XRP isn’t just another name on the crypto leaderboard. Designed for fast, low-cost transfers, it moves money across borders in seconds and skips the sky-high fees banks still charge. And if you want to pick some up, Coinbase is one of the easiest, safest places to do it, whether you’re brand-new to crypto or you already hold a diverse wallet.
What follows is a complete walk-through: how to buy XRP on Coinbase, why this coin matters right now, and the safest ways to store it. Let’s get rolling.
What Makes XRP Different?
Quick snapshot
- Born in 2012, Ripple Labs launched XRP alongside the XRP Ledger.
- Settles in 3–5 seconds – That’s a speed most banks can’t touch and even many headline cryptos can’t match.
- Bridge-currency magic – Swap dollars for euros—or any other pair—without long delays or painful fees.
Why the banking world cares
Ripple’s team was never built in a vacuum. They lined up real partnerships with banks and payment processors so XRP would have day-to-day utility. Their flagship service, On-Demand Liquidity (ODL), lets companies move funds internationally without parking stacks of cash overseas.
That kind of practical use is why XRP keeps popping up on serious investors’ watchlists; its value isn’t driven by hype alone.
Why XRP is Back in the Spotlight for 2025
XRP’s path hasn’t been smooth, but this year feels different for a reason.
Back in 2020, the SEC went after Ripple, calling XRP an unregistered security. Exchanges, Coinbase included, yanked the token. Fast-forward to 2023, and a U.S. court ruled that XRP isn’t a security when it trades on secondary markets. Within days, Coinbase relisted it, and confidence began to flood back.
The numbers tell the story:
- Price – Around $2.24 as of June 2025.
- Volume – Up to $4.59 billion changing hands in a single day.
- Momentum – A steady climb since late 2024, powered by a friendlier U.S. regulatory climate.
- Institutional nod – Funds like 3iQ’s XRPQ ETF launched in North America, proving the big players now want in.
Add the coin’s real-world utility, and you get a solid foundation. That said, XRP can be a roller coaster; recent drops of six-plus percent in a single day prove the point. Never invest more than you’re ready to lose.
Why Use Coinbase?
After trying plenty of exchanges, Coinbase still tops the list for a few reasons:
- Clean interface – Whether you log in on the web or the app, navigation feels obvious, even if you’ve never bought crypto before.
- Serious security – Two-factor authentication, heavy use of cold storage, and full FinCEN registration give peace of mind.
- XRP’s back – Following that 2023 court ruling, XRP trades again for users in the U.S., India, and even New York.
- Flexible funding – From ACH and SEPA bank transfers to debit cards and wires, you’ve got options.
Yes, Coinbase’s fees can sting, but it remains one of the most reliable on-ramps.
How to Buy XRP on Coinbase: A No-Stress Guide
Buying XRP once your account is live takes only a few minutes. Here’s the entire process, start to finish.
1. Create a Coinbase Account
- Visit Coinbase – Head to coinbase.com or grab the mobile app (App Store or Google Play). The app is perfect if you like trading on the go.
- Sign up – Provide your name, email, and a strong password—think of at least sixteen characters with letters, numbers, and symbols (e.g., SecureXRP2025!).
Verify Your Email
After you register, Coinbase will send a confirmation email. Just open it and click the link, they need to verify it’s really you.
Lock in 2FA
This step’s all about securing your account. Use an app like Google Authenticator—or even better, a hardware key if you have one. Skip SMS codes; they’re not safe. SIM-swapping is still a big problem and not worth the risk.
2. Verify Your Identity
Coinbase has to follow Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations, so before you can trade, you’ll need to prove who you are.
Enter Personal Details
Start by filling in your full name, date of birth, and address. Keep everything exactly as it appears on your government ID. If anything doesn’t match, your verification might get delayed.
Upload Your ID
After that, upload a clear photo of your ID—either a passport or a driver’s license. In some regions, Coinbase might also ask for a utility bill or bank statement to double-check your address. The platform will show exactly what’s needed based on where you are.
Wait for approval – Most verifications finish in minutes, though busy periods can take a bit longer.
3. Add a Payment Method
Time to fund your account:
Navigate to Payment Methods – On desktop: profile icon → Settings → Payment Methods. On mobile: menu → Payment Methods.
Pick your option
- Bank account (ACH or SEPA) – Lowest fee, takes 1–5 business days.
- Debit card – Instant but higher fees (around 3–4%).
- Wire transfer – Good for larger amounts, settles in 1–3 days.
- Connect and verify – Follow prompts; bank accounts often require confirming two small test deposits.
4. Deposit Funds
- Add cash – Go to Portfolio → Add Cash.
- Choose amount – Enter the figure you’re comfortable risking—crypto is volatile.
- Confirm – Debit card funds appear instantly; bank transfers take a few days.
5. Buy XRP
- Open Buy/Sell – On the website, it’s at the top. In the app, tap Trade → Buy.
- Find XRP – Search or scroll until you see it.
- Enter purchase amount – Type in $50—or any amount—or choose several tokens. Coinbase shows how much XRP you’ll receive.
- Preview – Check the price, spread (about 0.5%), and fee.
- Buy now – Confirm to lock in your purchase. Coinbase will prompt once the trade is complete.
6. Store Your XRP
Leave it on Coinbase – Convenient for quick trades; Coinbase keeps the private keys.
Move it off-exchange – For long-term storage, send your XRP to a hardware wallet (e.g., Ledger Nano S) or a respected software wallet (e.g., Toast). Go to Portfolio → XRP → Send, paste your wallet address, and confirm. Remember the 22 XRP minimum withdrawal and the small network fee.
Congratulations—you now own XRP.
Keeping Your XRP Safe
- Unique password – Minimum sixteen characters, never reused.
- 2FA – Stick with an authenticator app or hardware key.
- Offline storage – Long-term stacks belong in a hardware wallet.
- Stay alert – Only use the official Coinbase site or app. Be wary of emails or DMs asking for details.
- Review activity – Check your transaction log regularly and enable account change alerts.
- Guard your recovery phrase – Write it down, store it somewhere fireproof, and never share it.
Coinbase Fees
| Action | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Spread | ~0.5 % built into the quoted price |
| Debit-card buy | 3–4 % |
| Bank transfer (ACH/SEPA) | 0.5–1.5 % |
| Wire deposit | Flat fee (≈ $10 US) |
| XRP withdrawal | Network fee + 22 XRP minimum |
Tip: Use bank transfers and bundle larger orders to soften the fee bite. Always double-check the Preview Buy screen.
Common Questions
For most people, yes. XRP is back on Coinbase in the U.S., India, and, after a 2024 comeback, New York. Laws shift country by country, though, so it’s smart to open the Coinbase app and double-check before you try to hit “Buy.”
Buying with Dollars (or Rupees, or Euros)
No hoops to jump through here: Coinbase lets you grab XRP with USD, INR, EUR, and a handful of other major currencies, as long as your payment method is hooked up and verified.
Why the Token Disappeared in 2021
Remember the SEC lawsuit? Coinbase yanked XRP when that news broke. A judge finally said in 2023 that regular exchange trading doesn’t make XRP a security, so Coinbase flipped the switch back on.
How Much Risk Are We Talking?
Plenty. Crypto is jumpy by nature; XRP has shed six-plus percent in a single day more than once. If that much whiplash makes you queasy, only toss in cash if you can afford to watch Swing (or melt).
Swapping XRP for Something Else
Feel like trading? No problem. Hit the Trade tab on Coinbase, pick XRP, and swap it for Bitcoin, Ethereum, whatever’s on the menu.
Other Spots to Pick Up XRP
- Binance – Cheap fees, deep order books, steep learning curve.
- Kraken – U.S.-regulated, security-forward, middle-of-the-road fees.
- Uphold – Simple interface plus an optional Vault for extra peace of mind.
- Bitstamp is one of the oldest names in the game and a long-time XRP supporter.
Compare costs and layouts before settling on one; each platform has its quirks.
Snagging XRP on Coinbase in 2025 boils down to four moves: sign up, verify who you are, fund the account, and click “Buy.” The coin’s blazing-fast transfers, real-world use, and clearer U.S. legal standing make it a compelling pick, but it’s still crypto, so volatility is part of the deal.
Lock down your account with strong 2FA, think about a hardware wallet for long-term stashes, and never wager more than you’re okay losing. Do that, and adding a little XRP to your portfolio can be quick, safe, and, dare we say, pretty painless.
Also Read: How to Buy Bitcoin on eToro?