In a significant move aimed at reinvigorating its U.S. offering, Uphold has relaunched its debit card, this time featuring rewards in XRP for U.S. users. The new program allows cardholders to earn up to 6% in XRP rewards when spending in U.S. dollars, cryptocurrencies or stablecoins — and an additional 4% in XRP if they receive part of their salary via the platform.
Background & Strategic Rationale
After pausing its debit-card service in the United States for over two years, Uphold’s decision to resume with an added incentive reflects the rising demand for crypto-enabled financial tools. According to Nancy Beaton, Uphold’s Chief Revenue & Marketing Officer, the re-issuance is designed to serve its existing user base and attract new customers, in a climate where crypto-linked cards are gaining traction. She also highlighted that Uphold has a substantial base of XRP holders and “never delisted XRP even during regulatory headwinds.”
Key Features of the Relaunched Card
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Up to 6% XRP rewards: Earned by spending in USD, crypto or stablecoins.
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Additional 4% bonus: Available if the user sets up part of their salary to be deposited into their Uphold account.
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90-day reward program: The enhanced reward structure is effective for 90 days after registration.
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Focus on XRP continuity: Uphold emphasises its long-term commitment to XRP and its ecosystem.
Implications & What to Watch
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User acquisition & engagement: By tying spending and salary deposit to crypto incentives, Uphold is leveraging behavioural drivers to deepen engagement and expand cards usage.
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XRP ecosystem boost: This move could bring increased retail utility and adoption for XRP, beyond its more traditional use-cases in cross-border payments.
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Regulatory context: Relaunching in the U.S. market, after a hiatus, signals confidence in navigating U.S. regulatory waters — especially given the strong regulatory scrutiny of crypto-cards and rewards programs.
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Short-term vs long-term benefit: The 90-day reward period raises questions about how the product will evolve after the promotional window. Users will want to assess what standard rewards, fees, and terms will look like post-promotion.
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Competitive positioning: As crypto-cards proliferate, reward rates and program structure matter. Uphold’s sizeable XRP incentive differentiates it from many peers who pay in fiat or other tokens.
Conclusion
The relaunch of Uphold’s U.S. debit card with an attractive XRP rewards structure reflects a strategic push into crypto-enabled everyday finance. By coupling strong incentives with the growing interest in crypto benefits, Uphold aims to strengthen its position in the U.S. fintech market. For users, the offer presents potential value — but as always, the long-term viability of the rewards and terms will determine whether it becomes a staple financial tool or simply a promotional draw.
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