How to Buy XRP in the USA: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Purchasing XRP in the United States has become more challenging in recent years due to regulatory uncertainty, particularly surrounding the ongoing legal dispute between Ripple and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). As a result, many major cryptocurrency exchanges have delisted XRP to remain compliant with U.S. financial regulations. Despite these hurdles, buying XRP is still possible—and one exchange stands out as a reliable option for American investors: Uphold.

This guide will walk you through the complete process of purchasing XRP in the USA, from account registration to order placement and secure storage. Whether you're a seasoned crypto trader or a newcomer exploring digital assets, this step-by-step tutorial ensures clarity, security, and compliance.

Understanding the XRP Regulatory Landscape

Before diving into the purchase process, it's important to understand why XRP is not available on most U.S. exchanges. In December 2020, the SEC filed a lawsuit against Ripple Labs, alleging that XRP was sold as an unregistered security. While the case is still ongoing, several courts have issued rulings that suggest XRP may not be a security when traded on public markets.

Despite this legal gray area, many platforms—including Coinbase and Kraken—chose to delist XRP as a precaution. Uphold, however, has continued to support XRP trading for U.S. customers, making it one of the few accessible gateways for American buyers.

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Step 1: Create and Verify Your Uphold Account

The first step in buying XRP is setting up an account on Uphold. As a regulated financial platform, Uphold requires users to complete a Know Your Customer (KYC) verification process. This helps ensure compliance with U.S. anti-money laundering (AML) laws.

To get started:

  1. Visit the Uphold website and click "Sign Up".
  2. Provide your full name, email address, and create a secure password.
  3. Confirm your email and phone number.
  4. Enter your Social Security Number (SSN), date of birth, and residential address.
  5. Upload a government-issued ID (such as a driver’s license or passport).
  6. Wait for verification—this typically takes just a few minutes to 24 hours.

Once verified, your account will be fully operational, allowing you to link payment methods and begin trading.

Step 2: Link Your Payment Method

Uphold supports multiple funding options, giving you flexibility in how you buy XRP:

For most users, linking both a bank account and a debit card offers the best balance of speed and cost-efficiency. After linking your preferred methods, ensure they are confirmed before proceeding.

Step 3: Buy XRP Using Market or Limit Orders

Once your account is funded, you’re ready to purchase XRP. Uphold offers two primary order types:

Market Order ("Transact" Option)

A market order allows you to buy XRP instantly at the current market price. This is the fastest way to acquire tokens and is recommended if you want immediate execution without waiting for price fluctuations.

Limit Order

With a limit order, you set the specific price at which you want to buy XRP. Your order will only execute when the market reaches that price. This method is useful if you’re aiming to buy at a lower rate during volatility—but keep in mind it’s not guaranteed to fill.

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Step 4: Secure Your XRP in a Dedicated Wallet

It’s crucial to remember that Uphold is an exchange, not a wallet. While it’s convenient for trading, storing large amounts of cryptocurrency on any exchange carries risk—especially in light of past hacks and platform failures.

For long-term security, transfer your XRP to a dedicated cryptocurrency wallet. There are two main types:

Whichever you choose, always enable two-factor authentication (2FA), store your recovery phrase securely offline, and never share private keys.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is it legal to buy XRP in the USA?
A: Yes, it is currently legal to buy and hold XRP in the United States. While the SEC lawsuit against Ripple continues, no court has ruled that owning XRP is illegal for individual investors.

Q: Why isn’t XRP available on Coinbase or Kraken?
A: Due to regulatory uncertainty, major exchanges paused XRP trading to avoid potential legal risks. Uphold remains one of the few U.S.-compliant platforms offering XRP.

Q: Can I use PayPal to buy XRP?
A: Not directly through PayPal itself. However, some platforms allow you to link PayPal to services like Uphold indirectly via debit card funding.

Q: Are there fees when buying XRP on Uphold?
A: Yes—Uphold charges a spread (the difference between buy and sell prices) and may apply additional fees depending on your payment method. Debit card purchases usually include a small convenience fee.

Q: How long does it take to receive XRP after purchase?
A: Transactions are typically instant within Uphold. If transferring to an external wallet, confirmations usually take under 5 minutes due to XRP’s fast network.

Q: Should I invest in XRP?
A: This guide explains how to buy XRP—not whether you should. Always conduct your own research (DYOR), assess market conditions, and consider consulting a financial advisor before investing.

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Final Thoughts

While regulatory challenges have limited access to XRP across much of the U.S. crypto market, Uphold provides a compliant and straightforward way to purchase this digital asset. By following the steps outlined above—verifying your identity, funding your account, placing orders wisely, and securing your holdings—you can confidently navigate the process of buying XRP in 2025.

Always prioritize security by moving your assets off exchanges and into personal wallets. Stay informed about developments in the Ripple vs. SEC case, as future rulings could impact XRP’s availability and market performance.

Remember: this guide serves informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Cryptocurrency investments are highly volatile and carry risk—trade responsibly.

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