By BrandsShouts Ripple is one of the most misunderstood names in crypto. Some people think Ripple is a coin. Others think it’s a company fighting banks. Many believe it’s banned, risky, or already “too late.” By 2026, most of that noise has faded — but confusion still remains, especially for Indian investors.
Ripple is not a hype meme coin. It’s not a government coin either. It sits in a very specific place between traditional finance and crypto. If you understand what Ripple actually is, buying it becomes simple and logical. If you don’t, it’s easy to make mistakes.
This guide explains everything in detail — what Ripple/XRP is, whether it’s legal in India, how Indians can buy it step by step in 2026, where to store it, taxes, risks, and who should or should not buy it.
What exactly is Ripple?
Ripple is a technology company, not a cryptocurrency.
Ripple builds payment infrastructure for banks and financial institutions to move money across borders faster and cheaper.
The cryptocurrency associated with Ripple is called XRP.
Important distinction:
- Ripple → the company
- XRP → the digital asset (coin/token)
When people say “buy Ripple,” they usually mean buy XRP.
What is XRP and why does it exist?
XRP is designed to:
- Act as a bridge currency between different fiat currencies
- Enable near-instant international transfers
- Reduce cost and settlement time for banks
Unlike Bitcoin:
- XRP is very fast
- Transaction fees are extremely low
- It does not rely on energy-intensive mining
XRP is not meant to replace banks. It is meant to work with financial systems, not against them.
Is Ripple (XRP) legal in India in 2026?
Yes. Buying, holding, and selling XRP is legal in India in 2026.
In India:
- Crypto is treated as a digital asset
- It is not legal tender
- Trading is allowed with KYC
- Profits are taxable
- There is no government protection for losses
XRP is treated like Bitcoin, Ethereum, or any other cryptocurrency from a legal standpoint.
Why XRP is easier to buy than many other coins
Unlike obscure tokens:
- XRP is widely listed on global exchanges
- Liquidity is strong
- It has existed for many years
- Infrastructure is mature
This means Indians do not need Web3 wallets or decentralized exchanges just to buy XRP. You can buy it using regular crypto exchanges.
How Indians actually buy XRP (big picture)
The real process looks like this:
- Create an account on a crypto exchange
- Complete KYC
- Add INR to the exchange
- Buy XRP
- Store it safely (exchange or wallet)
- Sell later if you want
Now let’s break this down properly.
Step-by-step: how to buy Ripple (XRP) in India (2026)
Step 1: Choose a compliant crypto exchange
In 2026, XRP is available on:
- Indian crypto exchanges
- Global exchanges that accept Indian users
While choosing an exchange, check:
- XRP availability
- INR deposit & withdrawal support
- Strong security record
- Clear fee structure
- Proper KYC compliance
Avoid unknown apps promising “guaranteed returns.”
Step 2: Create account and complete KYC
You must complete KYC. This is mandatory.
Usually required:
- PAN card
- Aadhaar or address proof
- Bank account verification
- Selfie or video verification
Without KYC, withdrawals are usually blocked.
Step 3: Add money (INR deposit)
After KYC approval:
- Deposit INR using UPI or bank transfer
- Funds appear in your exchange wallet
Some banks may flag crypto transactions occasionally, but deposits are generally smooth in 2026.
Step 4: Buy XRP
Once INR is available:
- Search for XRP
- Choose trading pair:
- XRP/INR (if available)
- XRP/USDT (most common)
Order types:
- Market order → buy instantly at current price
- Limit order → buy at a price you choose
Confirm the order.
After execution, XRP appears in your exchange wallet.
Can you buy small amounts of XRP?
Yes.
XRP is highly divisible. You can buy:
- ₹500 worth
- ₹1,000 worth
- Any small amount
You do not need to buy whole coins.
Where should you store XRP?
You have two options.
Option 1: Keep XRP on the exchange
Good for:
- Beginners
- Frequent traders
Pros:
- Easy to buy and sell
- No setup required
Cons:
- Exchange risk
- You don’t control private keys
Option 2: Move XRP to a personal wallet (recommended for long-term)
XRP supports:
- Mobile wallets
- Desktop wallets
- Hardware wallets
Pros:
- Full control
- Better security
- No exchange dependency
Cons:
- You must secure recovery keys
- No password reset if lost
Golden rule: Not your keys, not your coins.
How selling XRP works
Selling XRP is straightforward.
Steps:
- Sell XRP for INR or USDT on exchange
- INR credited to exchange wallet
- Withdraw INR to bank account
Liquidity is generally strong, but prices can be volatile.
Taxes on XRP in India
Crypto taxation is strict.
- 30% tax on profits
- No slab benefit
- Limited loss adjustment
- Each sell or swap is a taxable event
- Holding is not taxed
You must maintain:
- Buy price
- Sell price
- Dates
- Exchange statements
Ignoring crypto taxes can create serious problems later.
Risks you must understand
Even established coins carry risk.
XRP risks include:
- Market volatility
- Regulatory changes globally
- Dependence on institutional adoption
- Overall crypto market crashes
XRP is faster and efficient, but price still depends on market demand.
Who should NOT buy XRP
Avoid if you:
- Expect guaranteed returns
- Need short-term money
- Panic during price drops
- Don’t understand basic crypto concepts
Who XRP may suit
XRP may suit you if:
- You believe in blockchain-based payment systems
- You want exposure beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum
- You can hold long-term
- You accept volatility
XRP is often seen as a utility-driven crypto, not a meme or speculative experiment.
Ripple vs Bitcoin — simple mindset difference
- Bitcoin → digital store of value
- XRP → payment and settlement utility
They solve different problems.
Owning XRP is not about rebellion against banks. It’s about betting on faster financial infrastructure.
Final Note
Buying Ripple (XRP) in India in 2026 is legal, accessible, and relatively simple compared to many crypto assets. The real challenge is not the buying process — it’s understanding why you are buying it and whether it fits your risk tolerance.
XRP is not magic. It won’t make you rich overnight. But it is one of the few cryptocurrencies built for real-world financial use, not hype.