Think of a coin that is always in the headlines but never really steals the show like Bitcoin or Ethereum. XRP is that coin. For some, it’s the brave sidekick in the superhero story of cryptocurrency. For some, it’s more of a wild card, a trickster that made certain wallets a lot bigger and others a little smaller. What makes XRP so interesting? Let’s stop using technical language and gain a better handle on this digital asset.

First of all, XRP isn’t seeking to take Bitcoin’s place as your favorite “decentralized” currency. It works on a different frequency, though. Ripple Labs supports XRP, which aims to turn traditional banking on its head. Its promise: transactions that happen in a flash and fees that are rock-bottom. Banks, which people commonly think of as slow-moving giants, can now send money across borders in the time it takes you to microwave popcorn. These aren’t the slow, multi-day wire transfers that make you want to scream.

There is also drama in the house. The SEC (short for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission) sued Ripple, saying that XRP is a securities. The courtroom gymnastics that followed sent XRP up and down the charts like a yo-yo. Investors were nervous. But XRP still has dedicated fans who ride the waves through all the ups and downs.

Curiosity leads us to supply. There are 100 billion XRP, and no one can just make more whenever they want. The Ripple people keep a lot of it, which leads to heated arguments in private chats and backchannels. Is that a warning sign or just something that happens in crypto? It depends on who you question and what conspiracy thread you end up in after midnight.

XRP’s technology backbone—no mining here, thank you very much—lets it confirm transactions in a flash. Validators, like digital referees, make sure everything runs smoothly. XRP doesn’t need as much energy as Bitcoin, which uses more than some small countries. At least when it comes to cryptocurrency, it’s better for the environment.

Don’t forget about usability. A grandma in Tokyo may send yen to her grandchild in Milan without having to fill out complicated bank papers. That’s the unique selling point: XRP cuts hours and tears up hidden fees. People who work in finance have noticed. Ripple’s partnerships with big names in the banking industry show that XRP isn’t simply a bunch of hot air.

XRP is like a roller coaster with some severe twists, though. Volatility isn’t a problem; it’s a feature. If you get nervous when you look at charts, trading XRP can be hard for you. Not for the weak of heart, yet it’s never boring.

You can ignore XRP, bet against it, cheer for it, or use it to send money wherever. You can’t act like it’s just another penny, though. XRP is still moving forward and won’t go away quietly, even though things are sometimes as plain as muddy water. Buckle up if you’re even thinking about getting your feet wet. Half the fun is that you don’t know what will happen on the ride.