How to buy Ripple (XRP) from the USA

By   |   Verified by Andrew Boyd   |   Updated Aug. 29, 2022

  • Ripple Labs is an American technology company that develops the Ripple global payments settlement system and currency exchange network.
  • Ripple (XRP) is the native cryptocurrency that powers fund transfers over the RippleNet (Ripple Network).
  • Ripple's network can facilitate transfers of commodities including fiat currencies, cryptocurrencies, and even gold.

If you want to invest in Ripple, this step-by-step guide will take you through the process of buying Ripple in America today.

Where to buy Ripple

Crypto.com

On website

Crypto.com

Highlights

  • Earn up to 8.5% p.a. on your crypto, and up to 14% p.a. for stablecoins.
  • Spend with the Crypto.com Visa Card and get up to 8% back.
  • Shop with Crypto.com Pay and receive up to 10% back, paid in CRO.

Pros

  • Get access to additional features including lending, borrowing, debit cards, and more.
  • Start trading with just $1.
  • Interest-earning deposits are available.
  • There is a USD 2,000 referral bonus.

Cons

  • Lack of educational resources.
Gemini Exchange

On website

Gemini Exchange

Highlights

  • Gemini Exchange makes it simple to research the crypto market, buy bitcoin and other cryptos, and build a portfolio for the future of money.
  • Set recurring buys and dynamic price alerts.
  • All crypto held online in Gemini's exchange wallet is insured and it uses the best-in-industry cold storage coverage with leading insurance providers.

Pros

  • Suitable for both beginner and advanced traders.
  • Supports multiple fiats and cryptocurrencies.
  • You can earn interest on your cryptocurrency balances.
  • Its mobile apps are highly rated.

Cons

  • The fee structure can be expensive for both small trades and higher volume trades.
Coinbase

On website

Finty may be compensated when you click on the link.

Highlights

  • Get $5 in Bitcoin after your first trade on Coinbase.
  • Buy and sell popular digital currencies, keep track of them in the one place.
  • Invest in cryptocurrency slowly over time by scheduling buys daily, weekly, or monthly.
  • Maintains crypto-insurance and all USD cash balances are covered by FDIC insurance, up to a maximum of $250,000.

Pros

  • Get access to a wide variety of altcoins.
  • Start trading with as little as $2.
  • Offers Coinbase card which allows you to spend crypto anywhere.

Cons

  • Fees are higher compared to other exchanges.
KuCoin

On website

KuCoin

Highlights

  • Safe and rapid way to trade crypto.
  • Multiple order types for all kinds of risk appetite.
  • Sign up and get a welcome gift.

Pros

  • Invest or trade 700+ coins.
  • Low trading and withdrawal fees.
  • Get 24/7 customer service from KuCoin.
  • Has over 20 million users worldwide.

Cons

  • Not suitable for beginners.

Uphold Crypto

On website

Uphold Crypto

Highlights

  • Invest in 220+ coins including the majors, altcoins, and stablecoins with 0% commission.
  • Enjoy 0% bank deposit and withdrawal fees.
  • Ability to trade crypto against other assets like foreign currency and commodities.
  • Stake a range of coins with competitive yields.

Pros

  • Open an account in less than a minute.
  • Low deposit requirement and commission-free trading.
  • Option to trade fiat currencies and precious metals.

Cons

  • High spreads on low-liquidity assets.

Step 1: Choose an exchange that sells Ripple

You must first choose an exchange to use before buying XRP. Before depositing money into a cryptocurrency exchange, there are some things to look at and consider. Make sure the coin you want to buy is listed, check available deposit methods, whether the exchange supports your preferred payment method to buy Ripple, what fees they charge on trades, and if they charge to withdraw funds.

Step 2: Register and get verified

Once you've decided which exchange to use, you'll need to register an account with them and verify your identity. What information the exchange requires varies but generally includes your full name, date of birth, and address. In addition, a copy of a form of government-issued ID may also be required to complete verification.

Step 3: Fund your account

You can fund an exchange account with fiat or cryptocurrency. Most exchanges support fiat currency (USD) transfers from a bank account or credit card. Payments via Payoneer, PayPal, Venmo, etc. may also be available. Fiat currency transfers may take several days to clear into your account at the exchange. Another option is to transfer cryptocurrency from a wallet you already control (but this could incur processing fees). Note that some exchanges my require a minimum deposit amount before you can start to buy.

Step 4: Set yourself a budget

Decide how much you want to put into Ripple and stick to it. Crypto is a volatile asset class. It's possible to lose a substantial amount of your money in a relatively short period of time. Therefore, it's best to invest only what you are able to afford losing.

Step 5: Buy Ripple

The most convenient way to purchase is to use an market order, i.e. purchase Ripple at the next price. If you want to build your position in Ripple, some exchanges make it possible to dollar cost average with recurring buys.

Where to keep your Ripple

If you want to steer clear of malware and hacking, store your XRP tokens in an offline or cold wallet (also known as a hardware wallet). However, if you want to keep your XRP convenient so you can trade more easily, keep it in the exchange's wallet.