Where To Buy XRP (Ripple) in 2023

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Ripple, the company behind XRP, is a payment platform that uses blockchain and cryptocurrency to make many financial transactions of digital assets more efficient. For example, individuals trying to convert currencies or make international fund transfers can complete these transactions in very little time using Ripple and its native token, XRP.

However, Ripple has undergone some scrutiny in the United States, which can make it a little more difficult to purchase XRP than other cryptocurrencies. Keep reading to find out where you can buy XRP.

Where Can I Buy XRP?

Here are a few places to consider if you want to buy XRP:

• Kraken
• Uphold
• Atomic Wallet
• Freewallet
• Bitfinex

How To Buy XRP: A Step-by-Step Guide

Acquiring XRP involves several steps:

• Step 1: Compare crypto exchanges
• Step 2: Select your crypto exchange
• Step 3: Buy your XRP
• Step 4: Store your XRP

Step 1: Compare Crypto Exchanges

A crypto exchange allows you to buy, sell and trade cryptocurrencies using your crypto assets, as well as fiat money. Crypto exchanges are more secure than other buying methods, but each platform will have its own rules, procedures, services and other features.

Exchanges typically offer only a selection of cryptocurrencies — you can’t buy every crypto at every exchange — so make sure the crypto exchange you choose supports your choice of cryptocurrency. The following exchanges support XRP in the U.S.:

• Bitfinex
• Bitstamp
• Huobi
• Kraken

Step 2: Select Your Crypto Exchange

It can be nerve-wracking to not only decide to invest, but also where to invest. When it comes time to enter the amount you’d like to put in, make sure you feel secure. Consider the following factors when choosing a crypto exchange:

• Security: The safest crypto exchanges have two-factor authentication, biometrics logins, identification requirements and a program that allows ethical hackers to be rewarded for finding vulnerabilities.
• Fees: Aim for an exchange that charges around 0.2% or less of your total trading volume from the past 30 days.
• Rewards: Look for crypto exchanges that provide incentives for users to earn more crypto, such as staking coins, cash-back programs or cryptocurrency loans.
• Support: Choose an exchange with good customer support. If you will be making fiat money transactions, make sure the exchange offers fiat support.
• Liquidity: Make sure that you can liquidate your assets into fiat money quickly without losing too much value.
• Compliance: Choose a crypto exchange that is licensed and operating legally in your geographical location.

Step 3: Buy Your XRP

If you want to buy XRP, you will need to decide on a payment method.

Paying for cryptocurrency is similar to buying other products or investments. You can buy coins with fiat currency or trade another cryptocurrency. For example, you could choose to pay for your XRP with U.S. dollars, link a debit card or you could trade another cryptocurrency that you already own.

Keep in mind that you will need to choose an exchange that supports your preferred payment method, as well as the cryptocurrency you want to buy. Some exchanges will limit orders but do allow traditional payment methods like bank transfers and debit or credit cards.

Step 4: Store Your XRP

After buying XRP, you will need to store your coins in a cryptocurrency wallet such as Ledger Nano, Trezor or Edge. Choosing a crypto wallet is similar to choosing a crypto exchange. You should consider factors such as:

• How you intend to use your cryptocurrency
• Security features
• Service availability, such as trading, selling or buying
• How many cryptocurrencies you can hold

Types of Wallets

You can opt for a wallet provided by the exchange, but these typically leave your crypto in the custody of the exchange. While these are usually free, they are the least secure option and not advisable for anyone who isn’t trading frequently or staking their crypto. There are other types of crypto wallets to consider.

• Cold wallet: Also known as a hardware wallet, cold wallets are a physical device that you can disconnect from the internet to keep it secure. These are the safest but also the most expensive option.
• Hot wallets: Also known as software wallets, are less expensive, but they stay connected to the internet, so they’re easier to hack.

Investing in XRP: Key Takeaways

As with any investment, you will need to do thorough research to understand whether XRP fits into your strategy. In the end, the decision of whether to buy XRP is one that you should make based on your investment strategies, financial situation and personal preference. Here are some key takeaways to know:

• XRP is an affordable cryptocurrency that has a relatively high market cap, which may indicate investor confidence. 
• It is one of the more well-known alt coins, and it has a track record of success despite its recent trouble with the SEC.
• If the SEC’s decision goes poorly for Ripple, it could end up being worth very little.

Final Take To GO

In 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission filed a lawsuit against Ripple for allegedly selling $1.3 billion in unregistered securities. While Ripple never received any notices telling them to stop selling XRP, some large cryptocurrency exchanges delisted the coins from their exchanges and wallet services. This has made it harder to buy XRP.

Courts are still working to determine the SEC’s goals and how those will determine cryptocurrency regulations going forward. However, the damage to Ripple’s reputation may have already been done. Though the case is ongoing, if the SEC wins in court it could make them the primary crypto regulator, which could be viewed positively or negatively by investors. 

Caitlyn Moorhead contributed to the reporting for this article.

Information is accurate as of June 21, 2023. 

The article above was refined via automated technology and then fine-tuned and verified for accuracy by a member of our editorial team.

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