How to Buy XRP in the UK

In a nutshell, the easiest way to buy XRP in the UK is to buy it online from a crypto exchange, such as eToro, Coinbase or Uphold. Crypto exchanges make it easy to buy and sell XRP directly from your smartphone, tablet, or computer.

To buy XRP in the UK, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Sign up with a UK-friendly crypto exchange like eToro or Coinbase.
2. Create an account and verify your ID.
3. Navigate to the Trade or Crypto tab.
4. Review and accept any risk notices or terms.
5. Choose XRP and tap Buy or Sell.
6. Enter the amount and place your order.

XRP (Ripple) has gained serious momentum in making international transfers both faster and cheaper than traditional methods.

If you’re wondering how to buy XRP in the UK, you’ll find it straightforward through trusted exchanges like eToro, Coinbase or Uphold, right from your phone or computer.

I’ve spent years trading and teaching others about crypto, so I’ve made this guide clear and practical.

We’ll cover choosing the best FCA-compliant cryptocurrency exchanges, understanding the costs, and keeping your investment secure.

Whether you’re new to crypto or specifically interested in XRP, I’m going to give you exactly what you need to get started.

How to Buy XRP in the UK

Want the short version? Here’s how to buy XRP right now:

• 1️⃣ Pick a trusted exchange (eToro, Coinbase or Uphold are recommended) and download their app
• 2️⃣ Create your account – you’ll need ID and proof of address
• 3️⃣ Add funds using your debit card bank transfer (or other chosen method)
• 4️⃣ Find XRP in the trading section (usually marked as XRP/GBP)
• 5️⃣ Choose how much you want to buy. Double-check the details and confirm your purchase.
• 6️⃣Transfer to a wallet (optional)

That’s the express route. But keep reading for the full guide.

I’ll walk you through each step in detail and share some useful tips I’ve learned along the way.

Step 1: Choose a crypto exchange

When it comes to buying XRP in the UK, picking the right crypto exchange makes all the difference between a smooth experience and potential issues down the line.

Check out our roundup of the best crypto exchanges in the UK.

I’ve tested the major crypto exchanges available to UK investors, comparing their fees, security features, and ease of use.

Based on this extensive research, here’s my top recommendation to buy Ripple (XRP):

Top pick

eToro - Best place to buy XRP

eToro is trusted by over 30 million users worldwide. It's the best place to buy XRP in the UK due to its cold storage, innovative trading features, user-friendly GBP deposit options, and industry-leading fees.

Visit eToro

Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 mins to learn more

If you go with my recommended crypto exchange above, you’ll avoid the hassle of comparing dozens of exchanges, and common pitfalls like hidden fees or complicated interfaces. 

However, if you want to do your own research, here’s what to look for:

• Make sure the exchange accepts British pound (GBP) deposits to avoid currency conversion fees
• Check that they’re properly regulated and follow UK financial rules
• Look for platforms offering cold storage security for your crypto
• Compare deposit methods – the best exchanges offer free bank transfers and reasonable card fees
• Consider the platform’s track record and user reviews
• Test their customer support to see if it’s responsive and helpful

Step 2: Create Your Account

For UK residents, setting up an account to buy XRP takes just a few minutes, and the process is similar to opening any other financial account online.

Adding money to your account is easy. Most exchanges will show a prominent ‘Deposit’ or ‘Add Funds’ button once logged in.

Here’s how to add funds:

1. Click ‘Deposit’ (usually in the top right or under your account menu)
2. Choose your preferred currency (GBP)
3. Select your payment method
4. Enter the amount you want to deposit
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the transaction

Common payment methods include:

• Bank transfers – Usually free and fast via Faster Payments
• Debit cards – Instant but may carry a small fee
• PayPal – Quick and convenient where available
• Apple Pay/Google Pay – Great for mobile users

Check the withdrawal options before depositing. Some payment methods are deposit-only, meaning you’ll need to withdraw to a bank account later. 

Also, while credit cards might sometimes be available, they often have high fees and aren’t recommended for buying crypto.

Most exchanges require a minimum deposit (typically £10-£20).

Bank transfers usually offer the best value for larger amounts, while cards or digital wallets are handy for quick, smaller amounts of XRP.

Step 4: Buy XRP

Most exchanges have two ways to buy: a simple ‘quick buy’ option or a more detailed trading view.

We’ll explore the simpler method here.

For beginners, here’s how to make your first XRP purchase:

1. Click ‘Trade’ or ‘Buy Crypto’
2. Search for ‘XRP’ or ‘Ripple’
3. Enter how much you want to buy (either in GBP or XRP amount)
4. Review the conversion rate and any fees
5. Click ‘Buy’ or ‘Confirm’ to complete your purchase

Your XRP will appear in your exchange account immediately after purchase.

At this point, you can either keep it on the exchange or move it to a personal wallet (which we’ll cover in the next step).

Step 5: Transfer XRP to Your Wallet

While you can keep your XRP on the exchange where you bought it, many investors prefer using a personal wallet for extra security. 

Here’s how to move your XRP to a personal wallet:

1. Download and set up a trusted XRP wallet
2. Find your wallet’s XRP address and destination tag
3. Go to ‘Withdraw’ or ‘Send’ on your exchange
4. Select XRP and enter your wallet address
5. Don’t forget the destination tag (if required)

Double-check everything before confirming.

💡 Expert Tip: Always send a small test amount first. While this means paying the network fee twice, it’s worth it for peace of mind when moving larger amounts.

If you’re new to crypto storage or feeling unsure about wallets, it’s perfectly fine to keep your XRP on your chosen exchange while you learn the ropes. 

Take your time to understand how crypto storage works. To learn more, check out our complete guide to storing cryptocurrency safely.

The most important thing is to feel confident about managing your crypto before moving it to a personal wallet. 

After all, with regulated exchanges like eToro, your funds are protected by extremely strong security measures.

Step 6: Withdrawing Your XRP

Getting your money back from XRP investment is basically the deposit process in reverse.

You’ll need to convert your XRP back to British Pounds before withdrawing to your bank account.

Here’s what to do to sell XRP:

1. Sell your XRP back to GBP on your exchange
2. Go to the ‘Withdraw’ section
3. Choose your withdrawal method
4. Enter the amount and your bank details
5. Confirm the transaction

Most UK exchanges process withdrawals within 1-3 working days, though usually much quicker.

Don’t be alarmed if you have to complete additional verification steps for your first withdrawal, this is normal and is just a standard security check.

Where to Buy XRP?

Below, I’ve presented the best places to buy XRP in the UK based on four key factors you must consider and compare:

Top pick

eToro - Best place to buy XRP

eToro is trusted by over 30 million users worldwide. It's the best place to buy XRP in the UK due to its cold storage, innovative trading features, user-friendly GBP deposit options, and industry-leading fees.

Visit eToro

Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 mins to learn more

What Is XRP?

XRP is a digital currency created by Ripple Labs.

It’s used primarily for enabling real-time, cross-border money transfers, acting as a bridge between different fiat currencies.

Unlike Bitcoin, XRP transactions are known for their low cost and high speed, making them popular for international money transfers.

What Is the XRP Blockchain?

The XRP blockchain, also known as the XRP Ledger, is a decentralised, open-source blockchain technology behind the digital currency XRP.

It facilitates fast, low-cost international transactions and is known for its scalability and efficient consensus mechanism.

What Makes XRP Unique?

XRP is unique due to its Ripple Protocol Consensus Algorithm (RPCA), which enables fast, energy-efficient transactions without mining.

It stands out with its rapid transaction speeds, settling within 3-5 seconds, and high scalability, handling over 1,500 transactions per second.

XRP facilitates cross-border payments as a bridge currency in the Ripple network, aiding in efficient international transactions.

Unlike many cryptocurrencies, all XRP tokens were pre-mined and are released periodically by Ripple, the company behind XRPL, which partners with banks and financial institutions, integrating blockchain into traditional finance.

Pros & Cons of Investing in XRP

Pros

• Energy efficient: XRP’s consensus mechanism uses minimal energy compared to proof-of-work coins.
• Fast transaction speeds: XRP processes transactions in 3–5 seconds, making it much faster than Bitcoin or Ethereum.
• Low fees: Average transaction fees are under £0.01, ideal for cross-border transfers and microtransactions.
• Strong institutional backing: Ripple Labs has partnerships with major financial institutions like Santander and SBI Holdings.
• Designed for utility, not speculation: Unlike many tokens, XRP was built for real-world use in payments and banking infrastructure.

Cons

• Legal uncertainty: Ripple’s long-running case with the U.S. SEC raises regulatory concerns and impacts investor confidence.
• Centralisation risk: XRP’s supply is largely controlled by Ripple Labs, which can influence price and perception.
• Limited adoption in daily use: While XRP has financial industry backing, it’s not widely accepted for retail or personal payments.
• Volatility: Despite its utility, XRP still experiences sharp price swings like most cryptocurrencies.
• Not truly decentralised: The XRP Ledger relies on a set list of validators, which critics argue reduces decentralisation.

FAQs

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