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Uphold Launches $XRP-Backed Visa Card That Turns Crypto Into Everyday Spending Power
Uphold is giving $XRP holders a new way to unlock the value of their holdings without selling a single token. Through its newly launched Exa Credit Card, users can now borrow against their $XRP, turning their crypto into spending power while keeping ownership of their assets.
Introduced by Uphold U.S. President Nancy Beaton, the Exa Credit Card is powered by Exactly Protocol, a decentralized finance (DeFi) lending platform. Eligible users in select U.S. states can use their $XRP as collateral to access a line of credit, then spend those funds anywhere Visa is accepted.
Instead of liquidating $XRP to cover everyday expenses such as groceries, travel, dining, or online shopping, users simply lock up their $XRP as collateral and borrow against it. Once the loan is repaid according to the agreed terms, the pledged $XRP remains entirely theirs.
The concept mirrors traditional asset-backed lending, where investors borrow against stocks or real estate without selling them. By applying the same model to $XRP, Uphold allows users to access liquidity while remaining exposed to any future appreciation in the token's price.
The message behind the product is simple: "Hold your $XRP. Unlock your spending power." It reflects a growing effort to make digital assets more useful in everyday financial life rather than limiting them to trading or investing.
Uphold Turns $XRP Into Everyday Spending Power Without Selling
The Exa Credit Card also offers flexible repayment options, allowing borrowers to choose a payment schedule that suits their financial situation instead of forcing an immediate sale of their crypto. This flexibility could prove attractive to long-term $XRP investors who occasionally need access to cash but don't want to reduce their holdings.
Uphold's latest launch comes as the $XRP ecosystem continues expanding its real-world utility. Recently, Girin Labs introduced $XRP-powered payments through Girin Wallet, making it easier for users to spend $XRP in everyday transactions.
Likewise, RedotPay has extended $XRP payment capabilities to more than 7 million users, further bridging the gap between digital assets and daily commerce.
Despite the added convenience, crypto-backed borrowing carries risks. Because $XRP's price can fluctuate significantly, a sharp decline in value could reduce the collateral's coverage and trigger additional collateral requirements or other actions under the loan agreement.
Interest rates, repayment terms, and eligibility also vary, with the service currently available only in select U.S. states.
As crypto adoption continues to go mainstream, products like Uphold's Exa Credit Card highlight a broader shift toward practical financial utility. Rather than forcing investors to choose between holding and spending, the platform enables $XRP owners to unlock liquidity while maintaining their long-term position in the asset.