Bitcoin and Ethereum aren't the only big players in the crypto industry. Numerous other altcoins have gained considerable traction in recent years, including XRP.
But where exactly can you buy XRP? What are the best exchanges to go to if you want to grab this crypto?
An Important Note on XRP
Before we get into where you can buy XRP, it's worth noting that a considerable amount of controversy surrounds it, and that's without considering how its blockchain works. The company that founded XRP, known as Ripple, is currently being sued by the SEC for allegedly violating securities laws. XRP's value has taken a hit due to the suit, with investors worrying about its legality and future in the crypto market.
Because of these legal proceedings, XRP cannot currently be traded within the U.S. It is not yet known what the outcome of this lawsuit will be, but it is thought that if Ripple were to win, XRP would become a lot more widely available on decentralized exchanges within the U.S. Time will tell whether this possibility ever comes to fruition.
So, let's get into where you can buy XRP right now.
1. Binance
Binance currently stands as the world's most popular cryptocurrency exchange, with around 30 million users worldwide and a huge range of different coins and tokens to buy, sell, stake, and swap. If you want to buy XRP on Binance, the process is super straightforward and can be done via your desktop or the Binance smartphone app.
You won't need to pay a hefty transaction fee using Binance, either. Currently, the exchange charges a maker and taker fee of just 0.1%, so you won't have to pay a pretty penny to get your hands on some XRP.
Binance is also available in a huge range of countries worldwide, including the U.K., the majority of Europe, India, and Australia. So, there's a good chance that your country of residence allows trading on the Binance exchange.
2. Kraken
Kraken is another popular crypto exchange that supports XRP trading. Again, the process of buying XRP on Kraken is very simple. You just need an account and an available wallet.
Currently, Kraken charges a 0.16% maker and 0.26% taker fee. While these aren't as low as Binance's fees, they're by no means high, either. The exchange is also accessible to anyone living in the U.K., U.S. (though XRP trading isn't currently allowed), Japan, India, Canada, and a number of other countries.
3. CEX.io
CEX.io is a great option for buying many different crypto coins and tokens, including XRP. Using CEX.io, you can buy XRP either via credit or debit card, or by placing a trade order. Both actions are easy to carry out, and you can enjoy the exchange's relatively low fee whenever you buy or sell crypto.
At the moment, CEX.io charges a 0.16% maker and 0.25% taker fee. While these aren't the lowest fees you'll find out there, they won't leave a huge dent in your crypto wallet, either.
The CEX.io exchange is currently available in the majority of countries worldwide, such as the U.S. (but not for XRP trading), the U.K., India, and Canada.
4. KuCoin
KuCoin's decentralized exchange supports a number of popular cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and, of course, XRP. KuCoin charges a 0.1% maker and taker fee, making it a super affordable way to buy or sell XRP or any of the exchange's supported cryptos.
KuCoin can be accessed in most countries worldwide, including Australia, the U.K, Germany, and Canada. Note that at the time of writing, KuCoin cannot be accessed in the U.S.
XRP Can Still Be Traded—but It's in a Tight Spot
Though XRP is in hot water in the U.S., right now, it can still be traded in many other countries worldwide. And, who knows, if Ripple comes out on top in this lawsuit, we may see XRP trading return to the U.S in the near future.