When a major exchange introduces a transformative offering, it can reshape the way investors interact with an asset. Uphold’s latest announcement promises to do just that for XRP holders, opening new avenues to earn yield and access liquidity without selling their tokens.
Uphold’s Chief Revenue Officer, Nancy Beaton, explained in an interview with Jake Claver that the platform will integrate with Exactly Protocol. This partnership enables users to lend assets, earn yield, and use their holdings as collateral for spending via a credit card. The feature will initially include XRP, allowing holders to unlock liquidity while maintaining exposure to their assets.
Expanding XRP Rewards
Uphold is already known for its generous XRP rewards program. Users can earn up to 6% cashback on debit card purchases. Setting up direct deposit also adds another 4% back, yielding a total potential monthly return of 10% on XRP.
This incentive aligns with the platform’s broader strategy: enabling true believers in XRP to earn more, while promoting regular use and engagement with their holdings.
Uphold’s Nancy Beaton breaks down how we’re bringing more ways to earn XRP to our community.
Watch the full interview with @beyond_broke ↓ pic.twitter.com/xbTNzDc9wE
— Uphold (@UpholdInc) December 4, 2025
Introducing Exactly Protocol Lending
The Exactly Protocol integration represents a new frontier for XRP holders. Users can lend assets to a pooled system to earn yield. They can also collateralize their holdings and access credit through a card.
This system allows holders to spend or earn without liquidating their tokens, combining the benefits of DeFi with practical, everyday financial tools. According to Beaton, lending rates will follow standard DeFi mechanics, which may fluctuate based on supply and demand.
Uphold plans to trial the Exactly Protocol in Q4 2025. Initial trials will focus on select U.S. markets before expanding to a wider user base. XRP holders can expect broader access in the coming months, with clear benefits for both retail and institutional investors.
Implications for the XRP Ecosystem
Historically, XRP has lacked native yield opportunities. Unlike proof-of-stake tokens, XRP does not offer staking rewards, limiting earning potential. Uphold’s initiative changes this dynamic, providing both yield and liquidity.
The ability to use XRP as collateral while still earning yield could increase holding incentives. This could reduce sell-side pressure and enhance long-term adoption. The move effectively bridges traditional finance tools with cryptocurrency holdings.
Key Considerations
While the offering is promising, users should note the variable nature of DeFi yields. Interest rates and lending terms may change over time. Additionally, collateralized loans carry market risk, as the value of XRP can fluctuate.
Despite these considerations, Uphold’s rollout is a pivotal development. It positions XRP as a fully functional financial asset, offering real-world utility, yield, and liquidity simultaneously.
For XRP holders, this could be one of the biggest steps forward in asset usability since the token’s creation. Uphold’s initiative could redefine how investors interact with XRP, merging traditional financial benefits with crypto innovation.