Should You Buy XRP While It's Under $1?

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The cryptocurrency market has seen explosive momentum in recent months, with nearly every major digital asset posting strong gains. Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) surged over 40% in just 30 days, Cronos (CRYPTO: CRO) more than doubled, and Dogecoin (CRYPTO: DOGE) tripled in value. Yet, amid this widespread rally, XRP—often associated with the Ripple payment network—has lagged behind, climbing only about 30% and currently trading just below $0.70.

This raises a compelling question: With XRP still under $1, is now the right time to invest? Or will ongoing uncertainties continue to hold it back while faster-moving cryptos steal the spotlight?

Why XRP Moves to Its Own Beat

Unlike most cryptocurrencies that closely follow Bitcoin’s price trends, XRP operates on a different trajectory. While BTC doubled in value during 2024, XRP remains near its starting point for the year. This divergence isn’t random—it reflects a unique market dynamic shaped more by legal developments than technical indicators or macro trends.

👉 Discover how regulatory clarity could unlock XRP’s next major price move.

Where other digital assets rise and fall with market sentiment, XRP’s price often spikes or drops based on courtroom updates in its long-running legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This makes XRP one of the few cryptos whose value is heavily influenced by regulatory risk and judicial outcomes, rather than purely speculative or technological factors.

The SEC Lawsuit: A Defining Factor for XRP Investors

In late 2020, the SEC filed a lawsuit against Ripple Labs and its executives, alleging that XRP was sold as an unregistered security. The case immediately restricted U.S. investors from trading XRP on major exchanges, creating years of uncertainty. Although many rulings since then have favored Ripple—particularly a pivotal 2023 decision that clarified XRP itself is not a security—the legal cloud hasn’t fully lifted.

This prolonged battle continues to impact investor confidence. Even positive rulings don’t always translate into sustained price momentum, as appeals and enforcement actions linger. However, each favorable judgment strengthens the argument that XRP functions as a utility token, not a security, which could pave the way for broader adoption and exchange relistings in the U.S.

The core takeaway? XRP’s price isn’t just about technology or adoption—it’s about legal resolution. Once this chapter closes, the market may finally revalue the asset based on its real-world utility rather than speculative legal fears.

RippleNet: The Engine Behind XRP’s Real-World Value

Beyond courtroom drama, XRP powers RippleNet, a global payments network used by financial institutions for fast, low-cost cross-border transactions. The platform processes over 20 transactions per second, handling more than 500,000 daily payments across dozens of countries.

What sets RippleNet apart is its efficiency. Traditional international wire transfers can take days and incur high fees due to intermediary banks. RippleNet bypasses these bottlenecks using blockchain technology and the XRP Ledger, enabling near-instant settlements at a fraction of the cost.

Additionally, recent upgrades like Automated Market Makers (AMMs) have enhanced liquidity within the ecosystem, making it easier for institutions to convert currencies seamlessly. These aren’t theoretical benefits—they’re being used today by banks and payment providers in real-world operations.

For investors, this means XRP isn’t just another speculative token. It serves a functional role in a growing financial infrastructure. Every transaction on RippleNet reinforces the demand for XRP as a bridge currency, adding tangible value beyond hype.

👉 Learn how institutional adoption could accelerate XRP’s next growth phase.

What’s Next for XRP: From Legal Battles to Market Maturity

While no one can predict the final outcome of the SEC case with certainty, Ripple has won key legal victories that suggest a favorable long-term resolution is possible. More importantly, the market is beginning to recognize that RippleNet works—and it’s gaining traction.

Once the legal overhang clears, several catalysts could drive XRP higher:

Even if XRP doesn’t ride the next Bitcoin surge wave immediately, its long-term potential remains strong. At under $1, many analysts believe it’s undervalued relative to its utility and network activity.

Core Keywords and Market Positioning

The key themes shaping XRP’s narrative include:

These keywords reflect both investor interest and search intent, showing that users are actively looking for insights on whether to buy XRP now, how the lawsuit affects its value, and what real-world use cases support its long-term growth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is XRP a good investment right now?

XRP presents a high-risk, high-reward opportunity. Its current price under $1 may seem attractive, especially given its functional use in global payments. However, regulatory uncertainty remains a concern. If you believe the SEC case will conclude favorably and that RippleNet will expand globally, XRP could deliver strong long-term returns.

Can XRP reach $10?

While $10 is an ambitious target, it would require massive adoption, full U.S. regulatory approval, and exponential growth in transaction volume. More realistic short-to-mid-term targets are $1–$3, depending on market conditions and legal developments.

Is RippleNet widely used?

Yes. Over 60 financial institutions in more than 30 countries use RippleNet for cross-border payments. Partners include MoneyGram (prior to its Paxos partnership), SBI Remit, and various banks in Asia and Europe.

Will U.S. exchanges relist XRP?

They likely will—if the SEC case ends with clear regulatory approval. Some platforms have already indicated they’re prepared to relist XRP once compliance risks are minimized.

Does XRP have smart contract capabilities?

The XRP Ledger now supports limited smart contracts and AMMs through recent protocol upgrades. While not as advanced as Ethereum or Solana, these features are expanding DeFi opportunities on the network.

How does XRP compare to other payment cryptos?

Compared to Stellar (XLM) or even stablecoins like USDC used in cross-border transfers, XRP offers faster settlement times and lower fees at scale. Its enterprise-grade infrastructure gives it a competitive edge in institutional adoption.

👉 Explore how XRP compares to other digital assets in speed, cost, and scalability.

Final Thoughts: A Unique Opportunity Under $1

XRP stands at a crossroads. Legal challenges have held it back while other cryptos soared—but those same hurdles may have created a buying opportunity for forward-thinking investors.

With RippleNet proving its value in real-world finance and technological upgrades enhancing the ecosystem, XRP’s fundamentals are stronger than ever. Combined with a sub-$1 price point and growing anticipation around legal resolution, now could be a strategic moment to consider adding XRP to a diversified crypto portfolio.

Whether you're drawn by its utility, its legal narrative, or its upside potential, one thing is clear: XRP isn’t just another meme coin chasing trends—it’s building the future of global payments.