There has been a major update in the lawsuit between Ripple Labs Inc, the issuer of XRP, and the United States Securities Commission (SEC).
US District Judge Analisa Torres ruled that "Ripple Labs Inc did not violate federal securities law by selling its XRP token on public exchanges," according to a court statement.
This decision is a major milestone in the legal battle between Ripple Labs Inc and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) which started in late 2020, when the SEC alleged that Ripple raised more than $1 billion through the sale of XRP in an unregistered security offering.
Why this matters
Cryptocurrency exchanges in the US, such as Coinbase and Kraken have reinstated XRP for trading. XRP had previously been removed by a large number of exchanges when the lawsuit by the SEC against Ripple Labs Inc first commenced.
This is not an endorsement of cryptocurrency or any specific provider, service or offering. It is not a recommendation to trade or use any services.
Ripple (XRP) launched in 2012 with a bold mission to shake up international remittances by using cryptocurrency to help people move money around the world. XRP has a loyal following which helped it reach an all-time-high price of $5.20 in January 2018.
Today XRP is trading for $0.79688979, which is slightly up from yesterday's trading price of $0.7864520767. Ripple has seen a price increase of 12% over the past year.
So before you buy Ripple, make sure you understand these unique risks as well as its legal, regulatory and tax status here in Australia.
If you're ready to get started, read on for step-by-step instructions and a list of platforms you can use to buy Ripple in Australia.
How to buy Ripple in 5 steps
If it's your first time buying XRP all you'll need is a smartphone or
computer, an internet connection, photo
identification and a way to pay.
Compare crypto exchanges
The easiest way to buy Ripple is from a cryptocurrency exchange. Comparing in the table helps you find a platform with the features you want like low fees, ease of use or 24-hour customer support.
Create an account
To create an account on an exchange, you will need to verify your email address and identity. Have some photo ID and your phone ready.
Make a deposit
Once verified, you can deposit AUD using the payment method that best suits you – payments are widely accepted.
Buy Ripple
You can now exchange your funds for Ripple. On beginner-friendly exchanges, this is as simple as entering the AUD or XRP amount you want to purchase and clicking "buy".
Secure your Ripple
Consider transferring your XRP to a personal crypto wallet to protect against some of the risks of keeping it on an exchange, such as hacks, scams or platform bankruptcy.
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Keep in mind that these picks are suggestions and that the best crypto exchange for you will depend on your individual needs. There are other products on the market not included in our picks.
Where to buy Ripple in Australia
If this is your first time buying cryptocurrency you'll need to look for a platform that accepts Australian dollars, like Cointree or Coinmama.
Don't worry too much about extra features or coins for now – you can always sign up with another exchange later.
Use the table to choose a platform that meets your needs and click the Go to site button to get started.
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What is Ripple?
XRP (XRP) was launched in 2012 by David Schwartz, Jed McCaleb and Arthur Britto. It was designed as a digital payment network to reduce the cost of international payments.
The XRP Ledger is an open-source and peer-to-peer decentralised payment gateway that aims to provide "utility for the new global economy". XRP is an asset on this network and is used by the company Ripple for cross-border settlements.
It acts as an infrastructure layer that supports low-cost, borderless transactions and allows for transferring money and cryptocurrency.
Unlike other cryptos such as BTC and ETH where new blocks are generated via mining or staking, XRP pre-mined 100 billion tokens at its launch.
These tokens were distributed to individuals and companies – which has called into question how decentralised XRP truly is – as a large majority are held by just a few entities.
To create an account with your chosen crypto platform, you only need an email address or mobile number. This will usually allow you to deposit cryptocurrency, but not AUD.
If you want to buy Ripple with Australian dollars, you'll need to pass a Know Your Customer (KYC) check.
This is a standard security procedure for most exchanges in Australia and requires you to upload some photo ID, and in some cases a selfie with today's date.
KYC is usually approved instantly, but in rare cases, you may have to wait a few hours or days.
What are the best ways to buy Ripple?
Once you've set up your account, you'll need to deposit funds to buy Ripple with. We've listed out some popular ways to buy XRP and what you should know about each payment method.
Many exchanges support free and instant bank transfers in Australia.
Some offer other options like Osko, PayID and wire transfers, but make sure you check if you'll be charged a deposit fee first.
How you transact with a debit card will depend on the platform.
Some exchanges let you transfer funds from your debit card to spend as you like.
Others will only let you use a debit card to make instant purchases, which often involves higher fees.
Lots of exchanges accept credit cards as an instant purchase method. But you should think carefully before buying Ripple with a credit card, because:
Credit card fees are higher than using bank transfers.
Some card issuers may block cryptocurrency transactions.
Your purchasing options will be limited and more expensive.
You may end up losing your initial investment and being charged fees and interest by your credit card provider.
Buying Ripple with cash isn't common in Australia, but it can still be done.
There are a few ways to buy XRP with cash:
Ripple ATMs. You can purchase XRP with cash using a specialised Ripple ATM. These can be found in many major cities in Australia. You will still need to hand over some photo ID and pass a Know Your Customer (KYC) check.
blueshyft. A handful of Australia exchanges like CoinSpot and CoinJar let you deposit cash via blueshyft. You'll be issued a QR code to take to a participating newsagent to complete your cash payment.
Peer-to-peer (P2P). You can use a P2P platform to find someone who will sell you XRP directly in exchange for cash. Beware that this comes with a high risk of fraud if you attempt to settle the transaction in-person or without an escrow service. Look for an established and reputable platform that provides an escrow service and facilitates your trade online.
You can swap any cryptocurrency you already own for XRP using the "swap" or "convert" service on some platforms. This lets you instantly exchange one crypto for another even if there is no trading pair on the spot market.
What is the cheapest way to buy Ripple?
Most exchanges let you buy as little as $5 worth of XRP, if not less. Just type in how much you want to spend in AUD and let the exchange work out the rest.
Some platforms only offer 1 way to buy Ripple, while others provide several choices. The 2 most common ways to buy XRP are on the spot market or with an "instant buy" feature.
Instant buy
If it's your first time buying Ripple this will be the fastest method – but also the least cost-effective.
You'll usually find the instant buy section under a "Buy now" heading on the platform you've chosen.
It should feature a simple interface that lets you enter the amount of Ripple you want to buy, or Australian dollars you want to spend.
This is usually the only option available for credit or debit card purchases, but you may also be able to make an instant buy if you've pre-funded your account with a bank transfer.
Be prepared to pay a markup on XRP's market rate in exchange for the convenience.
Spot market
If you see colourful charts with a range of prices, you're probably in the spot market.
The spot market is where buyers and sellers come together to place bids for XRP on the open market. It's usually the cheapest way to buy Ripple because it lets traders set their own price.
You'll find the spot market under a "Trade" or "Spot" heading on the site or app menu of the platform you've chosen to use.
There are several different order types that you can make on the spot market.
Market order. This will buy you the amount of Ripple you specify at the lowest possible price available. This makes it like an instant buy order, but with much lower fees.
Limit order. This is the most common order type and lets you purchase Ripple at the price you specify. Traders use this to time the market and capitalise on price dips or increases.
How to find the best place to buy Ripple in Australia
There are dozens of different trading platforms to choose from when buying Ripple in Australia, so to help you find your best option, keep these factors in mind:
Where it's registered. Using a locally registered exchange is a good idea. It's more likely to accept Australian dollars and local payment methods like PayID, which helps avoid foreign exchange fees. Choosing from Australia-based exchanges also means it's likely to be registered with the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) which means it has to comply with local laws in Australia.
Security. Look at the security features the platform has to offer, like 2-factor authentication and PGP-encrypted emails. Cold storage of user funds is considered industry standard, but insurance funds are less common and indicative of good security practices.
Fees. Check the fine print to find out exactly how much your transaction will cost. Depending on the platform you choose, these could include spreads, trading fees and deposit and withdrawal charges.
Transaction limits. Are there any minimum or maximum limits on the amount of Ripple you can purchase? Does the exchange restrict the amount of funds you can withdraw from your account in any 1 transaction or 24-hour period?
Other platform features. Look out for other features that suit your investment or trading needs. For instance, many exchanges now let you earn yield on your holdings, while some issue crypto debit cards to help you spend your coins.
Customer support. If you ever have a problem with a transaction, will you be able to quickly and easily get in touch with the customer support team? Are they based in Australia? Check what contact methods are available and find out how quick the team is at responding to enquiries.
Insurance fund. A small number of exchanges now insure user funds. Beware that policies vary greatly between exchanges, so you'll need to research this thoroughly if insurance is important to you.
Reputation. As a young industry, reputation can provide a lot of clues when choosing an exchange. For instance, who are the founders? Have there been any controversies? Are their business practices transparent? If you can't find any of this information, that may be a red flag.
Range of coins. If you're thinking about adding other cryptos to your portfolio in the future, check to see what other coins you can buy through the platform.
Read reviews. Finder's crypto exchange reviews include user feedback, which helps you get a better idea of what the exchange is like to use for other people starting out just like you.
Using AUSTRAC-registered exchanges
There are plenty of places to buy Ripple, and people in Australia can choose from platforms registered here at home or in locations all around the world. Opting for a locally registered XRP exchange typically offers more convenience, but may have some downsides depending on your goals.
Pros
Australia-based exchanges must comply with AUSTRAC Anti-money Laundering (AML) and Counter-terrorism Financing (CTF) reporting obligations.
You can usually buy Ripple with AUD.
Exchanges in Australia typically support local payment methods, such as SWIFT, Osko and PayID.
You may be able to access local customer support.
Subject to local laws.
Cons
You'll need to provide your personal details and proof of ID – a disadvantage if you want to trade anonymously.
Overseas trading platforms may provide better liquidity.
AUD-to-crypto prices are often slightly higher than USD-to-crypto prices, meaning you sometimes pay a premium for buying directly with Australian dollars.
Some features are simply not available on AUSTRAC-registered exchanges. For example, high leverage margin trading, DeFi features and some altcoins.
Recent Ripple developments
2 November, 2023: The price of XRP is up 19% over the past month, after concluding Ripple’s case with the SEC and a market wide uplift led by Bitcoin 19, October, 2023: The SEC dismissed all remaining charges against Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse and Executive Chairman Chris Larsen. October 3, 2023: After announcing on September 12 that it would acquire crypto-payments firm, Fortress Trust, Ripple has cancelled the deal following an approximately $15 million hack of Fortress. 1 September, 2023: The SEC announces plans to appeal a landmark ruling in its case against Ripple, in which a judge sided with Ripple against the SEC.
Is Ripple safe to invest in?
You shouldn't invest in any asset, including XRP without doing plenty of research first. Before you buy Ripple, make sure you understand and weigh up these risks:
Price volatility. Ripple's price is largely based on speculation, which means it can rise or fall in a short time. It's not uncommon for XRP to lose more than 10% of its value in a single day.
Perceived value. XRP is a unique asset that does not have any tangible value. It derives most of its value from utility and speculation.
Exchange vulnerabilities. Leaving your Ripple on a crypto platform exposes you to several counterparty risks, including:
Scams. Scammers frequently try to trick exchange users into handing over their username and password, often by phishing with malicious emails or fake website links. Use 2FA and encrypted emails to help protect your funds.
Hacks and theft. Exchanges are vulnerable to hacks and theft, so choose one with good security practices and a track record of safety.
Fiscal mismanagement. In mid-2022 a number of crypto platforms froze user funds after it was revealed they had engaged in irresponsible funds management.
Insurance. Unlike stocks, only a small handful of exchanges provide insurance on your cash deposits.
Regulatory uncertainty. The regulatory environment for Ripple and other cryptos is constantly changing. It's important to understand how international rulings have the potential to impact Ripple's future – for better or worse.
Novel technology. Ripple was created in 2024 which makes it relatively new as a form of technology and as a currency. XRP doesn't yet have the same track record or performance history as some other asset classes.
Technical learning curve. Evaluating the tech behind XRP before you invest is important, but requires a deep understanding of the blockchain and other aspects of decentralised finance. You should be prepared to do plenty of research.
XRP vs Ripple Labs. Although the XRP asset is considered independent from Ripple Labs as a company, the 2 projects are still closely related and often confused for one another. Despite this close link, the success of Ripple does not necessarily guarantee that the price of XRP will appreciate. Ripple Labs has several technologies and services that do not incorporate XRP.
SEC lawsuit. The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is arguing that due to how XRP was issued to investors, it should be considered an (illegally) registered security. Although this lawsuit has been developing since 2020, it is yet to conclude and still has the potential to negatively impact XRP prices.
Majority owned supply. As the creators of XRP, Ripple Labs and its founders received 80% of the 100 billion total XRP supply after its token generation event. Although there are now precautionary measures in place – including a max distribution of 1 billion XRP per month – this makes the issuance of XRP centralised and the volume of tokens released each month may negatively impact prices.
Where could Ripple's price be heading?
Finder's panel expects the XRP price to trade as high as $0.90 by the end of December 2022 from the current price of $0.53. However, should XRP lose its case with the SEC the panel expects its value to drop to $0.24. Unfortunately for investors, we won't know the outcome of the case until 2023.
Looking further down the road, the panel estimates XRP's value to hit $3.81 by the end of 2025 if XRP wins the lawsuit or $0.98 if it doesn't win.
Ripple is treated as an asset by the Australian Tax Office (ATO), which means that if you've bought, sold or earned XRP during the financial year, you will need to report it at tax time. Investors will need to declare any profits as capital gains, while losses can be used to reduce your tax bill or offset any future gains.
If you make frequent BTC trades in a professional capacity you may be classified as a trader, which is a bit more complex. Learn more in our guide to crypto tax in Australia or use our round-up of the best crypto tax software to make tax reporting easier.
After you've bought Ripple
Once you own some XRP, you have 2 options – keep it on an exchange, or move it to a personal wallet. Each comes with its own set of pros and cons.
Keeping your Ripple on an exchange
Pros
Convenience. Keeping your Ripple on an exchange is convenient because you can buy and sell at any time.
Security. Holding Ripple on an exchange does come with significant counterparty risks, but reputable platforms also invest heavily in security so you don't have to worry about the pitfalls of self-custody.
Insurance. A small handful of exchanges now operate insurance schemes. These can range from insuring user deposits held in cold storage to reimbursing customers if a hack occurs.
Cons
Phishing. Exchange users are frequently targeted by scammers trying to steal login information through malicious emails and fake website links.
Hacking. Exchanges are major targets for hackers. While security practices have improved substantially, hacks still occur from time to time.
Account freezing. Exchanges have been known to occasionally freeze user accounts, whether due to security concerns, technical issues or market turbulence. This could see you temporarily lose access to your crypto.
Moving your Ripple to a non-custodial wallet
Pros
Self-custody. A mantra repeated by crypto investors is "Not your keys, not your coins." This comes from the idea that the only way to guarantee ownership of your Ripple is to own the private key — which isn't the case when you hold on an exchange.
Security. Ripple and cryptocurrency wallets vary greatly in their features and security. For the most secure experience, consider purchasing a hardware wallet, which is usually a small USB device that keeps your private keys offline at all times for an extra layer of security.
Utility. If you plan to use your Ripple for transactions, daily spending or decentralised finance (DeFi), then storing it in a wallet rather than an exchange will be more convenient.
Remittance. At its core, XRP Ledger is a payment gateway that can be used in the development of dapps, exchanges or cryptocurrency wallets where currency plays a role. By storing your XRP in a non-custodial wallet, you're able to interact directly on-chain and perform swaps and trades on DeFi exchanges.
Cons
Learning curve. It's no secret that learning how to use a crypto wallet takes some time and effort. Spend some time learning how Ripple wallets work before transferring any of your funds.
Personal responsibility. Owning your own money can be liberating, but it also means the responsibility is all yours. If you lose your private key, the only way to regain access to your wallet is through the seed phrase. Make sure to store both of these privately and securely.
Inheritance. A challenge presented by crypto wallets is how to pass access on in the event of death or disability. Several companies are experimenting with ways to solve this problem, like the Trezor Model T wallet's Shamir backup feature.
Web3 risks. Web3 "hot wallets" are connected to the internet at all times and their use with web applications makes them more susceptible to hacks and scams. Consider only transferring the amount you need and keeping the remainder of your XRP in cold storage with a hardware wallet.
Bottom line
If you want to buy Ripple, start by comparing a range of crypto brokers and exchanges available in Australia. Look at their features, fees, security and overall reputation to decide which platform is the right fit for you. Consider an exchange registered with AUSTRAC for added peace of mind.
Remember that owning and using Ripple is not without its risks. Carefully consider investing in XRP as part of a wider strategy, and talk to a financial advisor if you have any questions.
Once you've bought some XRP, think about what your short and long-term goals are. This will help you decide whether to keep it on an exchange, or move it to your own wallet.
FAQs
How do I buy XRP right now?
You can buy XRP on more than 31 trading platforms in Australia, many of which offer instant buy options.
Create an account with one of the exchanges in our table like Cointree, complete the KYC verification process and deposit funds using AUD or cryptocurrency.
How do I buy shares in Ripple?
Shares in Ripple Labs are not publicly traded, which means you can't purchase them on traditional stock trading platforms. Instead, you'll need to qualify as an accredited investor and hold certain certifications.
What is the easiest way to buy XRP?
If you don't already own crypto, the easiest way to buy XRP is with Australian dollar.
Disclaimer: Cryptocurrencies, including Ripple, are speculative, complex and involve significant risks – they are highly volatile and sensitive to secondary activity. Performance is unpredictable and past performance of XRP is no guarantee of future performance. Consider your own circumstances, and obtain your own advice, before relying on this information. You should also verify the nature of any product or service (including its legal status and relevant regulatory requirements) and consult the relevant Regulators' websites before making any decision. Finder, or the author, may have holdings in the Ripple or any other cryptocurrency discussed.
James Edwards was the cryptocurrency editor at Finder. He led the editorial strategy and reported on the latest industry news to further Finder's mission of helping people make better financial decisions.
A relatively early adopter, James has been using Bitcoin since 2013 and began working in the industry in 2017. He takes pride in his ability to boil down complex topics into language his parents can understand.
His expertise has seen him called on to report at events such as TechCrunch Disrupt, CoinDesk Consensus and IBM Think, and he has coordinated a vast number of high-profile interviews with the industry's brightest minds.
He is a regular contributor to Nasdaq and is frequently called upon for market commentary in Australia and abroad.
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