How to Buy XRP (Ripple) in 2025 – A Step-by-Step Beginner’s Guide
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You can buy XRP on major cryptocurrency exchanges like OKX, Binance, Coinbase, and Kraken. These platforms operate in regions including the US, UK, and EU. To start, you’ll need to create an account, verify your identity (KYC), and be at least 18 years old with a valid ID. Funding your account is the next step before purchasing.
Funding options include credit/debit cards for speed (though fees can be higher), bank transfers for lower fees, or sometimes PayPal via brokers like OKX. After depositing funds, you execute the trade to buy XRP. Remember, identity verification is a standard requirement when using traditional money. XRP is widely available again on most major exchanges following recent legal developments.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything in detail – from understanding what XRP is and why people buy it, to comparing the best places to buy XRP, to a step-by-step tutorial, and even how to store your XRP safely after purchase. Let’s get started!
People buy XRP for two main reasons: its practical utility and investment potential. Its speed and low fees solve real problems in cross-border payments. Additionally, many investors buy XRP speculatively, betting on its price growth driven by wider adoption and Ripple’s success. It blends real-world use with a profit opportunity. Some also explore XRP meme coins, which combine community hype with Ripple’s brand. XRP is engineered for speed. Cross-border payments settle in just 3-5 seconds, regardless of distance. This is transformative compared to traditional bank transfers, which often take days. For individuals or businesses needing near-instant international fund movement, XRP provides a practical, real-time solution. The technology bypasses slow correspondent banking networks. This speed isn’t just convenient; it unlocks new possibilities for global commerce and remittances where timing is critical. Transaction costs on the XRP Ledger are minimal, typically a fraction of a penny (around 0.0001 XRP). This makes sending value effectively free, especially for larger amounts. It contrasts with expensive bank wire fees or unpredictable Bitcoin network fees, which can surge to several dollars. Such low fees make XRP viable for microtransactions and frequent transfers, which are impractical with traditional systems or many other cryptocurrencies. This significantly reduces the cost of moving money globally. A key strength is XRP’s adoption by financial institutions through RippleNet, Ripple’s global payments network. Companies like MoneyGram, SBI Remit (Japan), and Flutterwave (Africa) have used XRP for cross-border settlements, leveraging its speed and low cost. This institutional use demonstrates trust and real utility. XRP acts as a “bridge currency,” facilitating instant liquidity between different currencies, showing it’s more than a speculative asset. Some even describe it as a potential world bridge currency that’s aligned with ISO 20022 crypto standards. Many buy XRP hoping its price will rise. It has a history of volatility: from fractions of a cent in 2012 to nearly $3.84 in 2018. Renewed optimism, particularly regarding Ripple’s legal clarity and expansion, pushed it to $3.00 in early 2025. Investors (“the XRP Army”) speculate that increased bank adoption via RippleNet and broader crypto market growth could drive future price appreciation. This potential for significant returns is a major investment driver.What Is XRP, and Why Do People Buy It?
XRP is a cryptocurrency launched in 2012 by Ripple. It’s designed for fast, low-cost global payments, especially for banks and financial institutions. Transactions settle in seconds on its dedicated blockchain, the XRP Ledger. Unlike mined coins like Bitcoin, XRP was pre-mined, offering speed and efficiency that have kept it among the top cryptocurrencies to buy.🌍 Global Transactions – Send money internationally in seconds
💸 Low Fees – Much cheaper than traditional banking or Bitcoin
⛓️ Bank Adoption – Used by institutions via RippleNet
📈 Speculative Investment – Belief in future price growth
Is XRP Still Worth Investing in Today?
XRP remains a top cryptocurrency in 2025, consistently ranking high in market cap alongside Bitcoin and Ethereum. This popularity ensures high liquidity and strong community support. However, its price is volatile, swinging from lows around $0.30-$0.80 in 2023 to a spike near $3 in early 2025, showing significant potential gains alongside notable risks.
Major US legal hurdles have cleared. A 2023 court ruling determined XRP isn’t necessarily a security for public sales, a partial victory for Ripple. The SEC dropped remaining claims by March 2025, restoring XRP trading on US exchanges and renewing investor confidence in its future prospects.
Crypto investing remains high-risk. XRP’s price reacts to market sentiment, Ripple’s partnerships, regulations, and social media. It hasn’t surpassed its 2018 peak. Some view it as undervalued with bank adoption potential, while others caution that Ripple’s and early investors’ large holdings may limit long-term price growth, even asking if XRP is dead.
So, XRP is a good investment if you believe in its cross-border payment utility and accept volatility. Its real-world use and post-legal momentum are positives. However, future gains likely won’t match explosive, smaller altcoins; doubling from $3 differs from 100x returns. Never invest more than you can lose.
Read our “Is XRP a Good Investment?” report and latest XRP price prediction for deeper analysis. These resources detail XRP’s prospects, but your decision must be based on personal research and risk tolerance. Diversification within a broader crypto portfolio is wise, especially holding established blue-chip cryptos alongside XRP.
Where to Buy XRP in 2025 – Best Exchanges Compared
XRP is available on a wide range of cryptocurrency exchanges and broker platforms. Below, we’ve compiled a comparison of some of the best places to buy XRP in 2025. These are well-established platforms that are considered trustworthy and beginner-friendly.
We’ll compare their fees, regulation status, payment methods, XRP availability, and minimum deposit requirements:
ℹ️ Information in this table was last verified on December 16, 2025, and may change based on exchange policies and regional regulations. Choose a reputable XRP exchange like OKX, Coinbase, or Kraken in your country. Prioritize ease of use, security, fees, and payment methods. For example, OKX is beginner-friendly, Coinbase simplifies card purchases, and Kraken is well-regarded. Create an account with your email to start. Sign up on your chosen exchange using your email and password. Next, verify your identity through KYC; provide personal details and upload a government ID (like a passport). This mandatory step prevents fraud, ensures legal compliance, and protects you. Complete verification quickly; you usually can’t buy XRP until it’s approved. Deposit funds using your exchange’s “Add Funds” section. Options include bank transfers (low/no fees but slower), credit/debit cards (instant but with around 3-4% fees), or e-wallets like PayPal (quick, if supported). Bank transfers require account details; cards need standard payment info. Note minimum deposits (often $10-$20) and potential currency conversion fees. Locate the trading section on your exchange. Search for “XRP” using the platform’s search bar or coin list. Ensure you select the correct cryptocurrency, often labeled “XRP” or “Ripple (XRP).” Navigate to its trading page, which shows the price and a buy/sell interface. Verify it’s the genuine XRP before proceeding with the purchase. Open the XRP trading page and select “Buy”. Choose a market order for instant purchase at current prices. Enter either the XRP amount desired (100 XRP, for example) or the currency amount to spend (such as, $100). Review fees and transaction details carefully. Confirm the order. Your XRP will appear in your exchange wallet immediately after execution. After buying XRP, explore ways to grow your crypto beyond simple holding. Options include staking XRP (if offered), trading other cryptocurrencies, or joining new token presales. For a comprehensive overview of earning strategies, read our guide “10 Ways to Make Money with Cryptocurrency“. It details trading, staking, yield farming, and long-term holds. Remember: higher potential rewards come with increased risk, so proceed cautiously. Using a card is the fastest way to buy XRP. Platforms like Coinbase, Binance, and OKX support it. Enter your card details and purchase amount, like any online checkout. Transactions complete in minutes. While supported in most regions, users in the US and Singapore are currently limited to debit cards. This provides a fast and convenient way to complete your purchase, typically in just minutes. However, expect fees of 2-4%. A $100 purchase could cost $4 extra. Debit cards avoid credit complications like cash advance fees. Always review fees before confirming. This method works best for small, urgent buys. Say you invest $50; a $2 fee may be worth instant access. However, it’s smart to avoid large card purchases, as fees can add up fast Bank transfers are cost-effective for larger amounts. Use ACH (US), SEPA (EU), or Faster Payments (UK). Exchanges like OKX, Coinbase, and Kraken provide account details. Transfers often have zero fees but take hours to days. Include the exchange’s reference code in your bank transfer. This ensures funds reach your account. Once deposited, buy XRP via the trading interface. It’s ideal if you’re not rushed. Saving $150 on a $5,000 purchase beats card fees. It’s important to note that some banks may flag crypto transfers – confirm it’s intentional if asked. Some platforms (such as OKX) support PayPal, Skrill, or Neteller. Link your eWallet and deposit funds instantly. It’s secure and skips bank/card sharing. But availability is limited. Fees vary, and deposit caps may apply. After funding, buy XRP like usual. It’s useful if you have PayPal balances or face bank issues. Note: Apps like Revolut may restrict the withdrawal of XRP from external wallets. For complete control, consider the best crypto wallets covered later. However, there are some regional quirks and considerations to be aware of, especially given XRP’s history with the SEC in the United States. Below is a simple overview by region: First, the XRP Ledger technology is solid. It’s been running since 2012 without a major hack. Transactions are fast and secure. You can’t fake XRP or steal someone else’s without their keys. It’s open-source, used by real banks, and well-tested. So the tech itself? Reliable. Second, investing in XRP is risky, like most crypto. Prices swing hard. You will lose money if the market drops. That’s normal volatility, not a sign XRP is a scam. It’s a real asset, just a wild ride. Manage your risk: don’t bet the farm, expect big ups and downs, and maybe hold long-term. It’s seen as steadier than brand-new coins but way riskier than bonds. Third, and this is where many slip up: protecting your XRP depends on you. Your biggest threats are mistakes and falling for common types of crypto scams. Watch out for: Use trusted exchanges with good security records. For extra safety, move your XRP to a personal wallet you control after buying. The XRP network is secure. The real dangers are market swings, getting tricked, or making a security error. Stay sharp, use secure tools, and learn the red flags – that’s your best defense. This is the easiest option. You buy XRP, which stays in your account on custodial platforms like Coinbase or Kraken, where the exchange holds the keys. However, this is not true for all exchanges. OKX, for instance, provides an integrated non-custodial wallet, meaning you retain control of your private keys. Safety steps: How safe is it? Less safe than self-custody. Convenient for trading or small amounts, but you rely entirely on the exchange’s security and honesty. Major hacks are rare but possible. Funds could be frozen during platform issues. “Not your keys, not your coins” applies. Install any of the best non-custodial wallets (like Xumm, Exodus, or Trust Wallet) on your phone or computer. You control the keys via a secret recovery phrase. Safety steps: How safe is it? Moderately safe if done correctly. You have complete control. Safety depends heavily on your actions in securing the phrase and device. Being online (“hot wallet”) makes it vulnerable to malware or theft if the device is compromised. This method is best for moderate amounts you use occasionally. A physical device (like some of the best hardware wallets, like Ledger or Trezor) stores your keys offline, which is called cold storage. You connect it to a computer/phone only when making transactions. Safety steps: How safe is it? Very safe. Keys are offline, immune to remote hackers. Ideal for significant or long-term holdings. The main risks are physical (losing/damaging the device) or compromising the recovery phrase. The cost ($50-$150) is worth it for large amounts. 👉 Make sure to check out our XLM vs XRP comparison. There are different exchanges worth checking out, but we recommend OKX for beginners and advanced investors alike, as it’s highly regulated, simple to use, and supports various payment options. Always remember that investing in crypto requires proper research and a good investment strategy, and never invest more than you can afford.
Exchange
Fees
Payment Methods
Minimum Deposit
OKX
The maker fee is 0.08% and the taker fee is 0.10%
Debit/Credit Card, SWIFT (Bank Transfer), Quick Buy/Sell, P2P Trading, and OKX Wallet
$10
Binance
0.1% trading fee (maker/taker)
Bank transfer, Debit/Credit Card (via third parties), crypto deposit
$15 (varies by region)
Coinbase
Starter tier around 0.40% maker and 0.60% taker
Debit Card, bank transfer (ACH/SEPA/Faster Payments), PayPal (for some regions)
$2 (very low minimum)
Kraken
The taker fees is around 0.25%, and maker fees vary from 0% to 0.4%
Bank transfer, Wire; Debit/Credit Card (via third-party)
$10
Uphold
Spread-based (~0.8–1.5% typically)
Bank transfer, Debit/Credit Card, Apple Pay/Google Pay
$1 (very low entry)
How to Buy XRP – Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to make your purchase? In this section, we’ll walk through how to buy XRP step by step. Even if you’ve never bought crypto, don’t worry, the process is relatively straightforward. We’ll describe the general steps using OKX for this example, but most exchanges have similar workflows. By following these steps, you’ll go from zero to XRP owner:1. Choose an Exchange
2. Register & Verify Your ID
3. Deposit Funds
4. Search for XRP
5. Execute the Purchase
How to Buy XRP with Different Payment Methods
You have several payment options to buy XRP. Beginners often prefer cards for instant purchases, despite higher fees. Bank transfers suit larger investments with minimal fees but take longer. PayPal/eWallets offer a middle ground if supported. Choose based on urgency and cost tolerance – cards for speed, banks for savings, or PayPal for convenience.💳 Buy XRP with Credit or Debit Card
🏦 Buy XRP via Bank Transfer
🖥️ Buy XRP with PayPal or eWallets
Is XRP Legal to Buy in Your Country?
Cryptocurrency regulations vary a lot around the world. The good news for XRP fans is that it is perfectly legal in most countries to buy, sell, and hold XRP. XRP is treated similarly to other major cryptocurrencies as a digital asset or commodity.
Country/Region
Is XRP legal?
Key considerations
US
Yes (legal to buy and own)
UK
Yes (legal to buy and own)
Europe (EU)
Yes (legal to buy and own)
Australia
Yes (legal to buy and own)
Asia (various)
Mostly yes (legal in many countries, with a few exceptions)
How Safe Is XRP?
XRP safety has three main parts: the tech itself, your investment risk, and how you keep it secure.
How to Store Your XRP Safely After Buying
After buying XRP, you’ll need to decide where to keep it. Storing your XRP properly is crucial for security. Essentially, you have two main options: keep it on the exchange where you bought it (custodial storage), or move it to a personal crypto wallet under your control (non-custodial storage). Within personal wallets, there are sub-options like software wallets vs. hardware wallets. Let’s go through the different ways to store XRP and how to secure each:1. Leaving XRP on the Exchange (Custodial Wallet)
2. Using a Software Wallet (Mobile/Desktop – Non-Custodial)
3. Using a Hardware Wallet (Cold Storage – Non-Custodial)
Pros and Cons of Buying XRP
Every investment has its advantages and disadvantages, and XRP is no different. Let’s break down the key pros and cons of buying XRP to help you weigh your decision:
Final Thoughts: How to Buy XRP
As you can see, buying XRP is extremely easy. All you need is to create an account on a crypto exchange that’s secure and easy to use, and you can buy as many XRP tokens as you want.FAQs About Buying XRP
How much does it cost to buy XRP?
Do I need a crypto wallet to buy XRP?
What payment methods can I use to buy XRP?
Is XRP a good investment in 2025?
How is buying XRP different from buying Bitcoin?
Where is the best place to buy XRP right now?
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