XRP Breaks the $3 Barrier, Can It Push to $5, or Is the Rally Running Out of Steam?

On September 12, 2025, the XRP crossed the $3 mark and reached $3.05, gaining about 2% in a single day. This sudden surge has sparked discussions about whether the price could continue upward toward $5, or whether the rally is nearing its peak.

The move above $3 was not random. Growing trading volume, especially from institutional investors, helped push prices higher. Excitement also comes from anticipation that U.S. regulators may approve exchange-traded funds (ETFs) tied to XRP. These ETFs would allow more traditional investors to gain exposure to the asset, potentially increasing demand and liquidity. Grayscale, Bitwise, and WisdomTree have already submitted ETF applications, and futures open interest for XRP recently jumped past $800 million, showing the level of interest from larger players in the financial world.

Momentum was further boosted by Ripple’s new partnership with BBVA, a major European bank. The deal, announced on September 8, complies with MiCA regulations in Europe and signals that banks are beginning to see value in Ripple’s cross-border payment technology. On-chain analytics also confirm growth. Data shows a 17% rise in automated market maker activity in July, with trading volume reaching $408 million. This points to stronger algorithmic trading, which can drive liquidity and stability.

Technically, the charts remain supportive of further growth. Analysts are pointing to a five-wave pattern in XRP’s price movement, which often suggests an extended upward trend. A golden cross where the short-term moving average rises above the long-term one, has also appeared, which traders interpret as a bullish sign. Price targets near $3.36 are being discussed in the short term, with $5 seen as possible if ETF approvals move forward. Some forecasts are even more ambitious, suggesting a rally toward $5.80 or even $9 under ideal conditions.

However, challenges remain. Historically, the $3 level has acted as a strong ceiling for XRP. After its recent breakout, the price briefly slipped back to $2.96, showing that resistance in this area is still strong. Key support levels exist between $2.90 and $2.93, close to the 200-day moving average. If XRP falls below these points, the decline could deepen, sending the token back to $2.50 or even $2.20. Some analysts warn that a failure to hold above $2.77 could trigger sharper losses, especially if the broader cryptocurrency market experiences another downturn.

The larger market context also matters. September has historically been a difficult month for cryptocurrencies, often marked by weakness due to global economic uncertainty. Inflation concerns in the United States and other macroeconomic factors could weigh on investor confidence. If risk appetite declines across the market, XRP may struggle to sustain its rally, regardless of strong technical setups.

Ripple continues to strengthen XRP’s fundamentals through partnerships and innovation. Its push into tokenized assets has gained attention, particularly as Nasdaq filed with the SEC for ETF trading tied to this sector. With Nasdaq handling hundreds of billions in daily volume, integration with XRP Ledger’s speed and low costs could create new use cases and demand. At the Seoul 2025 Global Conference, Ripple showcased how XRP can be used for corporate treasury operations, highlighting practical adoption beyond speculation.

XRP at a Turning Point in 2025

The year 2025 has been eventful for XRP. In January, Ripple ended its long legal dispute with the SEC, bringing long-awaited clarity. By July, institutional demand lifted XRP to $3.30 before a small correction. ETF filings in August pushed prices higher again, and a partnership with BBVA in September took XRP past $3. With ETF decisions expected later this month, another major move could be close.

Opinions remain divided. Some traders expect an average price near $3.61 for September, while others believe XRP could rise as high as $9 if momentum and large-scale buying continue. At the same time, caution lingers as more than 3.3 billion XRP were recently moved to exchanges, raising the chance of selling pressure. Technical signals also suggest the market could face short-term pullbacks.

XRP now stands at a key level. A move above $3.12 with continued strength could open the path toward $3.60 and even $5, especially if ETF approvals arrive. But falling below critical support could bring a quick decline. What makes this moment important is that XRP’s future depends not only on market activity but also on how effectively Ripple’s technology is adopted in traditional finance.

For now, XRP remains one of the most closely followed digital assets. Its strong role in cross-border payments and tokenized assets gives it a solid base, but volatility continues to shape its path. The next few weeks, guided by ETF outcomes and investor sentiment, will decide whether XRP keeps climbing or faces another correction.