Ripple (XRP) stands as one of the most widely recognized cryptocurrencies, consistently ranking among the top three by market capitalization—just behind Bitcoin and Ethereum. As interest in digital assets grows, many investors are turning to XRP for its speed, low transaction costs, and real-world applications in cross-border payments.
Choosing the right exchange to buy and trade XRP is crucial for maximizing returns and minimizing fees. This comprehensive guide walks you through the best XRP exchanges in 2025, explains transaction costs, and provides a step-by-step buying process—all while helping you make informed, secure investment decisions.
👉 Discover how to start trading XRP with low fees and high security today.
Core Features of Ripple (XRP)
Launched in 2012 by Ripple Labs, a U.S.-based fintech company, XRP was designed to revolutionize international money transfers. Unlike Bitcoin or Ethereum, it doesn’t rely on energy-intensive mining. Instead, it uses a unique consensus mechanism that enables fast, low-cost transactions.
Fast and Low-Cost Global Payments
One of XRP’s standout features is its ability to settle transactions in just 3–5 seconds, with an average fee of $0.001 per transaction. This makes it ideal for banks and financial institutions using RippleNet—the company’s global payment network.
When sending funds across borders (e.g., from Japan to the U.S.), traditional systems can take days and charge high fees. With XRP, the sender converts fiat into XRP, transfers it instantly via the XRP Ledger, and the recipient converts it into local currency—bypassing intermediaries and reducing both time and cost.
Unique Consensus Protocol
While Bitcoin uses Proof-of-Work (PoW), which requires complex computations and miner validation, XRP relies on the XRP Ledger Consensus Protocol (XRP LCP). In this system, a trusted group of validators—pre-approved by Ripple—confirm transactions.
This eliminates the need for mining and allows near-instant settlement. While some critics argue this reduces decentralization, the trade-off is unmatched speed and scalability.
Fixed Supply: All 100 Billion XRP Already Issued
Unlike Bitcoin, which has a gradual emission schedule capped at 21 million coins, all 100 billion XRP tokens were created at launch. No new tokens will ever be mined.
Approximately 63 billion XRP are held by Ripple, with about 55 billion locked in escrow through third-party smart contracts. Each month, 1 billion XRP are released into circulation—preventing sudden market dumps and helping stabilize price volatility.
This controlled release mechanism supports long-term price stability and investor confidence.
Top 7 XRP Exchanges in 2025
With numerous platforms available, choosing the right exchange depends on your priorities: low fees, ease of use, security, or advanced trading tools. Below are the top seven exchanges for buying XRP in 2025, ranked based on reliability, features, and user experience.
1. GMO Coin – Best Overall for Japanese Investors
GMO Coin ranks #1 thanks to its strong reputation, low fees, and comprehensive services. Operated by GMO Internet Group—a Tokyo Stock Exchange-listed company—it’s trusted by over 700,000 users.
Key Features:
- Zero trading fees (maker rebate of -0.01%, taker fee of 0.05%)
- Free deposits and withdrawals
- Supports staking, lending, and dollar-cost averaging
- Mobile app with trader and beginner modes
GMO Coin offers two lending plans: Basic (up to 10% APY) and Premium (15%+ APY). You can also start investing with just ¥500 per month via automated savings.
👉 Start low-cost XRP trading with advanced tools and secure custody.
2. bitbank – Highest Security & Advanced Charting
Founded in 2014, bitbank has maintained a flawless security record—zero hacks in over a decade. It’s certified under ISO/IEC 27001, the global standard for information security.
Why Choose bitbank?
- 42 supported cryptocurrencies, including XRP
- Deep liquidity and tight spreads
- TradingView integration for technical analysis
- Ultra-low minimum trade size: 0.0001 XRP
While withdrawal fees are slightly higher (¥550), its robust security and professional-grade tools make it ideal for active traders.
3. BITPOINT – Free Trading & Top Staking Rewards
A member of the SBI Group, BITPOINT offers zero trading fees on both spot and exchange markets—an extremely rare benefit.
Standout Benefits:
- Free deposits and first monthly withdrawal
- Industry-leading staking rewards (up to 20% APY)
- Two savings plans: Individual and Portfolio stacking
Though it supports fewer currencies than competitors, BITPOINT excels for long-term investors focused on cost efficiency and passive income.
4. SBI VC Trade – Full Suite of Financial Services
Backed by financial giant SBI Holdings, this platform combines crypto trading with banking-like reliability.
Highlights:
- Free deposits and withdrawals
- Lending available on 34 assets
- Staking for 14 different tokens
- All-in-one mobile app for seamless access
With narrow spreads and strong institutional support, SBI VC Trade is perfect for users who value integration and trust.
5. Coincheck – Beginner-Friendly App Experience
Coincheck dominates in user accessibility. Its app has been downloaded over 7 million times, winning “Most Downloaded Crypto App in Japan” for six consecutive years.
What Makes It Great?
- Simple interface ideal for beginners
- Free trading fees
- Earn up to 5% APY through lending
- Supports utility payments like electricity and gas
Coincheck even allows point redemption—V Points can be converted into Bitcoin—making it a lifestyle-integrated platform.
6. OKJ – Largest Selection & Auto-Staking
Formerly OKCoin Japan, OKJ now leads in currency diversity, offering 40+ digital assets—including emerging tokens like SUI.
Key Advantages:
- Auto-staking feature on savings plans
- High-yield lending program (FlashDeals)
- Flexible staking options: Flexible or Fixed-term
Despite higher withdrawal fees, OKJ’s innovation in automated wealth-building tools makes it a top pick for diversified portfolios.
7. bitFlyer – Trusted Brand with Premium Tools
As Japan’s longest-running exchange (founded in 2014), bitFlyer processes more Bitcoin volume than any other domestic platform.
Notable Features:
- V Points redemption into BTC
- bitFlyer credit card earns BTC cashback (up to 1%)
- Professional trading suite: bitFlyer Lightning with multi-chart support
While it lacks staking and lending for XRP, its advanced tools cater well to experienced traders.
Understanding XRP Transaction Fees
To maximize profits, it’s essential to understand all potential costs involved when trading or transferring XRP.
Trading Fees: Sales Desk vs Exchange
- Sales Desk (Buy/Sell Direct): No explicit fee; instead, you pay a spread between buy/sell prices.
Exchange Market: Pay maker/taker fees depending on order type:
- Maker: Places limit orders (-0.01% to +0.1%)
- Taker: Fills existing orders (typically higher)
Exchanges like GMO Coin offer negative maker fees—meaning you earn rebates for adding liquidity.
Deposit & Withdrawal Fees
Most top exchanges offer free JPY deposits via bank transfer. Withdrawal fees vary:
- GMO Coin: Free (¥400 for large withdrawals)
- bitFlyer: ¥220–¥770
- BITPOINT: Free once per month
Minimize costs by reducing frequent transfers.
Network Transfer Fees
Sending XRP off-exchange incurs minimal fees:
- GMO Coin & BITPOINT: Free
- bitbank: 0.1 XRP (~$0.04)
These are far cheaper than Ethereum’s gas fees.
How to Buy XRP: Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to securely purchase your first XRP:
Step 1: Choose an Exchange
Prioritize platforms with:
- Free deposits/withdrawals
- Support for both sales desk and exchange trading
- Strong regulatory compliance
GMO Coin and bitbank lead in overall value.
Step 2: Open an Account
The process typically takes less than 30 minutes:
- Register email
- Fill personal details
- Upload ID (driver’s license or passport)
- Complete facial verification (via app)
Some platforms approve accounts in under 10 minutes.
Step 3: Deposit Japanese Yen
Use bank transfer for lowest fees or quick deposit methods like convenience store payments for instant funding (higher fees apply).
Step 4: Purchase XRP
You can buy as little as ¥35 worth of XRP on GMO Coin. Select “Buy” on the sales desk or place a limit order on the exchange.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can XRP Reach ¥1 Million?
It is highly unlikely in the near term. At ¥330 per XRP (as of May 2025), reaching ¥1 million would require a 3,000x increase—far beyond current fundamentals. However, major adoption or regulatory clarity could drive significant growth over decades.
How Will SEC Lawsuit Impact XRP Price?
Ripple has already won key legal battles against the U.S. SEC, with rulings confirming that XRP is not a security when sold to retail investors. A full settlement would remove long-standing uncertainty, likely boosting institutional demand and price momentum.
Can I Buy XRP on Rakuten Wallet?
Yes, Rakuten Wallet supports XRP trading with up to 2x leverage. However, the minimum trade size is 100 XRP, making it less suitable for small investors. For micro-investments, consider GMO Coin or Coincheck instead.
👉 Begin your journey with a secure, low-fee platform trusted worldwide.
Final Thoughts
Investing in XRP offers exposure to real-world blockchain applications in global finance. By choosing a reputable exchange like GMO Coin or bitbank, understanding fee structures, and using dollar-cost averaging strategies, you can build a resilient crypto portfolio.
Whether you're a beginner or seasoned trader, the key lies in balancing cost-efficiency, security, and functionality. Start small, stay informed, and leverage tools that grow with your experience.
With strategic planning and disciplined investing, XRP remains a compelling asset in the evolving digital economy landscape.