SBI, Visa launch Japan Visa card with crypto rewards

SBI Group and Visa began issuing a Visa credit card in Japan on May 1, 2026, that converts spending points into a user-selected cryptocurrency: bitcoin (BTC), ether (ETH) or XRP. The product is available in standard and Gold versions and includes a limited launch offer that raises reward rates for new applicants.

Applicants must choose one cryptocurrency at the time of application and must hold an account with SBI’s crypto asset service to receive rewards. Points earned from card spending are converted into the chosen asset on a monthly basis and deposited into the user’s SBI crypto account without exchange fees. Existing clients of SBI’s crypto service do not need to open a new account to receive rewards.

Under regular terms the standard card returns up to 0.8% in crypto and the Gold card up to 1.3%. Both cards are free for the first year. After that, the standard card carries an annual fee of ¥1,650 that is waived if annual spending exceeds ¥100,000. The Gold card carries an annual fee of ¥6,600 after the first year; cardholders who spend at least ¥2 million per year receive cryptocurrency equal to the annual fee. Both cards include theft and loss protection. The Gold card adds travel accident insurance, shopping protection and limited airport lounge access capped at three uses per year.

The launch campaign applies to customers who apply between May 1 and May 31, 2026, with qualifying spending tracked through Aug. 5, 2026. During the promotion the standard card can deliver as much as 2.5% back, capped at 1,500 points, while the Gold card can deliver up to 10% back, capped at 5,000 points. Points earned during the period are converted and credited monthly. After the campaign ends, reward rates will revert to the standard levels unless the issuer revises them.

The card program links credit card rewards to SBI’s brokerage services. The issuer notes the offering can be combined with SBI Securities’ credit card investment trust accumulation service, allowing customers to pair credit card rewards with monthly investment contributions. In its announcement the company described the feature as “First in Japan! Earn cryptocurrency with credit card investment trust savings!”