On May 1, 2026, SBI Group, one of Japan’s largest financial conglomerates, officially announced the launch of the SBI Visa Crypto Card (standard and Gold versions) in partnership with Visa. The card automatically converts spending points into a user-selected cryptocurrency — Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), or XRP — marking a significant step in merging mainstream finance with digital assets in Japan.
How the Card Works: Automatic Crypto Rewards
Cardholders must choose one of the three cryptocurrencies (BTC, ETH, or XRP) at the time of application. Points earned from everyday purchases are automatically converted into the chosen asset on a monthly basis, with no exchange fees. The rewards are credited to the user’s SBI VC Trade crypto account; existing account holders do not need to open a new one. This design makes crypto accumulation directly tied to spending activity, simplifying the process for users.
In addition, the card introduces a Japan-first feature: credit card investment trust savings. Users participating in SBI Securities’ investment trust accumulation service can earn crypto rewards alongside their monthly investment contributions. SBI Group touted this as a unique innovation in the Japanese market.
Reward Rates and Fee Structure
Under normal conditions, standard cardholders earn up to 0.8% cashback in crypto, while Gold cardholders earn up to 1.3%. The annual fee for the standard card is waived in the first year, then costs ¥1,650 (approx. $11) per year, which is waived if annual spending exceeds ¥100,000. The Gold card is also free in the first year, with a subsequent annual fee of ¥6,600 (approx. $44). Gold users who spend at least ¥2 million annually receive crypto equivalent to the annual fee. Both cards include theft and loss protection; the Gold version adds travel accident insurance, shopping protection, and airport lounge access (limited to three visits per year).
Limited-Time Launch Campaign
To celebrate the launch, SBI is running a promotional campaign from May 1 to May 31, 2026, with rewards based on spending through August 5, 2026. Standard users can earn up to 2.5% cashback (capped at 1,500 points), while Gold users can earn up to 10% (capped at 5,000 points). After the campaign ends, reward rates revert to standard levels.
Strategic Implications and Market Impact
SBI Group has long been a pioneer in Japan’s crypto landscape. Its subsidiary SBI VC Trade was among the first licensed crypto exchanges in the country. By embedding crypto rewards into everyday spending via Visa’s global payment network, SBI aims to boost mainstream adoption of digital assets among Japanese consumers. Visa, for its part, expands its crypto-enabled card offerings in Asia. Industry observers believe this move could spur other Japanese banks and card issuers to launch similar products, accelerating the convergence of traditional finance and cryptocurrency.