How to Buy XRP
The complete beginner's guide — from choosing an exchange to securing your tokens in a wallet. Whether you're new to crypto or just new to XRP, you'll be set up in minutes.
Disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research before making investment decisions.
Step-by-Step: How to Buy XRP
Choose an Exchange
Pick a regulated cryptocurrency exchange that supports XRP. For beginners, we recommend Uphold for simplicity or Coinbase for security.
Create & Verify Your Account
Sign up and complete KYC verification with a government-issued ID. Typically takes 5-15 minutes.
Deposit Funds
Add money via bank transfer (ACH), debit/credit card, wire, or Apple/Google Pay. Bank transfers are free but take 1-3 days; cards are instant.
Buy XRP
Search for 'XRP', enter the amount, and place your order at market price or set a limit order.
Secure Your XRP
Transfer to a self-custody wallet like Xaman for long-term storage. 'Not your keys, not your crypto.'
Where to Buy XRP: Exchange Comparison
All of these exchanges support XRP and are available to most users.
Uphold
★ Recommended↗Buy XRP directly with USD, EUR, GBP. No trading fees on spreads. Best for beginners.
Coinbase
↗Largest U.S. exchange with strong security and insurance. Easy interface and mobile app.
Kraken
↗Established exchange with advanced trading features, low fees, and strong security.
Bitstamp
↗One of the oldest exchanges (2011). EU-regulated with excellent XRP liquidity.
Binance
↗World's largest exchange by volume. Lowest fees. Not available in all U.S. states.
Crypto.com
↗Mobile-first exchange with Visa debit card and XRP staking. Good all-around.
Detailed Exchange Comparison
| Exchange | Best For | Fees | U.S. Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uphold | Beginners | Spread-based (no fee) | Yes |
| Coinbase | Security-conscious | 0.5-1.5% | Yes |
| Kraken | Active traders | 0.16-0.26% | Yes |
| Bitstamp | EU users | 0.3-0.5% | Yes |
| Binance | Low fees, advanced | 0.1% | Partial |
| Crypto.com | Mobile users | 0.075-0.4% | Yes |
Best XRP Wallets
While exchanges are fine for trading, self-custody wallets are recommended for long-term XRP storage.
XRP wallets require a 10 XRP reserve to activate an account on the XRP Ledger. This reserve is locked (not spendable) and acts as anti-spam protection. You'll need to send at least 10 XRP to activate a new wallet.
Xaman (XUMM)
Mobile (Self-Custody)Best overallThe most popular XRP wallet. Built for the XRPL with DEX access, NFT support, and full self-custody. Free.
Ledger
HardwareBest for securityIndustry-leading hardware wallet. Keeps private keys offline for maximum security. Starts at ~$79.
Trezor
HardwareBest open-sourceOpen-source hardware wallet with XRP support. User-friendly interface. Starts at ~$69.
Trust Wallet
Mobile (Self-Custody)Best multi-chainMulti-chain mobile wallet with XRP support. Backed by Binance. Good for multiple cryptos.
Essential Security Tips
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Use an authenticator app (Google Authenticator, Authy) — not SMS, which can be SIM-swapped.
Never Share Your Seed Phrase
Your seed phrase is the master key to your wallet. Write it on paper, store securely, and never share it. No legitimate service will ever ask for it.
Verify URLs Carefully
Bookmark the correct exchange/wallet URLs. Phishing sites are the #1 way people lose crypto.
Start Small
Get comfortable with the process before investing larger sums. Practice with a small test transaction first.
Use Hardware for Large Holdings
If holding significant XRP long-term, a Ledger or Trezor provides the highest security by keeping keys offline.
How Do XRP Transactions Work After You Buy?
Once you own XRP, you can send it to anyone with an XRPL address in 3-5 seconds for less than $0.01:
Send from your exchange or wallet (like Xaman)
Transaction is sent to the XRPL's 150+ validators
Validators agree on validity in 3-5 seconds
Permanently on the ledger — visible on XRPScan
You can also use the XRPL's built-in DEX, access NFTs, and interact with the growing ecosystem — all from your wallet.
What Should You Know Before Investing in XRP?
Volatility
Crypto prices can swing 10-20% in a day. Only invest what you can afford to lose.
Research
Understand what XRP is, how Ripple uses it, and the role of escrow in supply management.
Tax Implications
Crypto gains are taxable in most jurisdictions. Keep records of purchases and sales.
Time Horizon
If you believe in XRP's long-term story, short-term fluctuations matter less.
Diversification
Don't put all your investment capital into any single asset.
Common Mistakes Beginners Make
“Not verifying the correct XRP token”
Search specifically for 'XRP' — not 'XRP Classic' or other scam tokens. The real XRP is native to the XRP Ledger.
“Leaving large holdings on exchanges”
Exchanges can be hacked or freeze withdrawals. Transfer to a self-custody wallet like Xaman for long-term holding.
“Forgetting about the 10 XRP wallet reserve”
XRPL accounts need 10 XRP to activate. Don't be surprised when 10 XRP appears 'locked' — it's a protocol feature.
“Panic selling during dips”
XRP's price is volatile. Have a plan before you buy. Understand what you own by reading our what-is-XRP guide.
“Sharing seed phrases or private keys”
No legitimate service will ever ask for your seed phrase. If someone asks, it's a scam. Period.
“Using SMS for 2FA”
SMS is vulnerable to SIM swapping. Use an authenticator app (Google Authenticator, Authy) for much stronger security.
Frequently Asked Questions
Continue Learning
Before you buy, make sure you understand what you're investing in. These guides cover everything you need to know:
Deepen Your Knowledge
Now that you know how to buy XRP, understand what makes it unique — from the technology to the team to the $150 trillion market opportunity.
Last updated: February 10, 2026. Written by the AllAboutXRP Editorial Team. This is educational content, not financial advice. Always do your own research.