Finding the Best Crypto to Invest in 2026: Why XRP Deserves Your Attention

If you’re hunting for the best crypto to invest in right now with just $100, you’re probably noticing that most major cryptocurrencies have become expensive. Bitcoin is trading around $67,000, Ethereum sits near $1,940, and Solana is above $80. But there’s one digital asset trading at just $1.41 that’s generating serious interest: XRP. Known as the “banker’s coin,” XRP presents an intriguing opportunity for investors willing to take on moderate risk for potentially substantial returns.

XRP at $1.41: A Bargain Entry Point

As of February 2026, XRP is trading significantly below its historical highs. The token briefly reached $3.65 in 2025 and once touched $3.84 at its all-time peak. Today’s price of $1.41 represents a discount of over 60% from those levels, creating what some market watchers view as an attractive entry point.

However, it’s important to understand the full picture. Over the past 30 days, XRP is down 25.96%, and the 1-year decline stands at 45.07%. These numbers reflect the volatility and ongoing challenges facing the token. Yet, the 7-day gain of 3.30% suggests that buying interest may be returning after the recent selloff.

This price action highlights why XRP qualifies as one of the best crypto to invest in for contrarian investors—it’s cheap, but for reasons you need to understand.

The Bull Case: How XRP Could Triple from Here

Within the near term, XRP has the ability to reclaim $3.65, representing a 158% gain from current levels. Financial analysts have projected even more ambitious targets. Standard Chartered predicted in recent analysis that XRP could reach $12.50 by 2028, though such long-term projections require considerable healthy skepticism.

These bullish scenarios rest on one core thesis: institutional adoption. XRP is primarily designed as a bridge currency for cross-border payments, enabling banks and financial institutions to move money across borders quickly and cheaply. What began as Western Union partnerships in the early days has evolved dramatically.

Today, the real action is happening on Wall Street. Major global financial institutions are increasingly recognizing blockchain technology’s efficiency advantages. If XRP becomes the backbone for modern cross-border finance, demand for the token should surge significantly, pushing prices upward over time.

This institutional adoption story is why XRP qualifies as among the best crypto to invest in for those bullish on financial infrastructure changes. The thesis isn’t speculation—it’s grounded in existing partnerships and demonstrated use cases.

New Gateways: How to Access XRP Today

The investment landscape for XRP changed dramatically in late 2025. Prior to the SEC lawsuit settlement in August, many U.S. exchanges refused to list XRP out of caution. Today, the situation has completely transformed.

November 2025 marked a turning point: multiple spot XRP exchange-traded funds (ETFs) launched, including offerings from Bitwise, Grayscale, Canary Capital, and 21Shares. These ETFs provide 1:1 price exposure to XRP through traditional brokerage accounts, eliminating the need to open cryptocurrency exchange accounts for regulatory-wary investors.

By 2026, additional spot XRP ETFs are expected to debut, expanding investor options further. This accessibility is crucial for retail investors asking how to find the best crypto to invest in—the infrastructure has genuinely improved.

With $100, you could purchase approximately 71 XRP tokens in the spot market, or buy several shares of a Bitwise or Grayscale XRP ETF instead. The latter approach offers simplicity and regulatory approval, though both provide identical price exposure.

The Headwinds and Honest Risks

Here’s where candor matters. XRP remains a highly speculative, volatile investment suitable only for investors who can afford to lose their entire $100.

First, XRP is recovering from a brutal five-year SEC legal battle that concluded in August 2025. Though the lawsuit ended favorably for Ripple, regulatory uncertainty still surrounds the token.

Second, competition is intensifying. Stablecoins pegged to the U.S. dollar are becoming standard for transfers. Newer blockchain platforms like Solana are promoting their own ultra-fast, ultra-cheap transaction capabilities that could undercut XRP’s value proposition.

Third, the current price decline reflects real skepticism in the market. Down 45% over twelve months and 26% in just thirty days, XRP holders have faced sustained selling pressure. This isn’t a sign of strength—it’s a sign that the bull case hasn’t convinced most investors yet.

Should You Deploy $100 in XRP?

The answer depends entirely on your risk tolerance and investment thesis. If you believe institutional adoption of XRP for cross-border payments will accelerate, and you can stomach significant volatility, then a small position makes sense.

XRP trades at a discount for a reason. It’s speculative. It’s risky. But if you’re searching for the best crypto to invest in for a potential breakthrough story, XRP’s current valuation offers an asymmetric risk-reward profile worth considering—especially at these depressed levels.

The path from $1.41 back to $3.65 and beyond is entirely plausible if the institutional thesis plays out. That’s what makes XRP worth a closer look for investors deploying $100 in crypto right now.