American Express Payment Delays Ignite Speculation About Broader Ripple (XRP) Blockchain Use

American Express recently notified its customers of significant delays in wire transfers and cross-border payments. The company attributed these disruptions to a “Federal Reserve System update” and a broader “wide system upgrade.” Although the company did not disclose exact details, the timing and scale of these changes have fueled rumours that Ripple’s blockchain technology could be involved in the overhaul.

RippleNet Partnership Sparks More Speculation

Notably, American Express already has a history with RippleNet, a blockchain-based payment network designed to facilitate faster and more affordable international payments. In the past, Amex has utilised RippleNet for specific corridors, such as payments between the US and the UK, to enhance cross-border transaction speeds. Now, with these new delays aligning with major infrastructure upgrades, many observers believe that American Express might be expanding Ripple’s role within its payment ecosystem.

These developments come as American Express continues to deepen its push into digital transformation. The company recently announced its largest investment in card upgrades in over 40 years. This includes significant enhancements to its US Consumer and Business Platinum Cards, providing customers with more flexible spending options and rewards tailored to modern lifestyles and corporate clients.

Additionally, Amex’s recent partnership with Coinbase to launch the Coinbase One Card adds another layer to its crypto strategy. The card provides up to 4% back in Bitcoin on purchases, marking Coinbase’s first-ever credit card. This move places American Express at the forefront of integrating cryptocurrency with traditional payments.

Company Leaders Hint at Crypto’s Growing Role

Executives at American Express (Amex) have openly discussed the potential for deeper ties between traditional finance and cryptocurrency. Will Stredwick, a key figure in American Express Global Network Services, spoke at the Coinbase State of Crypto Summit about how well crypto can complement Amex’s established payments network. This perspective suggests that the company sees real potential in blending blockchain tech with its existing financial infrastructure.

How the XRP Market Is Reacting

The XRP market has already responded to these swirling rumours. In the past 24 hours, XRP’s price ticked up by about 1.22%, bringing its value to roughly $2.20 at the time of writing. Although neither Ripple nor American Express has confirmed any new integration, the speculation has sparked renewed optimism among XRP investors.

Financial analysts argue that if Ripple’s blockchain does play a bigger role at American Express, it could dramatically improve transaction speeds and lower costs for global payments. Such an expansion would also cement Ripple’s position as a key enabler of blockchain adoption within major financial institutions.

A Potential Turning Point for Cross-Border Payments

While the industry awaits official confirmation, the possibility of American Express broadening its RippleNet integration remains one of the most closely watched storylines in the cryptocurrency space. If true, this move could reshape the cross-border payments landscape, offering a glimpse into how traditional financial giants and blockchain companies might collaborate in the future.

For now, investors and industry watchers will be closely watching whether American Express’s system upgrades translate into a deeper embrace of Ripple’s blockchain solutions and what that could mean for XRP’s long-term value.

Disclaimer: The information in this article should not be considered financial advice, and FXCryptoNews articles are intended only to provide educational and general information. Please consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.