RLUSD, short for Ripple USD, is a stablecoin issued by Ripple, designed to maintain a 1:1 peg with the US dollar. Backed by US dollar deposits, short-term US government treasuries, and other cash equivalents, RLUSD offers a stable digital currency for transactions and trading. Launched in December 2024, RLUSD has quickly gained traction in the cryptocurrency community, providing a reliable option for those looking to mitigate the volatility often associated with other cryptocurrencies.
What is RLUSD?
RLUSD is a stablecoin, meaning its value is tied to the US dollar, with each token worth $1. This stability comes from being fully backed by US dollar deposits, short-term US government treasuries, and other cash equivalents. Unlike volatile cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum, RLUSD is designed for consistent value, making it ideal for transactions, trading, or storing value without price swings.
Ripple, the company behind RLUSD, has a strong track record in blockchain technology, particularly with its XRP Ledger and XRP cryptocurrency. RLUSD complements XRP by offering a stable digital dollar for use in Ripple’s ecosystem and beyond. It’s issued under a New York Trust Company Charter, ensuring regulatory oversight and transparency through monthly reserve attestations.
Key Features of RLUSD
- Stability: Pegged 1:1 to the US dollar, RLUSD maintains a consistent value.
- Backing: Fully backed by US dollar deposits, short-term US government treasuries, and other cash equivalents.
- Regulatory Compliance: Issued under a New York Trust Company Charter, ensuring regulatory oversight.
- Blockchain Support: Available on the XRP Ledger and Ethereum blockchains, with plans to expand to additional platforms.
- Transparency: Ripple provides monthly attestations of reserve holdings, conducted by independent accountants, to ensure trust.
Where Can I Buy RLUSD?
RLUSD is available on a variety of cryptocurrency exchanges and platforms. The availability of RLUSD may depend on your jurisdiction due to regional regulations, so always check with the platform before signing up. Below is a comprehensive list of platforms where RLUSD can be purchased, based on the latest information from Ripple’s official website and other reliable sources as of August 2025.
Where to Buy Crypto Gift Cards
Centralized Exchanges
| Exchange | Description | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Uphold | A user-friendly platform supporting RLUSD buying, selling, and holding. | uphold.com |
| Bitso | A leading Latin American exchange offering RLUSD trading. | bitso.com |
| MoonPay | A payment platform allowing RLUSD purchases with credit cards or bank transfers. | moonpay.com |
| Archax | A UK-based digital asset exchange listing RLUSD. | archax.com |
| CoinMENA | A Middle East and North Africa-based exchange supporting RLUSD. | coinmena.com |
| Bitstamp | A global exchange with RLUSD trading pairs. | bitstamp.net |
| Mercado Bitcoin | Brazil’s largest crypto exchange, now supporting RLUSD. | mercadobitcoin.com.br |
| Independent Reserve | An Australian exchange offering RLUSD. | independentreserve.com |
| Kraken | A trusted global exchange with RLUSD trading options. | kraken.com |
Decentralized Exchanges and Other Platforms
| Platform | Description | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Alchemy Pay | A payment gateway supporting RLUSD purchases. | alchemypay.org |
| Banxa | A fiat-to-crypto on-ramp for buying RLUSD. | banxa.com |
| Bitget | A derivatives exchange listing RLUSD. | bitget.com |
| BitMEX | A popular derivatives exchange with RLUSD trading pairs. | bitmex.com |
| Flowdesk | A digital asset prime broker supporting RLUSD. | flowdesk.co |
| Gemini | A regulated US-based exchange listing RLUSD. | gemini.com |
| JST Digital | A digital asset trading platform supporting RLUSD. | jstdigital.io |
| Keyrock | A digital asset custodian offering RLUSD services. | keyrock.com |
| LMAX Digital | A crypto exchange listing RLUSD. | lmaxdigital.com |
| PDAX | A Philippine-based exchange supporting RLUSD. | pdax.com |
| Revolut | A fintech platform allowing RLUSD purchases. | revolut.com |
| Transak | A fiat-to-crypto on-ramp for RLUSD purchases. | transak.com |
| ZeroHash | A B2B crypto liquidity provider offering RLUSD services. | zerohash.com |
Note: Ripple does not endorse or recommend any specific exchange. Always verify the platform’s legitimacy and ensure it operates in your region before purchasing RLUSD.
What is HBAR Crypto? A Comprehensive Guide
How to Buy RLUSD
Purchasing RLUSD is a straightforward process, though the exact steps may vary slightly depending on the platform. Here’s a general guide to buying RLUSD:
- Create an Account: Sign up on a supported exchange or platform. You’ll need to provide personal information and complete any required Know Your Customer (KYC) verification steps.
- Deposit Funds: Add funds to your account, either in fiat currency (e.g., USD) or another cryptocurrency (e.g., Bitcoin or Ethereum).
- Purchase RLUSD: Navigate to the trading section, select RLUSD, and place a buy order. You can typically buy RLUSD with USD or trade it against other cryptocurrencies.
- Secure Your RLUSD: After purchasing, consider transferring your RLUSD to a secure wallet that supports the XRP Ledger or Ethereum blockchain for added safety.
Why Buy RLUSD?
RLUSD offers several benefits that make it an attractive option for both retail and institutional users:
- Stability: As a stablecoin, RLUSD maintains a consistent value, making it ideal for avoiding the volatility of other cryptocurrencies.
- Use in DeFi: RLUSD can be used in decentralized finance (DeFi) applications on the XRP Ledger and Ethereum, enabling lending, staking, and other financial operations.
- Cross-Border Payments: RLUSD is designed for fast, low-cost cross-border transactions, complementing Ripple’s On-Demand Liquidity (ODL) service.
- Regulatory Compliance: Issued by Ripple’s subsidiary, Standard Custody & Trust Company, RLUSD adheres to strict regulatory standards, enhancing trust.
- Transparency: Monthly reserve attestations by independent accountants ensure RLUSD’s backing is verifiable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is RLUSD the same as XRP?
No, RLUSD and XRP serve different purposes. XRP is Ripple’s native cryptocurrency, used primarily as a bridge currency for cross-border payments. RLUSD is a stablecoin pegged to the US dollar, designed for stability and use in transactions or DeFi.
How is RLUSD backed?
Each RLUSD token is backed by an equivalent amount of US dollar deposits, short-term US government treasuries, and other cash equivalents, ensuring its 1:1 peg with the US dollar.
Where can I store my RLUSD?
You can store RLUSD on supported exchanges or in wallets compatible with the XRP Ledger or Ethereum blockchains, such as non-custodial wallets provided by MoonPay or other platforms.
Is RLUSD available worldwide?
Availability depends on your jurisdiction. Some exchanges may restrict RLUSD trading in certain countries due to regulatory requirements. Check with the platform to confirm availability in your region.
What are the transaction fees for RLUSD?
Transaction fees vary by platform and blockchain. On the XRP Ledger, fees are typically very low, often fractions of a cent. On Ethereum, fees can be higher, especially during network congestion.
Is RLUSD safe?
RLUSD is issued under strict regulatory oversight and backed by verifiable assets. However, as with any cryptocurrency, there are risks, including platform security and market volatility. Always use reputable exchanges and secure wallets.
How does RLUSD differ from other stablecoins?
RLUSD stands out due to its regulatory compliance, dual-blockchain support (XRP Ledger and Ethereum), and integration with Ripple’s payment solutions. It’s designed for enterprise use, cross-border payments, and DeFi, setting it apart from stablecoins like USDT or USDC.
What is the current price of RLUSD?
As a stablecoin, RLUSD is pegged to the US dollar, so its price is typically $1. However, slight variations may occur due to market dynamics. As of August 2025, the price is approximately $0.9998, according to CoinMarketCap.
Conclusion
RLUSD represents a significant advancement in the stablecoin market, offering a regulated, stable, and efficient digital dollar for various use cases. Whether you’re looking to hedge against crypto volatility, participate in DeFi, or facilitate cross-border payments, RLUSD provides a reliable option. With its availability on numerous exchanges and platforms, purchasing RLUSD is accessible to both new and experienced crypto users.
Always conduct your own research and choose reputable platforms to ensure a safe and secure experience. Stay updated on RLUSD developments through trusted sources like Ripple’s official website or major crypto news outlets to make informed investment decisions.
