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Easier Wallet Funding
XRP Ledger has made a big change, reducing the base reserve requirement for wallets from 10 XRP ($25.60) to just 1 XRP ($2.56). This update, effective Dec. 2, lets users start with a smaller amount of XRP, making the network more user-friendly.
The owner reserve — XRP needed for account features like NFTs, trust lines, and directories — was also lowered from 2 XRP ($5.12) to 0.2 XRP ($0.51). This means users can now hold and use their XRP more freely without tying up extra funds.
Why This Change Matters
Originally, high reserves were meant to stop spam accounts and keep the ledger manageable. But critics argued that it discouraged new users.
Developer Wietse Wind acknowledged possible challenges, like higher ledger activity putting strain on the network. However, he called this a “good problem” since it would signal more people using XRP. He added that engineers are ready to handle any added demand.
How It Happened
Though XRPL Labs configured their nodes for this change back in October, it took until Dec. 2 for all validators to vote and reset. This shows how decisions on the network rely on collective agreement from participants.
XRP Price Climbs Amid Legal Drama
At the same time, XRP’s price has surged to $2.65 — the highest since 2018. This rise comes amid renewed optimism around Ripple Labs and its ongoing battle with the SEC.
Ripple, which developed XRP, has faced accusations from the SEC that XRP is a security and should have been registered. The company was fined $125 million but is still fighting the case.
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