Michael Graw is an experienced writer in the business and B2B tech fields. His articles can be found on Business Insider, Entrepreneur, Tom’s Guide, and…
XRP, the native cryptocurrency of the Ripple payments network, is the 5th-largest crypto by market cap and one of the hottest tokens of 2023.
The token soared recently after a major court decision in the US found that XRP is not a security, as alleged by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Investors are now flocking to XRP and analysts are calling for huge price increases.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to buy XRP and take a closer look at whether this token is a good investment right now.
How to Buy XRP – Quick Step by Step Guide
We’ll explain how to buy XRP in five easy steps.
Step 1: Choose a Crypto Exchange: XRP is available to purchase on most centralized crypto exchanges, such as MEXC.
Step 2: Create an Account: Create a new crypto exchange account. Most centralized exchanges require an investor’s name and email to start.
Step 3: Deposit Funds: Use a debit card or bank account to deposit funds to MEXC.
Step 4: Search for XRP: Use the search bar at the top of the MEXC homepage to search for ‘XRP.’
Step 5: Buy XRP: Enter the amount of XRP to purchase and click ‘Buy’ to complete the transaction.
What is XRP?
XRP is the native crypto token of the Ripple payments network, which was created by San Francisco-based Ripple Labs in 2012.
The Ripple payments network is designed to move money around the world quickly and cheaply. Banks can use it to convert one currency for another, using XRP tokens as an intermediary store of value while funds cross borders.
While the payments system is complex, its design means that XRP demand is closely linked to the volume of cross-border transactions taking place over the Ripple network. While individual investors can buy and sell XRP, the Ripple network itself is meant for use by banks and financial institutions.
XRP has a total supply of 100 billion tokens, all of which were pre-mined before launch and controlled by Ripple Labs. Ripple Labs locked 55 billion tokens in an escrow account and gave 20 billion to its founding team. The remaining 25 billion tokens were made available to the public.
Today, the total circulating supply of XRP is 52.5 billion and the token has a market cap of $36.38 billion.
The SEC Lawsuit Against Ripple
In December 2020, the US SEC filed a lawsuit against Ripple Labs claiming that XRP was an unregistered security rather than a truly decentralized cryptocurrency like Bitcoin. The case has hung over Ripple for the last several years and prevented banks in the US from adopting the Ripple payments network.
Ripple decided to fight the case in court rather than settle with the SEC. A judgment announced in July 2023 decided that XRP sold on exchanges is not a security.
XRP Price History
XRP is one of the oldest cryptocurrencies, predating the ICO boom of 2017. For most of its early history, XRP was priced between $0.005 and $0.01.
In 2017, as the price of Bitcoin soared, XRP also exploded higher. The token reached an all-time high of $3.84 on January 4, 2018—a 60,000% gain in the span of 12 months.
However, XRP fell rapidly as the crypto boom collapsed. In early 2020, it was priced below $0.15. The token climbed to $0.60 by December 2020, but fell sharply when the SEC filed its lawsuit against Ripple Labs on December 22, 2020.
Despite the lawsuit, XRP climbed over $1.55 by May 2021 as the prices of altcoins were spiking across the crypto market. However, the lawsuit loomed over the token and the price dropped to $0.31 during the crypto winter of 2022.
Because the SEC vs. Ripple court case was expected to conclude this year, XRP was one of the top cryptos to watch in 2023. A US court decided on July 13, 2023, that XRP sold on exchanges should not be considered a security. The token jumped 75% on the news and today is priced at $0.69.
Why Has the Price of XRP Gone Up?
The price of XRP has shot up recently thanks to a court decision that XRP sold on exchanges is not a security as the SEC alleged. The SEC won a partial victory, as the court decided that XRP sold directly to investment firms was sold as unregistered security.
Broadly, the decision was seen as a win for Ripple and for the crypto market as a whole. Many cryptocurrencies that have faced lawsuits from the SEC could now see those suits dropped.
The decision alleviated a black cloud of legal jeopardy that has hung over Ripple for more than 2 years and prevented wider adoption of the Ripple payments network by US banks. However, there is still uncertainty around XRP since the SEC has the option to appeal the decision.
XRP jumped 75% within a few hours of the court decision and trading volume spiked to more than $14 billion. 10 days after the court decision, XRP has given up some gains but remains up 47%.
Is XRP a Good Investment Right Now?
Despite XRP’s pullback in the past few days, investors and analysts are broadly bullish about the token. Here are the key reasons why.
Lawsuit’s Conclusion Allows for Wider Adoption
One of the most important outcomes of the Ripple lawsuit is that the court found that XRP purchased through exchanges is not a security. This has huge implications for adoption of the Ripple payment network and for use of XRP by investors.
First, now that the legal cloud is lifting, banks can potentially use XRP and the Ripple payment network to move money around without worrying about legal issues. Ripple Labs CEO Brad Garlinghouse predicted after the lawsuit that many major banks will soon adopt Ripple.
If that happens as Garlinghouse predicted, it would not only significantly drive up XRP demand but also make Ripple a staple of the international financial ecosystem. The impact on XRP’s value could be enormous as banks using the token for international payments would likely need to hold billions of dollars worth of it.
The close of the legal case also makes XRP more attractive to investment firms and everyday investors. Buying XRP is no longer a bet on what the court system will do, but rather an investment based on the merits of the token. As more individuals and firms buy XRP, the price is expected to rise.
Analysts Predict Huge Gains for XRP
Analysts are extraordinarily bullish about XRP in the wake of the court decision. Many analyses predict that XRP could reach $1 in the next 12 months, and some suggest XRP could move much higher.
Some of the most notable price predictions for XRP include:
Crypto influencer CoinsKid predicted that XRP could hit $6 based on a bullish ascending triangle price pattern.
Crypto analyst Tolberti suggested that XRP will rise to a technical resistance level at $1.30, then could break through to resistance at $3.28.
Thomas Kralow, manager of Kralow Capital, predicted XRP will reach $10 in the short-term and could ultimately be worth as much as $30 per token.
Crypto influencer Ben ‘BitBoy’ Armstrong predicted XRP could hit $15 within 18 months and eventually reach a price of $35.
Anton Kharitonov, an analyst at Traders Union, predicted XRP will reach $1.27 by the end of 2023.
Our own XRP price prediction suggests that the token could reach $1.80 by the end of 2024.
All of these bullish predictions represent significant upside for investors at today’s XRP price of $0.69, making XRP one of the best cryptocurrencies to buy today.
Crypto Bull Market Could Provide Tailwind
The court decision lifting XRP comes at a positive moment for the crypto market as a whole. Market watchers and crypto project CEOs are increasingly calling an end to the crypto winter and forecasting several years of strong growth for the industry.
What’s good for the crypto market as a whole has generally been good for XRP as well. The token soared in 2017 alongside Bitcoin, and again in 2021. A crypto bull market could provide a tailwind for XRP, especially if more investors get into the crypto market and add XRP to their new portfolios.
Where To Buy XRP – Top Exchanges Review
Wondering where to buy or trade XRP? While stocks can be purchased from a broker, XRP trades on crypto exchanges. Below, we explore the best places to buy XRP in 2024.
1. Bitrue – Overall Best Crypto Exchange To Buy XRP in 2024
Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Singapore, Bitrue is currently at the top of our list of best exchanges to buy XRP. It ranks second in overall XRP trading volume, accounting for 23% of the global total.
Bitrue allows users to quickly create an account with just an email address and password. KYC is not immediately required but is necessary for certain services like loans and OTC trading.
It offers over 700 cryptos, including XRP for spot trading and an easy-to-use interface for beginners. The platform provides various trading options, including spot and futures trading, with leverage of up to 50x.
The platform has a competitive trading fee of 0.098% for spot and futures trading, which is lower than some popular exchanges. Moreover, the platform’s native BTR Token offers a 40% discount on trading fees.
The exchange also offers a unique ‘Piggy Bank’ feature for staking with competitive APRs and loan service, allowing users to leverage their assets to earn passive income.
Bitrue also offers high security, using measures like multi-signature cold storage, two-factor authentication, and an insurance fund.
Users can deposit cryptos for free, but fiat deposits are not directly supported. Crypto can be purchased with a credit card via third-party providers. It’s worth noting that Bitrue charges a fee of 3.5% or a $10 minimum for credit card transactions.
Crypto assets are highly volatile and unregulated in most countries. There is no consumer protection. Tax on profits may apply. Your capital is at risk.
2. MEXC – Promising Exchange With Over 10 Million Users
MEXC is a leading crypto exchange serving over 10 million users in more than 170 countries. It has become a go-to platform for investors, offering many trading and staking opportunities.
The platform is known for its 0% spot trading fees, making it an attractive option for day traders. Additionally, the futures trading taker fee is competitively set at just 0.02%, and limit orders come with no fees.
It supports over 1,600 cryptos, including popular options like Bitcoin and XRP.
Trading Tools and Security
Advanced Trading Features: MEXC provides advanced charting tools, including multiple indicators and drawing tools, and the option to use TradingView charts, suitable for both new and experienced traders.
Security Measures: The platform uses an anti-DDoS system and stores over $500 million in user funds in cold storage, ensuring strong security against potential threats.
Staking and Savings Options
Flexible Staking Opportunities: MEXC’s Savings feature offers up to 8.8% APR on various cryptos, including flexible lock options, enabling users to earn interest on their holdings.
Copy Trading Feature: The platform’s copy trading tool allows less experienced traders to mirror the strategies of seasoned traders, enhancing their trading skills and knowledge.
User Experience and Accessibility
Ease of Use: The sign-up process on MEXC is straightforward, and the platform’s interface caters to beginners and advanced traders.
Mobile App: With a mobile app available for iOS and Android, MEXC ensures that traders can manage their portfolios on the go.
Customer Support: The exchange offers 24/7 customer support, promptly addressing all user queries and needs.
The MX token, launched in 2019, plays a crucial role in the MEXC ecosystem, providing holders with governance rights, trading discounts, and access to exclusive airdrops.
Users can easily make payments using credit/debit cards, bank transfers, SEPA transfers, and peer-to-peer transactions, with added convenience through third-party processors like Moonpay.
Crypto assets are highly volatile and unregulated in most countries. There is no consumer protection. Tax on profits may apply. Your capital is at risk.
3. OKX – Offers Low Fees with Advanced Trading Features
OKX is a popular crypto exchange known for its competitive fee structure and diverse trading options. Catering to both short-term and long-term investors, OKX supports over 370 markets, including various long-term and low-cap cryptos.
The platform stands out with its low trading fees, charging only 0.1% for market orders and a reduced 0.08% for limit orders. These rates are among the most competitive in the industry, appealing to a broad range of traders.
Traders can benefit from even lower commissions by meeting certain 30-day trading volume milestones, adding an incentive for frequent trading.
Trading Products and Tools
Advanced Trading Options: The platform offers a range of sophisticated trading products, including futures/options and perpetual swaps catering to various investment strategies.
Analysis and Charting Tools: OKX integrates advanced analysis tools, including TradingView integration and charting timeframes that range from one second to three months, enhancing the trading experience for technical analysts.
Wallet and Passive Income Opportunities
Noncustodial Crypto Wallet App: OKX provides a noncustodial wallet app, giving investors full control over their private keys and adding a layer of security to their assets.
Passive Income Through Savings: The platform also offers attractive passive income opportunities. Traders can deposit tokens into savings accounts, with APYs as high as 5%.
OKX also includes a demo account, perfect for beginners or those looking to refine their trading strategies in a risk-free environment.
The platform supports trading bots that can be programmed for automated trading based on specific rules, ideal for algorithmic traders.
Crypto assets are highly volatile and unregulated in most countries. There is no consumer protection. Tax on profits may apply. Your capital is at risk.
4. Binance – A Globally Renowned Crypto Exchange with Low Fees
Binance is the world’s most popular crypto exchange, catering to over 160 million users. It charges a competitive fee of just 0.1% per transaction, making it an economical choice for traders.
The platform supports over 350 cryptos, including popular options like XRP and a range of utility tokens, offering ample opportunities for diversification.
Moreover, the Binance Academy feature is ideal for beginners, offering extensive learning resources about cryptos and NFTs.
Also, traders can use the demo account pre-loaded with virtual funds, like 10 BTC, to test and refine their trading strategies without financial risk.
Binance caters to seasoned traders by providing options for leverage trading, futures contracts, and a unique swap farming mechanism.
Staking and Payment Flexibility
Flexible Staking Options: Users can stake many cryptos with high annual returns.
Multiple Payment Methods: Binance supports various payment options, including VISA, Mastercard, credit/debit cards, and ACH transfers, with varying fees depending on the payment method.
The platform’s fees and banking methods vary by country. For example, Binance US offers fee-free ACH and domestic bank wire transfers, while European users can benefit from near-instant SEPA deposits with a minimal charge.
Binance provides excellent customer service with 24/7 live chat support, quickly addressing user queries.
Crypto assets are highly volatile and unregulated in most countries. There is no consumer protection. Tax on profits may apply. Your capital is at risk.
5. Prime XBT – Popular Exchange With Low Fees To Buy XRP
PrimeXBT is a popular crypto exchange with over 1 million traders across 140+ countries. It facilitates more than 170,000 daily trades and offers various services, including futures, copy trading, and PrimeXBT Turbo. The platform caters to both new and experienced traders.
A key feature of PrimeXBT is its high leverage options, up to 1:2, enabling traders to boost their investments and potential returns. It is worth noting that this feature can also increase the associated risks.
The platform has a low-cost fee structure, with maker/taker fees at 0.01%/0.02% for Bitcoin futures and a standard 0.05% fee for other services. There are no deposit fees, but withdrawal fees vary based on the crypto and network.
The platform ensures high security by using two-factor authentication, cold storage with multi-signature technology, and hardware security modules.
While lacking direct bank card deposit options, PrimeXBT compensates with alternative deposit methods. It supports desktop and mobile use, providing real-time market updates and advanced trading tools.
Crypto assets are highly volatile and unregulated in most countries. There is no consumer protection. Tax on profits may apply. Your capital is at risk.
How to Buy XRP: Full Tutorial
With so much enthusiasm around XRP, many investors want to know how they can get in on this token before it hits $1. We’ll explain the steps to buy XRP through a centralized crypto exchange like MEXC.
Step 1: Choose a Cryptocurrency Exchange
XRP is available on most major centralized and decentralized crypto exchanges. It can be bought through MEXC, Binance, OKX, and more. Coinbase, Crypto.com, and Kraken recently relisted XRP after the court decision.
We recommend using MEXC to buy XRP because it offers minimal deposit fees, low trading fees, and a wide range of cryptocurrencies to choose from.
The steps below will cover how to buy XRP with MEXC. The process is similar at most other centralized exchanges.
Step 2: Create an Account
Head to the MEXC website and click ‘Start Investing’ to sign up. Investors must enter their email and create a username and password to get started. They can also sign up with Google, Apple, or Facebook.
MEXC follows Know Your Customer requirements, so new users must submit proof of ID. A photo of a driver’s license or passport is all that’s needed to complete this process.
Step 3: Deposit Funds
Once the account is established, the next step is to deposit funds. MEXC accepts deposits by debit card, bank account, or wire transfer.
Click ‘Deposit Funds’ in the options menu, then choose a payment method and the amount to deposit.
Step 4: Search for XRP
Navigate to the MEXC dashboard and find the search bar at the top of the page. Enter ‘XRP’ and click on the token when it appears in the drop-down menu. This will take investors to MEXC’s XRP page, where they can enter a new order.
Step 5: Buy XRP
Click ‘Trade’ to open a new XRP order form. Enter the amount of XRP to purchase in USD. When the trade is ready, click ‘Buy’ to purchase XRP.
Purchased XRP will be stored in the investor’s MEXC account. It can be transferred to an external crypto wallet for a small transfer fee.
Conclusion
Our guide to how to buy XRP covers everything investors need to know about this payments token. While there are no guarantees, crypto analysts are very bullish about XRP in the wake of the SEC vs. Ripple court decision. Some analysts are predicting 10x gains or more from today’s price.
Investors can buy XRP at MEXC with minimal deposit fees and low trading fees. Sign up for an MEXC account to buy XRP today.
XRP is the native cryptocurrency of the Ripple payments network. It’s designed to facilitate cross-border transactions by banks and financial institutions.
What is the total supply of XRP?
XRP has a total supply of 100 billion tokens. The entire supply was premined, and much of it is held in escrow by Ripple Labs to keep supply and demand in balance. The current circulating supply of XRP is 52.5 billion tokens.
Can XRP reach $1?
Many crypto analysts think that XRP can reach $1 or much higher in the wake of the SEC vs. Ripple court decision, which was ruled in Ripple’s favor. A $1 price target represents a 45% gain from today’s XRP price.
Michael Graw is an experienced writer in the business and B2B tech fields. His articles can be found on Business Insider, Entrepreneur, Tom’s Guide, and TechRadar, and cover everything from corporate finance to crypto and international tech regulation. A prolific copywriter and entrepreneur, Michael has worked with a wide range of SaaS and tech companies and has his finger firmly on the pulse of B2B tech and finance.
