where you can buy the currency. You can either buy direct on those sites, or purchase another coin and convert it to Ripple, which is what I do:

Step 1: Create A Coinbase Account. Go to Coinbase and create a new account. You’ll need to verify the account (driver’s license or passport & a utility bill) in order to connect it to a bank account to fund it. I chose Coinbase they’re one of the largest, most trusted exchanges available, although they do have mixed reviews.

Step 2: Fund Your Coinbase Account. After you’re setup & verified, click on the “Buy/Sell” tab. It will allow you to purchase Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, or Litecoin, and the funds will be directly withdrawn from your bank. I chose to purchase Ethereum. The purchase process is fast & painless, but be aware that it takes about 7 days from the time of purchase to show up in your account.

Step 3: Create A Binance Account. While you’re waiting for the purchase to come through, go to Binance and create an account. You’ll want to verify this account as well, again using your driver’s license OR passport plus a utility bill. I chose Binance because they trade Ripple, and Coinbase does not. Also, Binance has good online reviews.

Step 4: Get Your ETH Deposit Address. In your Binance account, go to “Funds”, then “Deposits/Withdrawals. It will list all the available currencies. Scroll down (or use the search filter) to find Ethereum (ETH). Click on the “Deposit” button, and it will automatically give you an “ETH Deposit Address”. Copy that. It’s the address you’re sending money TO. I’d recommend leaving this window open until you complete the transaction.

Step 5: Transfer Your Ethereum. This part can be a little scary, because if you do it wrong you’ll lose your coins. In your Coinbase account, click the “Accounts” button, then scroll down to the “ETH Wallet” and click the “Send” button. In the popup that appears, paste your ETH Deposit Address from Binance into the “Send Address” field (this is a wallet address, not email). Enter the amount to send, and then click the Continue button to complete your transaction (it takes an hour or so to complete, at least for me).

Step 6: Configure Binance For The Right Currency. This step was counter-intuitive, so pay attention: In Binance, go to “Exchange”, and then “Advanced”. On the right hand side of the screen is a drop-down for currency type (with a yellow down arrow, top of the screen). Select “XRP/ETH”. Now go back to your main Binance dashboard, click on the “Exchange” and then “Basic”. Now your basic trading exchange will let you purchase Ripple.

Step 7: Trade Your Ethereum For Ripple: In the Basic Exchange screen on Binance, you’ll see a “Buy XRP” box. You can either enter an amount to buy or simply click 100% to convert all of that Ethereum. Do that, then click “Buy XRP”. That’s it, you’re done!

Follow Up: After you do the trade, go to “Orders”, then “Open Orders” in Binance, and check to see if your order gets stuck. I think this happens if the price goes up right when you submit the order. If you have an open order that sits for more than a few minutes, you can cancel it and try again.

My standard disclaimer: cryptocurrencies are highly volatile. Never invest more than you can afford to lose. This post contains personal opinions only, and not financial advice. I take no responsibility for any financial decisions that you make.