Uphold Launches XRP Debit Card with 6% Spending Rewards

Uphold has reintroduced its U.S. debit card, giving customers a new way to earn XRP rewards whenever they spend. 

Notably, the crypto exchange now lets users earn up to 6% back in XRP when they make purchases with dollars, crypto, or stablecoins. This marks Uphold’s return to the U.S. debit card market after it paused the service in March 2023.

Details of the Uphold Debit Card

For context, the new Uphold Debit Card, issued by Cross River Bank under a Visa license, comes in two versions: Uphold Elite and Uphold Essential. 

To qualify for the Direct Deposit bonus, users must deposit at least $250 from their paycheck into their Uphold account. Each qualifying deposit earns 4% in XRP, up to $500 a month through December 2025. This will allow customers to grow their XRP holdings just by combining paycheck deposits with card spending on Uphold.

The card lets users spend more than 300 digital assets instantly, including both cryptocurrencies and fiat currencies, anywhere Visa works. It also supports Apple Pay and Google Pay for contactless payments. 

Difference Between the Elite and Essential Cards

Both card options are available as free virtual cards, while physical versions differ in cost. Specifically, Elite members receive a metal card at no charge, while Essential users can get a plastic card for $4.99.

The two cards also differ in fees and benefits. The Uphold Elite card charges a $99.99 annual fee but removes all ATM and foreign transaction fees, which makes it ideal for frequent travelers. 

However, the Essential card has no annual fee, though it includes a $2.95 ATM fee and a 1.5% foreign transaction fee. Both cards are available to U.S. residents, except for those in Louisiana, New York, and U.S. territories.

Speaking on the latest development, Nancy Beaton, Uphold’s Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer and President of Uphold U.S., said the company brought the card back because of strong demand from its large community of XRP holders. 

She noted that Uphold has always supported XRP, even during its most challenging regulatory period, when many other exchanges dropped it. This decision helped Uphold build lasting loyalty among XRP users. 

Beaton added that the new card aims to serve existing users while attracting new ones with one of the most rewarding crypto-linked payment cards on the market.

Uphold’s Focus on XRP

Meanwhile, the relaunch follows Uphold’s move in March to restore staking rewards for U.S. customers across 19 crypto assets, including Ethereum and Solana.

Uphold’s focus on XRP continues beyond the debit card. In May, it launched a $50,000 XRP giveaway during the XRP Vegas event. The company also announced an exclusive ZBCN airdrop for users holding at least $50,000 worth of XRP.

The new Uphold XRP Debit Card comes shortly after Gemini unveiled its own XRP Credit Card in partnership with Ripple, Mastercard, and WebBank. Gemini’s card, launched in August, targets XRP investors with metal cards and crypto rewards but no annual or foreign exchange fees.