Why XLM but not XRP? Filling a Critical Gap in Payment Streaming
When Coinbase launched the x402 protocol for HTTP payment streaming, they included support for multiple networks, including Stellar (XLM). But one major player was conspicuously absent: XRP.
This isn't just an oversight. It's a gap that limits the protocol's reach and excludes one of the most payment-optimized cryptocurrencies in existence.
XRP was literally designed for what x402 enables: fast, low-cost, streaming payments.
| Feature | XRP | Why It Matters for x402 |
|---|---|---|
| Settlement Time | 3-5 seconds | Near-instant payment confirmation |
| Transaction Cost | ~$0.0002 | Feasible for micropayments and per-request billing |
| Throughput | 1,500 TPS | Handles high-frequency streaming payments |
| Finality | Deterministic | No reversals, ideal for automated systems |
| Liquidity | Global | On-demand liquidity via XRP Ledger DEX |
XLM has similar fast settlement, but XRP's liquidity depth, institutional adoption and payment-focused ecosystem make it a different tier entirely for serious payment infrastructure.
Here's the irony: XLM (Stellar) is already supported in x402. Stellar was created by one of XRP's co-founders and shares similar design goals, fast, cheap payments for the unbanked and cross-border transfers.
If x402 supports Stellar's model, it should support XRP's. The exclusion feels arbitrary, especially given:
Supporting XLM but not XRP is like supporting Litecoin but ignoring Bitcoin. Technically similar, but magnitude different.
The x402 protocol enables "penny per request" APIs, pay-as-you-go for compute, AI inference, data access. XRP's characteristics make it ideal for this:
Charge $0.001 per LLM token consumed. With XRP's $0.0002 fee, you keep 80% of revenue even on tiny transactions.
Pay-per-minute for premium video, music, or article access. XRP settles before the user blinks.
IoT devices selling sensor data in real-time. High-frequency, low-value transactions, a perfect match for XRP + x402.
International contractors paid per task completed. XRP settles in seconds vs. ACH's 3-5 days.
I recently submitted PR #1109 to add XRP support to x402. The implementation follows the same patterns as existing XLM support but adapts for XRP Ledger's specific characteristics.
What the PR adds: - XRP payment verification via Rippled nodes - Escrow-style payment streaming using Payment Channels - Support for both testnet and mainnet - Comprehensive test coverage matching existing assets
If you're building payment-streaming APIs, you want options. Not every user holds ETH (high fees). Not everyone uses stablecoins (custodial risk). XRP offers a neutral, fast, cheap layer-1 that's been battle-tested for payments since 2012.
Adding XRP to x402 means: - Lower fees for your customers - Faster settlement for your cash flow - Global reach via XRP's existing payment rails - Censorship resistance via decentralized ledger (vs. stablecoins)
XLM's inclusion in x402 validates the model, fast, cheap layer-1s are perfect for streaming payments. But excluding XRP leaves the most optimized payment asset on the sidelines.
The technology is there. The use case is clear. The community is ready.
Review the PR and help bridge this gap. XRP belongs in the x402 ecosystem.
Posted Date: 2026-02-06
Tags: #XRP #x402 #PaymentStreaming #Blockchain #Cryptocurrency #Ripple #Fintech #OpenSource