Cryptocurrency investors are increasingly turning to staking as a way to earn passive income, but not all digital assets support this feature. If you're holding XRP and using a Ledger hardware wallet, you might be wondering: Can you stake XRP on Ledger? The short answer is no — and here’s why.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the technical and network-level reasons behind XRP’s lack of staking capabilities, examine how Ledger wallets function in the broader crypto ecosystem, and highlight alternative cryptocurrencies that do offer staking rewards through compatible platforms.
Whether you're a long-time XRP holder or just getting started with hardware wallets, understanding these distinctions is crucial for maximizing both security and earning potential.
Understanding XRP and the Ripple Consensus Mechanism
Unlike many popular cryptocurrencies such as Ethereum or Cardano, XRP does not use a proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus mechanism. Instead, it operates on the Ripple Protocol Consensus Algorithm (RPCA), which relies on a network of trusted validators to confirm transactions.
This design choice makes XRP faster and more energy-efficient than PoW (proof-of-work) blockchains like Bitcoin, but it also means there's no staking functionality built into the network. Since staking requires users to lock up coins to help validate transactions and secure the network, the absence of such a mechanism in XRP renders staking impossible — regardless of which wallet you use.
👉 Discover how different consensus mechanisms impact your earning potential.
Why Staking Isn’t Possible with XRP
- No validator rewards system: The Ripple network doesn’t incentivize users with rewards for holding or locking XRP.
- Centralized validation model: A predefined list of validators maintains the ledger, limiting decentralized participation.
- Focus on payments: XRP was designed primarily for fast cross-border transactions, not yield generation.
Even if your Ledger device supports other stakable coins, XRP cannot generate passive income through staking due to these inherent network limitations.
What Ledger Wallets Actually Do With XRP
Ledger devices — including the Ledger Nano S and Ledger Nano X — are among the most trusted hardware wallets for securely storing cryptocurrencies. When it comes to XRP, Ledger offers robust protection by keeping your private keys offline and immune to online threats.
You can:
- Store XRP safely using Ledger Live
- Send and receive XRP with confidence
- Manage your balance via a user-friendly interface
However, Ledger does not enable staking for XRP, nor does any other wallet provider, because the capability simply doesn’t exist at the protocol level.
It’s important to distinguish between storage functionality and staking functionality. While Ledger excels at the former, the latter depends entirely on whether the underlying blockchain supports staking — and in XRP’s case, it doesn’t.
Cryptocurrencies You Can Stake Through Ledger
Although you can’t stake XRP, Ledger supports staking for several major proof-of-stake cryptocurrencies. These allow you to earn rewards directly through Ledger Live, provided you meet minimum requirements and keep your device connected during setup.
Top Stakable Coins Supported by Ledger
- Ethereum (ETH): After the Ethereum 2.0 upgrade, staking became a core feature. You can delegate to validators and earn annual percentage yields (APY), typically ranging from 3% to 5%.
- Cardano (ADA): Known for its research-driven approach, Cardano allows delegation without locking your funds. Rewards are distributed regularly.
- Solana (SOL): Offers high staking yields compared to others, often exceeding 6% APY, though subject to network volatility.
- Polkadot (DOT): Enables nominating validators to secure parachains, with competitive returns.
- Tezos (XTZ): One of the earliest stakable coins (often called “baking”), offering consistent payouts.
These options give Ledger users real opportunities to grow their holdings — something XRP holders currently miss out on.
👉 See which crypto assets offer the best staking returns in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
❓ Can I earn interest on XRP through any platform?
While true staking isn’t possible, some centralized exchanges like Kraken or Bitstamp offer interest-bearing accounts where you can earn yield on locked XRP. However, this isn’t staking — it’s lending your assets to the exchange, which carries counterparty risk.
❓ Is there a chance XRP will support staking in the future?
There are no official plans from Ripple Labs to introduce staking. Given the current consensus model and network architecture, it’s unlikely in the near term.
❓ Does using a Ledger make my XRP more secure?
Absolutely. Ledger’s offline storage protects against malware, phishing, and remote hacking attempts. It’s one of the safest ways to hold XRP long-term.
❓ Can I stake other coins while holding XRP on my Ledger?
Yes! You can manage multiple cryptocurrencies on a single Ledger device. Staking works independently per asset — so while XRP sits securely, you can actively stake ETH, ADA, or SOL through Ledger Live.
❓ Are there risks involved in staking other cryptocurrencies?
Yes. While staking is generally safe when done through reputable platforms like Ledger, risks include:
- Network slashing penalties (for validators)
- Price volatility affecting real returns
- Lock-up periods limiting liquidity
Always assess risk versus reward before delegating your coins.
Exploring Alternatives: Where Should You Allocate for Passive Income?
If generating passive income is a priority, consider diversifying beyond XRP into assets natively designed for staking. Ethereum remains a top choice due to its strong ecosystem and developer activity. Solana attracts users seeking higher yields, while Cardano appeals to those valuing sustainability and decentralization.
Using a hardware wallet like Ledger ensures your staked assets remain under your control — unlike custodial solutions where third parties hold your keys.
👉 Start earning rewards with stakable crypto today — securely and easily.
Final Thoughts: Security vs. Yield in Crypto Investing
Holding XRP on a Ledger wallet provides exceptional security — an essential component of responsible crypto ownership. However, investors should recognize that security alone doesn’t generate returns.
True wealth-building in crypto often involves balancing safety with strategic allocation toward yield-generating assets. While XRP plays a valuable role in fast, low-cost transactions, it doesn’t contribute to passive income strategies through staking.
For those looking to optimize their portfolio in 2025 and beyond, combining secure storage with active participation in PoS networks offers a more holistic approach.
By understanding what XRP can and cannot do — and leveraging tools like Ledger effectively — you position yourself for both protection and growth in the evolving digital asset landscape.
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