Ripple's USD-backed stablecoin for institutional payments
What is RLUSD?
RLUSD is Ripple's USD-pegged stablecoin, designed for institutional cross-border payments. Unlike XRP (which fluctuates in price), RLUSD maintains a stable $1.00 value, backed by US dollars and short-term treasuries.
It runs on both the XRP Ledger and Ethereum, giving institutions flexibility in how they use it.
RLUSD vs XRP
💵 RLUSD
- Price: Always $1.00 (stable)
- Type: Stablecoin
- Use: Stable value transfer
- Volatility: None
- Backing: USD + Treasuries
⚡ XRP
- Price: Market-driven (volatile)
- Type: Cryptocurrency
- Use: Bridge currency, liquidity
- Volatility: High
- Backing: Network utility
How RLUSD Works
Mint RLUSD
Institution deposits USD with Ripple, receives RLUSD
Transfer
Send RLUSD globally in seconds via XRPL or Ethereum
Redeem
Recipient redeems RLUSD for USD or local currency
Why RLUSD Matters for XRP
Increases XRPL Activity
More transactions = more fees burned = deflationary pressure
Attracts Institutions
Banks prefer stable assets - RLUSD is their on-ramp
XRP as Bridge
XRP provides liquidity between RLUSD and other currencies
AMM Liquidity
RLUSD/XRP pools on XRPL DEX increase XRP utility
Where to Get RLUSD
RLUSD is primarily available through:
- Ripple Direct - For institutional partners
- XRPL DEX - Trade on the native decentralized exchange
- Select Exchanges - Expanding retail availability in 2026
Check Ripple's official announcements for the latest availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
RLUSD is Ripple's USD-pegged stablecoin launched in 2025. It's designed for institutional payments and is backed 1:1 by US dollars and short-term treasuries. RLUSD runs on both XRP Ledger and Ethereum.
No. RLUSD is a stablecoin pegged to $1 USD - its price doesn't change. XRP is a volatile cryptocurrency whose price fluctuates. They're complementary: RLUSD for stable value, XRP for bridging and liquidity.
RLUSD is available on select exchanges and through Ripple's institutional partners. As of 2026, it's primarily for institutional use but expanding to retail platforms.
RLUSD increases activity on XRP Ledger, provides stable on/off ramps, and makes XRP more attractive for institutional use. More RLUSD usage = more XRP demand for liquidity and fees.
RLUSD is issued by Ripple, a regulated company, and backed by USD reserves and treasuries with regular attestations. It's designed for institutional compliance. However, all crypto carries risk.