Where & How to Buy XRP in 2024 – Best Places & Exchanges to Buy

Where to Buy Ripple – Best Exchanges

Check out the following list of the top crypto exchanges to buy Ripple.

How to Buy XRP in 2024

Buying Ripple in 2024 is easier than ever. All you have to do is:

1. Find the right exchange to buy XRP from
2. Register with the exchange
3. Complete the KYC verification process
4. Deposit funds to your account to fund the purchase
5. Buy XRP from the exchange
6. Move the XRP to your crypto wallet

If you need additional instructions on how to buy Ripple and what the best Ripple exchanges are in 2024, check out our comprehensive guide below. 

Our expert team at Webopedia did the research, analyzed, and personally tested hundreds of crypto exchanges to provide you with the necessary insights to make an informed decision and choose the best place to buy XRP.

How to Buy XRP in 2024 - Step by Step

Here is our six-step walkthrough on how to buy XRP from a crypto exchange.

Finding the Right Exchange

Your first step in buying XRP should be identifying the ideal crypto marketplace that offers the best terms for your purchase. There are several different platforms on which you can buy cryptocurrencies in 2024, though we believe crypto exchanges are the best choice for all crypto investors, particularly beginners.

These platforms are regulated by a central authority, which ensures the exchange follows financial laws and regulations and provides users with the best protection measures. This makes crypto exchanges safe and secure but also more reliable than some of the other available crypto marketplaces.

At the moment, there are around 600 XRP exchanges, or crypto exchanges, on which you can buy the cryptocurrency, which can make the process a bit overwhelming. We will help you with narrowing down your choices by presenting you with our top 10 recommendations for the best places to buy XRP further down below in our article. 

Account Creation

After identifying the right Ripple exchange that fits your criteria and aligns with your investment goals, you’ll need to create an account and register as a crypto trader. This is a relatively straightforward process, similar to creating an account with any other online financial platform. 

It commonly involves filling out a form with basic personal information such as your name, address, date of birth, and country of residence. You will also provide your sign-in email address and choose a password to secure your account. 

Most exchanges may also want to verify your email address and send a link to your email that you will need to click on to activate your account. Once you are finished with the account creation process, you will be able to log in to the exchange and start exploring its features.

Verifying Your Identity

Although you have activated your account and have successfully logged in, most crypto exchanges will not allow you to trade Ripple or any other cryptocurrency until you verify your identity through their system.

Due to the KYC (Know Your Customer) guidelines and regulations, financial institutions in the US are required to collect and verify personal information from their customers. This process helps prevent money laundering and terrorist financing by ensuring that the identities of all users are confirmed and monitored.

Although sharing sensitive information, such as your SSN and pictures of yourself, can be intrusive and inconvenient, KYC verification is necessary for maintaining everyone’s safety. Thanks to identity verification, crypto users can make secure transactions, knowing that all parties are duly verified and the platform adheres to legal standards. 

Funding the Account

Once the KYC verification process is complete, you will be able to access all of the platform’s features, including making deposits. To fund your purchase of XRP, you will need to add some money to your account, and depending on the exchange you choose, the list of supported payment methods can vary.

Typically, most crypto exchanges accept all the popular payment methods used to make purchases online, including bank transfers, credit and debit cards, PayPal, Venmo, as well as crypto wallets if you already own another cryptocurrency.

To add funds to your account, simply navigate to the "Deposit" or "Funds" section, often found under the "Wallet" or "Account" tab on the exchange’s website or app. Select your preferred payment method from the options available, and follow the on-screen instructions to transfer money to your exchange account.

Buying XRP From the Exchange

With your identity verified and your account funded, you are ready to purchase your XRP. Go to the "Trade" or "Markets" section of the exchange and find XRP from the list of available cryptocurrencies. Select it and tap “Buy XRP” or “Place a Buy Order,” depending on the platform, to initiate your purchase.

Once you navigate to the purchase screen, the exchange may present you with additional options about your purchase, like setting order limits or repeated purchases. However, since we’re demonstrating a straightforward purchase of XRP, you just choose your preferred payment method, enter the amount of XRP you want to buy, and proceed to the next step.

On the final screen of the transaction, you will be presented with all the important details of your purchase, including the payment details, transaction fees, and additional charges, if any. Be sure to double-check these details because once you confirm the payment, the transaction will be finalized.

Transferring the XRP to Your Crypto Wallet

The newly purchased XRP should be credited to your account shortly after you complete the payment. From here, you can either do nothing and keep the XRP on your crypto exchange account or transfer it to a crypto wallet for enhanced control and security.

Even though the XRP you just bought is rightfully yours, the exchange still has custody over it because it holds the private keys of the wallets where the XRP is stored. The only way to take full control over your XRP is to move it to a crypto wallet whose private keys are in your possession and make it truly your own.

While keeping cryptocurrencies on an exchange account is a viable option, particularly when intending to trade frequently, moving it to your own wallet can be the safer option when planning on holding it longer-term.

Why Trust Us?

Webopedia is a reliable resource and trusted authority in the world of cryptocurrency. Our team of experts has the necessary expertise and knowledge to curate high-quality content and share valuable insights into the crypto market, including how and where to buy XRP, expertly, accurately, and objectively.

Our findings are the result of rigorous research and analysis. We don’t just rely on the opinions of others but independently test every single crypto exchange on a variety of factors to get firsthand experience. Then, we present the information exactly how we find it, without personal bias or hidden agendas.

Alternative Methods to Buy XRP in 2024

Although we believe crypto exchanges are the best place to buy Ripple, we must point out that there are plenty of alternatives for users who are unable to or simply don’t want to use them to purchase XRP. 

Some of the most popular alternative options include:

• P2P Platforms: Decentralized crypto marketplaces that facilitate direct buyer-to-seller connections and eliminate the need for a central authority when engaging in crypto transactions.

• Decentralized Finance Platforms: Decentralized platforms that facilitate transactions without an intermediary and use smart contracts and blockchain technology to enable peer-to-peer trading. 

• Cryptocurrency ATMs: Physical machines that resemble traditional ATMs, but instead of withdrawing cash, they are used for the buying and selling of cryptocurrencies like XRP.

• Crypto Wallets: Storage devices used for the safekeeping of crypto assets. Some crypto wallets also allow users to buy cryptocurrencies directly from their own user interfaces.

• Online Brokerages: Trading platforms commonly used for trading and investing in traditional financial instruments such as stocks and ETFs, some of which facilitate crypto trading as well. 

To provide you with more insights in terms of where to buy Ripple, we’ll have a closer look at each one of these platform types and explore how they work, who they’re suited for, and whether or not they are the right choice for you.

P2P Platforms

Popular among the more experienced crypto investors, P2P platforms are crypto marketplaces preferred by users who value flexibility and control over their transactions. Because of their peer-to-peer nature, these platforms provide unique advantages you will not find at centralized crypto exchanges.

By connecting buyers and sellers directly, P2P platforms allow crypto users to set their own trading terms and negotiate on the price, payment method, and escrow service when trading Ripple. Skilled traders can leverage these benefits to reduce transaction fees and buy XRP at the most favorable rate. 

However, the lack of central authority and strict regulations of P2P platforms may also increase the risk of scams and other fraudulent activities. For this reason, these platforms may not be the ideal choice for complete beginners who lack the experience to successfully navigate the complexities of peer-to-peer transactions and evaluate risks.

DeFi Platforms

Just like P2P platforms, DeFi (decentralized finance) platforms are also autonomous and not regulated by a central authority. Instead, they are governed by special software called smart contracts, which establish the rules and protocols of trading on these platforms.

Since they are secured by the blockchain, fraudulent activities are almost impossible on these platforms. However, there is one problem with buying XRP from a DeFi platform. They are even less beginner-friendly than P2P platforms.

In addition to a good understanding of smart contracts and blockchain technology, users need a crypto wallet and some pre-existing crypto holdings to trade for Ripple on DeFi platforms. These platforms don't typically work with fiat currencies, so you'll need another crypto to swap for XRP.

Cryptocurrency ATMs

Located in high-traffic areas like shopping malls, airports, and cafes, crypto ATMs allow users to buy cryptocurrencies with a simple, straightforward in-person transaction, sometimes with the need to create an account. What’s unique about this method of purchasing cryptocurrencies is that users can buy XRP using cash.

All you have to do to buy XRP from a crypto ATM is to insert your fiat currency, go through the on-screen instructions, and confirm your purchase. After the transaction is verified, the ATM will send the purchased XRP directly to your crypto wallet. 

While very convenient, there are drawbacks to this method as well. For instance, not all crypto ATMs support buying XRP, and some are limited to only a few cryptocurrencies, while others are limited solely to BTC. Additionally, the transaction fees associated with buying cryptocurrencies from a crypto ATM can be considerably higher than buying it from a Ripple exchange.

Crypto Wallets

Primarily used for storing cryptocurrencies and other crypto assets, crypto wallets provide users with a secure digital space to manage their holdings. However, some crypto wallets also provide built-in crypto exchange features that allow users to buy and sell cryptocurrencies, including XRP, directly from the wallet.

This can be convenient because it eliminates the need for transferring the cryptocurrency after you purchase it from a centralized crypto exchange. It also streamlines the user experience and makes it easier to manage investments without switching between different platforms or services.

That said, these built-in exchanges are typically significantly less liquid than the average XRP exchange, which can lead to higher spreads between buy and sell prices and slower transaction times, especially during periods of high market volatility, when rapid execution is most crucial.

Online Brokerages

Another alternative avenue for acquiring XRP is to buy it from an online brokerage. Although these platforms are primarily used for trading more traditional assets such as stocks, bonds, and ETFs, several great online broker platforms deal with crypto and are worth checking out.

Especially for investors who have dealt with them in the past and look to expand their portfolios to the dynamic landscape of the crypto market, online brokerages provide a familiar and regulated trading environment. 

However, if you are completely new to any type of investing, with their complex interfaces and vast array of trading options, these platforms can be a bit overwhelming. Overall, if all you are looking for is a safe environment for trading Ripple, and are not interested in investing in anything else, it is better to do it on a centralized crypto exchange.

What Can You Do With XRP?

Launched in 2012 to revolutionize the global payments industry, more than a decade later, XRP is one of the most popular cryptocurrencies and traditionally among the top 10 most traded cryptocurrencies in the world.

Originally designed to facilitate fast and inexpensive transactions across borders, there is so much more you can do with XRP in 2024, including:

1. Transfer funds quickly at an affordable price
2. Exchange fiat currencies at a minimal cost
3. Use it for micropayments such as tips and donations for content creators
4. Hold it as an investment asset
5. Take advantage of the DeFi space

Having already discussed where and how to buy XRP, let’s have a closer look at why this cryptocurrency is worth investing in.

Money Transfers

XRP’s original purpose of streamlining international money transfers is still very much relevant. Bank transfers can be slow and sometimes expensive, and XRP transfers solve both these problems. 

By sending XRP, instead of traditional fiat currencies, both the sender and recipient benefit from quicker transaction times and lower fees. This efficiency not only enhances the speed at which funds are received but also reduces the overall costs associated with cross-border transfers.

Fiat Currency Exchanges

In addition to sending money in a single currency, XRP can also be useful in bridging the gap between different fiat currencies. When money is sent in a single currency from one country and is expected to be received in another currency in a different country, the bank may charge foreign exchange rates, resulting in considerably higher conversion fees.

By converting the original currency into XRP and then exchanging it for the destination currency, both the sender and recipient can save on exchange rates and conversion fees, resulting in much more cost-efficient transactions. 

Sending Micropayments

Making small online payments has always been somewhat economically infeasible due to the fixed costs per transaction of most traditional payment systems. Well, XRP solves this problem as well.

By paying with XRP, users avoid these high transaction fees. This makes XRP an ideal tool for micropayments such as tips and donations for online services and content creators. And with its quality of minimizing currency exchange fees, it makes micropayment more feasible to global audiences.

XRP as a Long-Term Investment

While it is certainly strong in utility, XRP is also a popular choice as a speculative investment. Many investors see potential in XRP due to its unique position within the financial technology sector, particularly in its efforts to facilitate international money transfers.

The current value of one XRP is around half a dollar, which makes it more accessible to a broader range of investors compared to higher-priced cryptocurrencies. Its affordability and utility make it an attractive asset for investors looking for long-term growth.

XRP’s Role in DeFi

In addition to its mainstream adoption in finance, XRP is also becoming important in decentralized finance. Although it's not as widely used as Ethereum in this space, Ripple is becoming a part of numerous DeFi applications. 

In 2024, several innovative smart contracts, lending platforms, liquidity pools, and other projects were being developed on the XRP ledger.

Conclusion: Final Tips

Overall, XRP is certainly a promising asset to invest in, but you should always proceed with caution. Remember to research thoroughly when considering your investment options and choose the best place to buy Ripple according to your preferences.

Additionally, keep in mind that investing in cryptocurrencies comes with significant volatility, and you should always assess the risks and only invest with money you can afford to lose.

FAQ on How & Where to Buy XRP