Ripple leaders are openly embracing XRP following the launch of Gemini’s XRP rewards credit card.
The move counters repeated claims that the company avoids directly associating with the token and that they were slowly pivoting away from it.
Ripple Executives Show Loyalty to XRP
In a tweet, Ripple CTO David Schwartz shared a photo of himself holding the newly released Gemini XRP Credit Card while wearing XRP-branded apparel at a coffee shop named XRPresso. He captioned it, “Got my XRP belt on…”
Around the same time, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse also posted about the card, calling its debut “what a time to be alive”. Garlinghouse encourages everyday use of the XRP card to earn 4% back in XRP.
Their visible support drew attention across the community, with many noting that it undercuts the long-standing criticism that Ripple distances itself from the token.
“Ripple won’t use XRP”
…meanwhile: https://t.co/wcKwysJrYG
— NotFinancialAdvice.Crypto (@NFAdotcrypto) August 25, 2025
Inside the XRP Credit Card Launch
The XRP rewards credit card was developed through a partnership among Ripple, Gemini, WebBank, and Mastercard. It offers U.S. users more opportunities to earn and use the third-largest crypto asset.
Cardholders can earn up to 4% back in XRP on everyday essentials like gas, EV charging, and rideshares. Dining earns 3%, groceries 2%, and all other purchases 1%. In addition, select merchants featured in the Gemini app offer as much as 10% back on eligible purchases.
Notably, Gemini stated that holders earn 4% back on qualifying purchases in the 4% category, up to $300 in spending per calendar month. After reaching $300, they’ll earn 1% back on additional purchases for the rest of the month. The spending limit resets on the 1st of each month.
Rewards are distributed directly to users’ Gemini accounts, where they can be held, traded, or withdrawn. Gemini has also highlighted the upside of holding XRP rewards, pointing to data showing that users who held past XRP card earnings saw gains of more than 450%.
Gemini CEO Reacts
Notably, Gemini CEO Tyler Winklevoss described the card as a way for users to earn XRP while showcasing their enthusiasm and commitment to the ecosystem. Alongside the card launch, Gemini is also broadening support for Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin.
RLUSD, already available on the exchange, can now be used as the base currency for all U.S. spot trading pairs. Garlinghouse added that the collaboration turns daily spending into a gateway to deeper engagement with both XRP and RLUSD.
XRP Community and Analysts Weigh In
The card’s rollout follows weeks of teasers from Gemini, including a New York City billboard campaign. Pro-XRP attorney John Deaton previously said the card could “outdo the rest” of crypto cards.
Hey @cameron, @tyler, @Pagetgrace and @Natalie_Rix:
I’m going to make a friendly wager and bet the Gemini XRP Card will outdo other cards.
And for the record, I’m not being compensated in any way to offer this friendly wager. 😂 I just know a thing or two about the XRP Army. https://t.co/zJsLJoy9dD
— John E Deaton (@JohnEDeaton1) August 23, 2025
At the same time, analysts noted that its design directly ties XRP to consumer spending, creating ongoing demand for the token. Some have drawn comparisons to Visa’s 2023 partnership with Solana, which coincided with a major price rally for SOL. They believe something similar could follow for XRP.
DisClamier: This content is informational and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author's personal opinions and do not reflect The Crypto Basic opinion. Readers are encouraged to do thorough research before making any investment decisions. The Crypto Basic is not responsible for any financial losses.
