Ripple’s new USD-backed stablecoin RLUSD is set to become fully available on Uphold, adding a new incentive layer for users tied to the XRP ecosystem. Uphold said RLUSD will launch on the platform on Dec. 18, with a broader integration into its Rewards Center in January 2025, allowing eligible users to earn benefits for holding the asset.
RLUSD expands through Uphold
Uphold CEO Simon McLoughlin said the company has long supported the XRP community and views Ripple as an important innovator in the digital asset space. He described RLUSD as a product that could play a meaningful role in the development of digital payments, enterprise finance, and related use cases. Uphold also positioned itself as one of the initial launch partners for Ripple’s first stablecoin product.
RLUSD is issued under a New York Trust Company Charter and has been approved by the New York Department of Financial Services. Ripple says the stablecoin is backed 1:1 by U.S. dollar reserves and cash equivalents, with monthly third-party attestations intended to support transparency. The product is designed for institutional and cross-border applications, and its smart contracts have undergone independent audits.
Rewards and early access for holders
A key part of the rollout is RLUSD’s planned addition to the Uphold Rewards Center. Once integrated, users will be able to receive 5% rewards on RLUSD holdings, along with access to exclusive crypto insights and early access to new token launches. Rewards are tied to activity inside the Uphold app, including tasks such as visiting the platform, depositing assets, and executing trades.
Users who have already unlocked all three levels in the Rewards Center will also receive 24-hour early access to RLUSD before the asset becomes more widely available on the platform. According to Uphold, the initiative is part of a broader effort to deepen engagement and deliver more tangible value to the XRP user base.
Transparency remains central to the pitch
Uphold said it serves customers in more than 140 countries and promotes transparency as a core differentiator. The platform publishes updates on its reserves and liabilities every 30 seconds, aiming to strengthen confidence in customer asset protection. As stablecoin competition intensifies and compliance standards continue to matter, RLUSD’s launch on Uphold gives Ripple a regulated, rewards-driven entry point into the market.