What is XRP?
XRP is the native digital asset of the XRP Ledger. It is used to pay network transaction costs and can help bridge value between currencies, exchanges, and payment rails.
XRP + XRP Ledger
XRP Ledger (XRPL) for fast global payment settlement
XRP runs on the XRP Ledger: an open network designed to move value in seconds, with predictable fees and an energy-efficient consensus process.
XRP basics
What is XRP and how does the XRP Ledger work?
What is XRP Ledger?
XRP Ledger, often shortened to XRPL, is an open-source blockchain for payments, issued assets, decentralized exchange activity, and near real-time settlement.
Why does it matter?
XRPL is designed for payment flows where speed, cost, finality, and liquidity matter more than speculative complexity.
3-5 sec.
typical ledger close time
Low fees
built for frequent transfers
Open-source
public infrastructure
Built for payments
focused on settlement
Network
XRP Ledger makes payments fast without heavy mining
XRPL uses a consensus process among validators instead of proof-of-work. That lets the network focus on speed, efficiency, and steady processing for high transaction volumes.
On-demand liquidity
XRP can act as a bridge asset between different currencies and markets.
Predictable cost
Small network fees are useful for payment products and frequent transfers.
Decentralized exchange
The built-in DEX and issued assets extend the network beyond a single token.
Final settlement
Once a transaction is validated, the record enters the ledger and becomes part of network history.
How it works
A simple settlement flow
-
01
A transaction is submitted
A wallet or application sends a signed payment, token transfer, DEX order, or account operation to the network.
-
02
Validators reach consensus
Independent validator servers agree on the order and outcome of valid transactions.
-
03
The ledger closes
The validated result becomes part of ledger history, giving applications a clear settlement state.
Use cases
Where XRP is especially useful
Cross-border transfers
Reducing the time between sending and settling value across jurisdictions.
Fintech infrastructure
Payment providers can build services on XRPL with fast settlement at the core.
Tokenization
Issued assets support experiments with digital representations of value.
Official resources
Learn from primary XRP Ledger documentation
For technical details, validator concepts, and current network documentation, use the official XRP Ledger resources below.
XRP in one sentence
It is not just an exchange ticker, but an asset connected to a payment network whose value proposition centers on settlement speed, liquidity, and financial app compatibility.
Important
Crypto assets are volatile and affected by market, technical, and regulatory factors. This page describes the technology and is not investment advice.
FAQ
The essentials
How is XRP different from the XRP Ledger?
XRP is the digital asset. XRP Ledger is the network where that asset is used.
Does it require mining?
No. XRPL does not use proof-of-work mining to validate transactions.
Can products be built on XRPL?
Yes. Developers can work with payments, tokenized assets, the DEX, and wallets.