XRP Ledger guide for XRP exchanges and destination tags
The XRP Ledger settles native XRP through classic addresses or supported X-addresses. Custodial destinations frequently need a destination tag to assign a payment internally.
Reviewed September 1, 2026 · Primary source linked below
Native fee asset
XRP
Asset model
XRP and issued currencies
Network identity
XRP is the native asset of the XRP Ledger. Accounts maintain ledger entries and can also interact with issued currencies. An XRP token on BNB Smart Chain is not the native XRPL asset.
Address rules
Classic account addresses begin with r. An X-address can encode a classic address together with a destination tag and network information. Use whichever format the exchange and receiving service explicitly support.
Fee mechanism
XRP Ledger transactions destroy a small amount of XRP as a fee. Account reserve rules are separate from the transaction fee and can affect how much XRP a wallet considers spendable.
Settlement
XRPL ledgers close quickly, but the full exchange still includes deposit matching, provider processing and payout. A destination tag can be essential even when the ledger transaction validates.
Memo or tag
A destination tag identifies a recipient behind a shared address. Copy it as a separate field for a classic address unless an explicitly supported X-address already encodes it.
Tokens and representations
Native XRP on XRPL and a same-ticker token on another chain are different assets. Issued currencies on XRPL also have issuer identities and must not be confused with XRP.
MOST COMMON ROUTE ERROR
What usually goes wrong
The classic address is correct but the destination tag is missing or wrong. The XRP can reach a custodial wallet while the service cannot automatically credit the intended account.
CONCRETE EXCHANGE EXAMPLE
Follow both legs of the route
For USDT ERC-20 to XRP, the source uses Ethereum and the destination uses an XRPL address. If the destination is a custodial service, both its r-address and numeric tag must be entered.
BEFORE YOU SEND
XRPL checklist
- Confirm native XRP on the XRP Ledger.
- Copy the classic address or supported X-address exactly.
- Include the destination tag when the receiver supplies one.
- Leave account reserve considerations to the sending wallet display.
XRPL FAQ
Network-specific answers
Is an XRP destination tag part of a classic address?
No. It is normally a separate numeric field. A supported X-address can encode both values.
Can I omit a tag for my self-custody XRP wallet?
Use the receiving wallet’s instructions. A personal address may not require one, while a shared custodial address often does.
Is XRP on BNB Smart Chain native XRP?
No. It is a separate token route on a different blockchain.
CONNECTED REFERENCE PAGES