Who Actually Uses XRP? Separating Reality From Narrative

Few cryptocurrencies are as polarizing as XRP. Critics argue it exists mainly as a speculative asset with limited real-world use, while a large community believes it will power future financial infrastructure. The reality lies between those extremes: XRP has demonstrable utility, but its use is specific and narrower than some narratives suggest.

Launched in 2012 as the native token of the XRP Ledger, XRP was built to enable fast, low-cost cross-border payments. Transactions on the ledger settle in about three to five seconds and cost a fraction of a cent, making XRP efficient as a bridge currency that can convert between fiat currencies without requiring large pre-funded foreign accounts.

Retail investors form the largest group of XRP users today. As of early 2025 the ledger had roughly 6 to 7 million funded accounts, and after adjusting for exchange custody and multiple wallets, analysts estimate around 2 to 3 million individuals hold XRP.

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