XRP Ledger, Start Here

Updated 2026-10-29

Short answer: the XRP Ledger is a fast, low-cost blockchain for payments, and XRP is its coin. Payments settle in a few seconds for a tiny fee. Addresses start with r. Two things surprise newcomers: part of your XRP is held back as a reserve, and exchanges often need a destination tag with your deposit.

The reserve

To exist on the ledger, an account must keep a minimum balance: currently 1 XRP, plus 0.2 XRP for each extra item it holds, such as a token trust line or an open offer. That XRP can't be sent, but it isn't lost: removing items frees it up again. A brand-new address needs at least 1 XRP sent to it before it works.

Destination tags

Exchanges often use one XRP address for many customers and tell them apart by a number called a destination tag. When you send XRP to an exchange, always include the tag it gives you, or your deposit may not reach your account. Your own wallet usually doesn't need one.

Tokens and trust lines

Other tokens on the XRP Ledger, such as Ripple's RLUSD stablecoin, need a trust line: you tell your wallet you'll accept that token from that issuer. Only add trust lines for issuers you've checked on their official site. Scam tokens are sent to wallets with lure names, hoping you'll visit a link.

Wallets

Xaman (formerly Xumm) is a popular XRP Ledger wallet; several hardware wallets support XRP too. Write down the wallet's recovery words or secret and keep them offline.

XRP on Flare

On Flare, XRP can be used in apps as FXRP. See what FXRP is.

On Crypto Lighthouse

• [Portfolio](/portfolio): XRP and your tokens, with RLUSD priced.
• [Check an Address](/check): see an address's activity and sanctions status before you send.

Learn more at xrpl.org.