The relaunch, effective immediately, allows users to earn up to 6% back in XRP on purchases, making it 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 in U.S. dollars, cryptocurrencies, or stablecoins while earning XRP as cashback. The company has introduced two tiers of cards tailored to different user needs:
- Elite Card (metal): Up to 6% XRP back during a limited-time promotional period, then 3% thereafter. It comes with higher spending limits and no ATM or foreign transaction fees.
- Essential Card (plastic): Offers 4% XRP back during the promo period, followed by a 2% standard rate.
Users who enroll before January 1, 2026, will receive the promotional rates for their first 90 days. Both virtual and physical cards are available, with the physical version shipping at a later date. Customers can also earn additional XRP bonuses when they set up direct paycheck deposits to the card.
Why This Relaunch Matters
The Uphold XRP Card’s return marks a strong statement for both the exchange and the XRP ecosystem. Uphold has remained one of XRP’s most steadfast supporters, notably refusing to delist the token during its lengthy regulatory dispute with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Now, with legal clarity restored and the U.S. market once again open for innovation, Uphold is positioning itself as a key player in crypto-based consumer payments. The relaunch follows the company’s March 2025 reinstatement of staking rewards for American users, signaling a renewed focus on expanding its retail footprint.
Competing in a Growing Market
The move places Uphold in direct competition with major financial players like Visa and Mastercard, both of which have accelerated their crypto integrations. However, Uphold’s decision to center rewards on XRP, not Bitcoin or stablecoins, sets it apart, appealing to XRP’s deeply loyal community and positioning the token as a practical medium of exchange rather than just a speculative asset.
By tying everyday purchases to XRP rewards, Uphold is effectively bringing the digital asset into mainstream financial use, a step that could help drive adoption at a time when crypto payments are gaining regulatory and consumer traction in the U.S.
The Uphold XRP Card is now available to eligible U.S. users, marking a symbolic return for both Uphold’s payment services and XRP’s real-world utility.
