If you missed the early days of Bitcoin, you’re not alone — and you’re definitely not late to explore other promising digital assets. One cryptocurrency that has captured widespread attention is Ripple (XRP). Priced at just over $2 per coin at its peak popularity, XRP stands out not only for its affordability but also for its unique position in the crypto ecosystem.
Unlike decentralized networks like Bitcoin or Ethereum, XRP was developed by a private, for-profit company — Ripple Labs — which still holds a significant portion of the total supply. This distinction makes XRP somewhat controversial among purists, but it hasn’t stopped investors from showing strong interest. However, one major hurdle remains: XRP isn’t available on popular platforms like Coinbase, making it harder to buy than other major cryptocurrencies.
But don’t worry — with the right approach, purchasing XRP is entirely possible. This guide walks you through a reliable method using widely accessible tools and exchanges.
Why Ripple (XRP) Is Gaining Attention
Before diving into the "how," let's briefly cover the "why." XRP was designed to facilitate fast, low-cost international money transfers, particularly for banks and financial institutions. While Bitcoin transactions can take minutes (or even hours) and incur high fees during peak times, XRP settles in under four seconds with negligible costs.
This real-world utility has attracted partnerships with institutions across the globe, fueling speculation about its long-term value. Though its price has fluctuated significantly since 2018, many analysts believe XRP remains undervalued compared to its potential use cases.
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Step 1: Choose a Crypto Exchange That Supports XRP Trading
The first challenge in buying XRP is finding an exchange that lists it. Due to ongoing regulatory scrutiny in the U.S., many mainstream platforms have delisted or never added XRP. That means you’ll need to use a specialized exchange.
One such platform is Bitsane, a global cryptocurrency exchange that allows direct trading between XRP and ETH (Ethereum). Creating an account is straightforward — simply visit the website, provide basic identity information, and complete verification. Once verified, you’ll gain access to real-time price data, trading pairs, and deposit/withdrawal functions.
While Bitsane works well for this purpose, always ensure any exchange you choose complies with your local regulations and offers two-factor authentication (2FA) for security.
Step 2: Buy Ethereum (ETH) on a Major Exchange
Since you can’t directly deposit USD into most XRP-supporting exchanges, you’ll need an intermediate cryptocurrency — typically Ethereum (ETH) or Bitcoin (BTC). The easiest way to buy ETH is through user-friendly platforms like Coinbase, which supports bank transfers and debit card purchases.
Here’s how:
- Log in to your Coinbase account.
- Navigate to the “Buy/Sell” section.
- Select Ethereum (ETH).
- Enter the amount you'd like to purchase (e.g., $200).
- Complete the transaction using your linked payment method.
Coinbase charges a small fee based on payment type, but the process is quick and secure. Within minutes, your ETH will appear in your wallet.
Step 3: Transfer Ethereum to Your Exchange Account
Now that you own ETH, it’s time to move it to the exchange where you can trade it for XRP — in this case, Bitsane.
Follow these steps:
- In your Bitsane account, go to Balances > Ethereum.
- Click Deposit to generate a unique Ethereum wallet address.
- Copy this address carefully.
- Open your Coinbase app or website.
- Go to your ETH Wallet.
- Click Send (the paper airplane icon).
- Paste the Bitsane deposit address.
- Enter the amount of ETH to send (e.g., 0.1 ETH ≈ $100–$200 depending on market price).
- Confirm the transaction.
You’ll pay a small network gas fee — usually less than $1 — and the transfer should arrive within 30 minutes, depending on blockchain congestion.
Pro Tip: Always send a test transaction first with a small amount to confirm everything works before transferring larger sums.
Step 4: Trade Ethereum for Ripple (XRP)
Once your ETH arrives in your Bitsane wallet, you’re ready to buy XRP.
Here’s what to do:
- On the top menu, select the XRP/ETH trading pair.
- You’ll see a live order book showing current buy and sell prices.
- Choose Market Order if you want to buy immediately at the best available price.
- Enter the number of XRP you’d like to purchase.
- Review the estimated cost and transaction fee (typically around $0.02–$0.10 per trade).
- Confirm the order.
For example, 0.117 ETH might get you approximately 45–46 XRP, depending on market conditions.
After confirmation, your XRP will appear in your Bitsane balance almost instantly.
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Step 5: Store and Monitor Your XRP
After purchasing, your XRP will be held in your exchange wallet. While convenient, this isn’t the most secure long-term storage option. For better protection, consider transferring your XRP to a hardware wallet like Ledger or Trezor.
Alternatively, if you plan to trade frequently, keeping funds on a reputable exchange with strong security protocols may be acceptable — just make sure to enable 2FA and avoid sharing login details.
Monitoring your investment is simple: most exchanges display real-time price charts, portfolio value, and performance history.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I buy XRP directly with USD?
Some international exchanges allow direct USD-to-XRP purchases, but availability depends on your region due to regulatory restrictions. In many cases, buying ETH or BTC first is still the most reliable method.
Is XRP legal to own?
Yes, owning XRP is legal in most countries. However, trading restrictions apply in certain jurisdictions, especially following the SEC lawsuit against Ripple Labs in the U.S. Always check local laws before investing.
Why isn’t XRP on Coinbase?
In December 2020, Coinbase removed XRP from its platform due to regulatory uncertainty stemming from the SEC’s lawsuit alleging XRP was an unregistered security. As of 2025, it remains delisted pending further legal clarity.
How fast are XRP transactions?
XRP transactions settle in 3–5 seconds, making it one of the fastest blockchain networks for cross-border payments.
What are the risks of buying XRP?
Like all cryptocurrencies, XRP is highly volatile. Its price can swing dramatically based on market sentiment, regulatory news, and macroeconomic trends. Additionally, centralization concerns exist due to Ripple Labs’ large holdings.
Can I stake XRP for rewards?
No — unlike proof-of-stake coins such as Cardano or Solana, XRP uses a unique consensus algorithm that doesn’t support staking or mining.
Final Thoughts: Is Now the Right Time to Buy XRP?
While no one can predict the future of crypto prices with certainty, Ripple continues to push forward with institutional adoption and global payment solutions. Whether you're diversifying your portfolio or betting on its future utility, understanding how to buy XRP safely and efficiently is essential.
By following this step-by-step process — buying ETH on Coinbase, transferring it securely, and exchanging it for XRP — you can enter this space with confidence.
Remember: never invest more than you can afford to lose, stay informed about regulatory developments, and prioritize security at every step.
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