Nikolas Sargeant
Mercari, a leading Japanese e-commerce platform, has introduced XRP trading functionality to its Mercoin cryptocurrency exchange app, with the company reporting that 90% of its Mercoin users are first-time cryptocurrency investors.
Mercari Expands Crypto Offerings with XRP
The integration of XRP trading represents Mercari's latest expansion in the cryptocurrency space, following the addition of Ethereum trading capabilities last year and Bitcoin trading in March 2023. Users can now purchase XRP using their Merpay account balances, Mercari points, or through direct bank transfers.
This development comes as Mercari continues to grow its digital asset presence, having attracted over 3 million users to its cryptocurrency trading services as of December 2023. The company also claims to have recorded the highest number of new crypto wallet registrations among domestic exchanges in Japan.
Accessibility and Future Incentives for XRP Adoption
Mercari has set an exceptionally low entry barrier for new crypto users with a minimum deposit requirement of just 1 yen (approximately $0.007) to open an XRP wallet. The company launched the XRP trading function on April 24 and is already planning promotional activities around the cryptocurrency.
"In the future, we plan to consider a range of XRP-related events and campaigns. We will work to make XRP a more familiar cryptocurrency in Japan," the company stated in its press release.
These initiatives follow Mercari's previous successful marketing strategies, such as last year's invitation campaign for Bitcoin trading services, which rewarded both existing users and newcomers with 200 yen worth of Bitcoin for each successful referral.
With over 23 million monthly users in Japan, Mercari's embrace of cryptocurrency trading represents a significant opportunity for mainstream adoption. The company's recent announcement of plans to enter the mobile telecommunications sector further demonstrates its commitment to diversifying its digital offerings beyond its e-commerce roots.
