SBI Shinsei Bank to Offer Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP Rewards to Depositors This Fall

SBI Shinsei brings crypto rewards to bank deposits

Japan's SBI Shinsei Bank is preparing to launch a new cryptocurrency rewards program that will allow customers to convert a portion of their deposit interest into Bitcoin, Ethereum, or XRP.

According to a Nikkei report, customers will receive crypto exchange vouchers worth 20% of their interest payments. Those vouchers can then be redeemed for BTC, ETH, or XRP through SBI VC Trade, the digital asset exchange operated by SBI Group.

The program is expected to launch this fall and is designed to provide traditional banking customers with a simple pathway into digital assets without requiring direct crypto purchases.

Customers who wish to redeem their rewards will need to open an SBI VC Trade account, further strengthening the connection between SBI's banking and crypto businesses.

Another step in SBI's long-term crypto strategy

The new rewards initiative is the latest addition to a broader digital asset strategy that SBI has been building for years.

Unlike many traditional financial institutions that have approached crypto cautiously, SBI has consistently expanded its presence across exchanges, payments, tokenized assets, and blockchain infrastructure.

Earlier this year, the group launched a Visa-backed rewards card that allows users to earn Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP through everyday spending.

SBI has also repeatedly used XRP as part of shareholder incentive programs and customer acquisition campaigns.

The company's relationship with Ripple stretches back years through its joint venture SBI Ripple Asia, which helped promote blockchain-based payment solutions across the region.

As a result, the decision to include XRP alongside Bitcoin and Ethereum in the new rewards program aligns with SBI's broader digital asset strategy.

Why XRP remains central to SBI's crypto vision

While customers will be able to choose between three cryptocurrencies, XRP's inclusion carries particular significance.

SBI Holdings has long been one of Ripple's strongest supporters in Asia, frequently incorporating XRP into products spanning payments, shareholder benefits, and crypto trading services.

SBI VC Trade already offers XRP trading and custody services, making the token a natural component of the bank's latest rewards initiative.

The program could help expand XRP exposure among retail banking customers who may be exploring digital assets for the first time.

Traditional banks continue exploring crypto adoption

The launch highlights a growing trend among financial institutions seeking ways to integrate digital assets into everyday financial products.

Rather than encouraging direct speculation, SBI's approach allows customers to accumulate small amounts of cryptocurrency through existing banking activities. Similar reward-based models have gained traction globally because they reduce barriers to entry while familiarizing customers with digital assets.

For SBI, the deposit rewards program represents another building block in an ecosystem that already includes crypto trading, blockchain payments, shareholder incentives, and rewards cards.

Taken together, these initiatives suggest the company is positioning itself as one of the most crypto-friendly banking groups in Japan.

If successful, the program could provide a blueprint for other financial institutions looking to bridge traditional finance and digital assets without fundamentally changing how customers interact with their bank accounts.