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XRP, commonly known as Ripple, has firmly cemented its spot as one of the top 10 cryptocurrencies by market cap over the past years. The XRP cryptocurrency is the token built on the XRP ledger, its decentralized public blockchain. Curious about how and where to buy Ripple (XRP)? In this guide, we will give you an overview of XRP crypto, its use cases, and the best XRP exchange options for how to buy XRP.
What is XRP?
Are XRP and Ripple interchangeable? No—Ripple is the company, and XRP is the coin. XRP is the base currency of the XRP Ledger, an open-source, distributed blockchain, developed by Ripple Labs, a US technology firm. XRP acts as a bridge currency in cross-border payments—enabling conversion of one currency to another efficiently and cheaply. The XRP transactions are recorded and visible on the XRP ledger, similar to other blockchain networks. XRP is unlike Bitcoin, which is still being mined, since XRP was pre-mined with a total supply of 100 billion coins. Ripple (XRP) is available on most crypto exchanges, and its not hard to buy XRP if you follow the steps in this guide.
You may have heard about Ripple (XRP) in the news, and that is probably because they have been in a long battle with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the past few years.
Ripple vs. The SEC
In December 2020, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filed a lawsuit against Ripple Labs, alleging that the company had raised over $1.3 billion through an unregistered securities offering by selling XRP tokens. The case became the most high-profile legal battle in the crypto industry, with major implications for how digital assets are classified and regulated in the United States. At the heart of the dispute was whether XRP should be treated as a security under federal law—a designation that could subject Ripple and other crypto firms to stricter regulatory oversight. This case had many questioning the outdated securities laws and how a security should be classified. The case sparked widespread debate across the crypto community, with Ripple pushing back against what it saw as regulatory overreach, and many industry leaders rallying behind the company as it challenged the SEC’s interpretation of outdated securities laws in the context of rapidly evolving blockchain technology.
After more than four years of legal contention, Ripple Labs has finally reached a settlement with the SEC, marking a significant shift in the regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies. Under the terms of the settlement, Ripple agreed to pay a reduced fine of $50 million, a substantial decrease from the initially proposed $125 million. Importantly, Ripple did not admit to any wrongdoing as part of this agreement.
This resolution follows a series of legal developments, including a prior court ruling that XRP tokens sold on public exchanges do not constitute securities, while sales to institutional investors did fall under securities regulations. In light of the settlement, the SEC has dropped its appeal concerning the public sales ruling, and Ripple has ceased its appeal regarding institutional sales.
The results of this case are seen as a pivotal moment for the crypto industry, potentially setting a precedent for how digital assets are regulated in the United States. The settlement also reflects a broader shift in the SEC’s approach to cryptocurrency regulation, coinciding with changes in the agency’s leadership and a more crypto-friendly stance under the current administration. The days of hostile regulatory agencies attacking and suing cryptocurrencies and crypto companies appear to be at an end.
XRP Price Volatility Amidst Market Conditions
XRP Ripple has experienced some massive price fluctuations in the past few weeks. On April 9, 2025, XRP fell 8.9% to $1.79 amid mounting global trade tensions. However, on April 10, 2025, XRP bounced back strongly, crossing the $2 mark, in a rally in global stock markets after President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 90-day tariff.
How to Buy Ripple (XRP): Summary
XRP coin, Ripple’s cryptocurrency, circulates on the XRP ledger. It can be bought in the following ways:
- Get a Ripple wallet (e.g., Best Wallet, Trezor, or Ledger)
- Get your XRP address
- Sign up on a reliable XRP exchange like Best Wallet, Uphold, MEXC, or OKX.
- Buy XRP using your credit card, debit card, or a bank transfer
- Some exchanges do allow PayPal, Google Pay, and Apple Pay
Alternatively, you can use the table below to compare different exchanges to buy XRP:
Keep in mind that every account on the XRP ledger requires an initial 10 XRP deposit to prevent the creation of fake accounts. You won’t be able to access this deposit after your initial purchase. However, this may not be true if you have an exchange-hosted wallet.
Keep reading for a thorough explanation of how and where to Ripple.
How to Buy XRP in 3 Simple Steps
Buying XRP is relatively easy. Here is a simple 3-step guide to get you going:
Step 1 – Get an XRP Wallet
The first thing you’ll need to do before purchasing XRP is to get a wallet that can store XRP. As with most cryptocurrencies, you can choose a software wallet or a hardware wallet.
Software wallets are free programs that are usually considered less secure and, therefore, are better for smaller amounts of money.
Hardware wallets, on the other hand, are physical devices that connect to your computer (like a USB stick or flash drive) and store your private keys on the device itself. Hardware wallets are considered to be the safest way to store cryptocurrencies.
Best Wallet – The best crypto wallet of 2025, Best Wallet is a great choice for users wanting to buy XRP from directly within their wallet and not give up custody of their funds to third parties thanks to the in-wallet decentralized exchange.
Visit Best WalletZengo Wallet – Although software wallets are not typically known for strong security, Zengo seeks to change this by offering institutional-grade protection to everyday hot wallet users. Zengo claims to have eliminated seed phrase vulnerability by using multi-party computation (MPC) technology. This a great choice for those looking for an XRP software wallet.
Visit Zengo WalletLedger Nano X – A hardware wallet that allows you to store XRP as well as more than 5,500 other cryptocurrencies and NFTs. It can also connect to your mobile via Bluetooth. The Nano X is compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, and Apple iOS.
Ledger Nano S Plus – This hardware wallet is the upgrade to the original and very popular Ledger Nano S. Like the Nano X, the Nano S Plus can manage 5,500+ various cryptocurrencies and NFTs. It is also useable on Windows, macOS, Android, and Apple iOS. It just doesn’t have Bluetooth.
Trezor Model T – A hardware wallet with a built-in touchscreen that allows you to store XRP and over 9,000 other crypto assets. It’s compatible with desktops and Android phones, but Apple iOS (iPhones) is not yet supported. You can use it on macOS.
Trezor Safe 3 – This is Trezor’s latest hardware wallet. It also supports over 9,000 different crypto assets, including XRP. It has a Secure Element chip for added protection. Like the Model T, the Safe 3 is usable on Windows, macOS, and Android smartphones. Apple iOS is not yet available.
Edge – Formerly known as Airbitz, Edge is a mobile wallet (iOS, Android) that supports more than 130 cryptocurrencies, including XRP. It’s available in 10 languages and nearly 180 countries.
Exodus – A beautifully designed software wallet that supports XRP and thousands of other crypto assets on 50+ different networks. The wallet also has an exchange for users who want to swap XRP for other cryptos and vice-versa.
It should be noted that every Ripple wallet must initially be funded with a 10 XRP reserve to protect against low-level spam attacks. This is a requirement of the XRP network, not any individual wallet.
Once you have your Ripple wallet, it’s time to create your XRP address, which you will need later on. An XRP address is a string of 25-35 characters that starts with an r and is case-sensitive. For example, rPspuKM5rCw5EkRDD9vGL816V15DwtSa3L
Step 2 – Find an XRP Exchange
Once you have your Ripple wallet, the next step is to choose an XRP exchange that meets your needs for security and ease of use. Most crypto exchanges have XRP markets that you can use to buy XRP.
Depending on your location, you can either buy XRP with fiat currency (i.e., USD, EUR, etc.) using a debit card, credit card, or bank transfer, or you can trade another cryptocurrency, like Ethereum or Bitcoin (or others), for XRP on specific exchanges.
How to Buy Ripple with a Debit or Credit Card or Bank Transfer/ACH
For US Users
Kraken is a regulated, US-based exchange that allows users to purchase various crypto assets, including XRP. Being a seasoned player in the crypto industry, it is a solid option for US users who are looking for a safe way to buy XRP. Read our detailed review here for a comprehensive look at Kraken.
Coinbase is another great and easy choice for US users. They removed XRP from their listings after Ripple was charged by the SEC, but they have since restored trading. US users can buy XRP with a debit card, bank account, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Credit cards as a payment method are not available to US users. Read our full Coinbase review here.
Uphold is a great platform that lets users trade everything from XRP and more than 260 cryptocurrencies to equities, commodities, currencies, and more. The Vault is one of Uphold’s well-known features. The company describes it as an “Assisted Self-Custody” solution seamlessly integrated within its centralized trading venue. Vault’s live beta is exclusively available for XRP only. However, it is set to go live with support for additional assets in 2024. You can read our complete Uphold review here.
For Non-US Users
Best Wallet is a multi-functional cryptocurrency wallet and exchange platform designed for both beginners and experienced traders. It offers a straightforward way to buy, sell, and store crypto assets securely. Supporting various payment methods, including credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and popular regional options, Best Wallet ensures seamless fiat-to-crypto transactions.
Visit Best WalletCEX.IO is a London-based cryptocurrency exchange that has been operating since 2013. It lets you quickly buy XRP using your credit or debit card or via wire transfer. You can read our full review of CEX here.
Binance is another leading exchange that allows the purchase of certain cryptocurrencies (XRP among them) with a credit card, debit card, or wire transfer. You can read our complete Binance review here.
Keep in mind that while credit card purchases are faster, they also cost more in terms of fees. So, if you have the option to pay with a wire transfer and are not stressed on time, you’ll be able to get a better price.
Step-by-Step Guide to Buying XRP with a Credit or Debit Card
Buying XRP with a credit or debit card is quick and easy. Follow these steps to get started:
1. Choose a Crypto Exchange or Broker
Popular platforms that support card payments include Best Wallet, Binance, MEXC, and Margex.
2. Sign Up and Verify Your Account
- Create an account with your email and a secure password.
- Complete KYC verification by uploading your ID and proof of address.
3. Go to the Buy Crypto Section
- Look for the Buy Crypto option on the platform.
- Select XRP (Ripple) as the cryptocurrency you want to buy.
4. Enter Payment Details
- Select Credit/Debit Card as your payment method.
- Enter your Visa or Mastercard details.
- Enter the amount of XRP you wish to purchase.
5. Confirm Your Purchase
- Review the exchange rate, fees, and total cost.
- Click Confirm to proceed.
- Complete any two-factor authentication (2FA) if prompted.
6. Receive Your XRP
- Your XRP will be deposited into your exchange wallet.
- For added security, consider transferring your XRP to a private wallet.
How to Buy XRP with PayPal
Apart from buying XRP on exchanges using debit and credit cards, you can also use PayPal. You can’t buy XRP directly on PayPal, but you can use PayPal to buy XRP on exchanges that accept it. Here’s how:
1. Pick an Exchange That Accepts PayPal
Platforms like Paybis and MoonPay enable users to purchase XRP directly using PayPal, while Kraken allows PayPal deposits, which can then be used to buy XRP on the exchange.
2. Sign Up and Verify Your Account
- Register: Create an account on the exchange.
- Verify: Complete identity verification (KYC) by uploading your ID.
3. Add PayPal as Your Payment Method
- Go to Settings > Payment Methods.
- Select PayPal and connect your account.
4. Deposit Funds with PayPal
- Go to Deposit and choose PayPal.
- Enter the amount and confirm the payment.
5. Buy XRP
- Find XRP on the exchange.
- Enter the amount to buy and confirm the purchase. That’s it.
Step 3 – Withdraw XRP to Your Wallet
We wouldn’t recommend leaving your XRP on the exchange you bought them from. This is because you don’t control the private key for your wallet and its coins while they are on the exchange. If something happens with the exchange—it gets hacked or goes offline—you can lose access to whatever cryptocurrency you left on the exchange.
No matter where you got the coins from, remember to withdraw them into your non-custodial Ripple wallet (i.e., a wallet whose private key you can access and control). Once you’ve initiated the withdrawal and the transaction is confirmed on the network, you’ve successfully finished the process of buying and safely storing Ripple (XRP).
Conclusion: Buying XRP Made Simple
That’s the gist of how to buy XRP, one of the largest digital assets by market cap. You’d go through the same steps if you were looking to sell XRP, as you’d need the right wallet and exchange as well. Whether you’re looking to diversify your crypto portfolio or simply learn about XRP’s use cases in cross-border payments, buying Ripple doesn’t have to be a hassle. With the right wallet, a trusted exchange, and a good understanding of the process, you’ll be all set up and good to go in no time. Ready to get started? Choose your exchange, download your wallet, and make that first foray into the world of Ripple (XRP).
With the talks of the SEC potentially approving some XRP ETFs, it’s possible that XRP may be the next digital asset large financial institutions look to gobble up. If that is the case then demand for Ripple may continue to grow over the upcoming years.
Just remember this: keep security in the forefront, acknowledge the risks, and consider moving your XRP to a personal wallet where you have the keys. The crypto world is always evolving, so staying up-to-date and paying attention will be doing you some good.
Visit Best WalletSee also:
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- Will XRP Flip Ethereum? Here’s What the Odds Say
FAQs
How to buy Ripple cryptocurrency?
To buy Ripple cryptocurrency, XRP, you need to register on a cryptocurrency exchange that supports XRP, deposit funds, and place an order to purchase XRP. After the purchase, you can store your XRP in the exchange’s wallet or transfer it to a personal wallet for added security.
Where to buy XRP?
XRP can be bought on major exchanges such as Best Wallet, Uphold, Kraken, and Coinbase.
What’s the best way to buy XRP?
The best way to buy XRP is through a secure and reliable exchange that offers XRP trading, like Best Wallet or Kraken. Coinbase is another good option. Make sure to choose an exchange with low fees and strong security measures, especially for large purchases.
How much XRP should I buy?
The amount of XRP to buy depends on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and portfolio size. It’s recommended to start small, particularly if you’re new to cryptocurrency investing, and never invest more than you are willing to lose.
Can I trade XRP for other cryptocurrencies?
Yes, you can trade XRP for other crypto and fiat currencies (like USD, EUR, etc.) on most major cryptocurrency exchanges that support XRP. It’s a pretty common use case, especially for people who actively manage their portfolios.
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