How to buy Stellar (XLM) in the US

What is Stellar?

Stellar is a decentralized blockchain network designed to move value between people and systems efficiently. Essentially, it’s a payments-focused network that aims to make sending value as straightforward and low-friction as sending information online.

The network’s native cryptocurrency is lumens (XLM). The token can be sent, received and held, and it also plays a role in network operations (for example, as the asset used to pay transaction fees).

Stellar is often discussed in the context of cross-border payments and tokenized assets because it’s designed to support issuing and transferring different types of value on-chain.

Why do people buy and invest in Stellar (XLM)?

People buy XLM for different reasons, depending on what they want from a digital asset and how they plan to use it. Common reasons often relate to Stellar’s focus on payments infrastructure and network efficiency.

Here are a few factors investors often consider:

• Payments and transfers focus: Stellar is designed around moving value quickly and at low cost, which can be relevant for transfers and payment-style use cases.
• Asset issuance support: The network supports issuing and transferring tokens on-chain, which can broaden potential use cases beyond XLM itself.
• Ecosystem and integrations: Stellar has a long operating history and ongoing development that some users factor into their research.
• Market exposure: Some buyers view XLM as exposure to a payments-oriented network within the broader crypto landscape.

You can buy XLM and 400+ other cryptocurrencies on the Crypto.com App.

How to buy Stellar (XLM) in 5 steps

1. Choose a cryptocurrency platform

Start by choosing a platform that supports XLM in the US and clearly explains fees, features and account requirements.

You can:

• Buy XLM on the Crypto.com App – A mobile experience that supports buying, selling and tracking supported crypto assets.
• Trade XLM on the Crypto.com Exchange – Where available, with tools that may suit users who prefer more active order types.

Services, features and availability can vary by region and product.

2. Create and verify your account

Create an account using your email address and set a strong password. Many platforms also offer security features like two-factor authentication (2FA).

To meet regulatory requirements, identity verification is typically required. This usually involves uploading a government-issued ID and completing additional checks depending on your profile and region.

3. Deposit funds

Before buying XLM, add funds using the methods available to you in the US. Options may include:

• Bank transfer (ACH) – Available at no cost in some cases* and can suit larger deposits.
• Credit or debit card – Convenient, though fees may apply.
• Crypto transfer – Deposit another cryptocurrency, then swap it for XLM.
• Apple Pay or Google Pay – Available in some app-based flows, depending on eligibility and region.

Processing times, limits and fees can vary by payment method and may change over time.

4. Buy Stellar (XLM)

Once your account is funded, the basic purchase flow is typically:

1. Search for ‘Stellar (XLM)’
2. Enter the amount you want to buy
3. Review the details shown (including price, fees and estimated amount received)
4. Confirm the purchase

5. Store and manage your XLM

After buying XLM, decide how you want to store it based on your preferences and how you plan to use it.

• Hot wallets – Software wallets that can be convenient for frequent access. This can include an in-app wallet or compatible third-party wallets.
• Cold wallets – Hardware wallets or offline storage methods designed to keep keys off the internet.

Strengths and weaknesses of Stellar (XLM)

Strengths of XLM

• Designed for value transfer: Stellar is built for moving value between parties, with an emphasis on payment-style transfers and cross-border flows.
• Built-in asset issuance: Stellar supports issuing and transferring tokens directly on the network.
• Path payments and routing: Stellar includes features designed to help route value between assets, which can be useful in multi-currency transfer scenarios (where supported).
• Long-running network: Stellar has been operating for years, with established tooling and integrations that some users consider when researching ecosystems.

Weaknesses of XLM

• Not a general-purpose smart contract hub: Stellar’s design prioritizes payments and asset transfer, which may not match developers looking for complex, Ethereum-style smart contract environments.
• Ecosystem concentration risk: Real-world usage can be influenced by a smaller set of major integrations and use cases, which may affect activity if those change over time.
• Market-driven volatility: XLM’s price can still swing with broader crypto market conditions, liquidity and news, regardless of network fundamentals.
• Adoption depends on rails: For payments-focused networks, usefulness is closely tied to wallet support, on/off-ramps and regional coverage – which can vary and change.

What to know before buying Stellar (XLM)

Before buying XLM, check the practical details that can affect your experience: Whether the platform supports XLM deposits and withdrawals, what purchase and withdrawal limits apply and how fees and spreads are shown in the order preview.

If you plan to transfer XLM off-platform, confirm the receiving wallet supports Stellar and review any requirements shown by the wallet (for example, certain networks have recipient information fields). Always double-check transfer details before confirming, since crypto transactions can be difficult or impossible to reverse once sent.

It also helps to zoom out. In the broader crypto landscape, XLM often moves with overall market sentiment – including shifts in Bitcoin’s price, liquidity conditions and major regulatory or macro news. That means prices and trading activity can change quickly, even without an XLM-specific update.

What affects the price of Stellar (XLM)?

Several factors can influence XLM’s price and market behavior:

• Market sentiment and liquidity: Broader crypto trends and liquidity conditions can affect XLM alongside other assets.
• Network usage and integrations: Growth in payments usage, token issuance or ecosystem integrations can influence demand over time.
• Exchange support and trading depth: Liquidity and market depth can affect volatility and price moves.
• Technology and ecosystem development: Improvements to tooling, wallets and network functionality can affect perception and adoption.
• Regulation: Policy changes can shape access, availability and user demand.

Stellar (XLM) investment tips for beginners

If you’re new to XLM or crypto generally, a few practical habits can help:

• Start small: Consider starting with a modest amount while you learn how wallets and transfers work. Only use money you’re willing to lose.
• Use dollar-cost averaging (DCA): Some people use recurring buys to spread purchases out over time instead of relying on a single entry price.
• Avoid concentrating exposure: Holding a mix of assets rather than just one can reduce reliance on a single project or narrative.
• Follow credible updates: Track official announcements and ecosystem developments to stay current.

Crypto.com offers features like price alerts, recurring buys and portfolio tracking tools to help users monitor holdings over time. 

Stellar (XLM) price outlook

XLM’s future price performance depends on many factors, including adoption, market conditions, technological developments and regulation. Broader macroeconomic trends and shifts in crypto investor sentiment can also play a significant role. 

Because crypto markets can change quickly, price outlooks are inherently uncertain.

If you’re researching XLM, it can be useful to focus on what the network is designed to do, how it’s used in practice (especially payments and tokenized value transfer) and what risks could affect demand and liquidity over time. 

It can also help to track on-chain activity and ecosystem developments over time rather than relying on short-term price moves or isolated announcements.

Ready to get started?

1. Sign up on the Crypto.com App in minutes.
2. Verify your account with quick KYC.
3. Deposit funds using your preferred method.
4. Buy Stellar lumens (XLM).

FAQs about Stellar (XLM)

What does Stellar do?

Stellar is a blockchain network designed for transferring value and supporting token issuance on-chain. It’s often used in payment and cross-border transfer contexts, depending on integrations and availability.

Can I buy XLM with USD in the US?
Yes, you can buy XLM directly in the Crypto.com App using bank transfers, credit or debit cards or mobile payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay.

How do I store XLM?

You can keep XLM in an app-based (hot) wallet for easier access, or move it to a self-custody or hardware wallet for offline storage. Each option has convenience vs. responsibility tradeoffs.

How much does XLM cost to buy?

XLM pricing changes with market activity and liquidity. Most platforms show a live price plus an order preview with estimated amounts, fees and spreads before you confirm.

* Other transaction fees and spread may apply.

Important information: This is informational content sponsored by Crypto.com and should not be considered as investment advice. Trading cryptocurrencies carries risks, such as price volatility and market risks. Before deciding to trade cryptocurrencies, consider your risk appetite. 

Past performance may not indicate future results. There’s no assurance of future profitability, and content may not reflect current opinions.