is designed to appeal to XRP's dedicated community and to promote the token as a practical medium of exchange, moving beyond its perception as solely a speculative asset.
By linking everyday purchases to XRP rewards, Uphold is facilitating the integration of the digital asset into mainstream financial activities. This could be a crucial step in driving adoption at a time when crypto payments are gaining increasing regulatory acceptance and consumer interest in the U.S.
The Uphold XRP Card is now accessible to eligible U.S. users, marking a notable return for both Uphold’s payment services and XRP’s potential for real-world utility.