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BNB Chain, Start Here

Updated 2026-10-29

Short answer: BNB Chain (BNB Smart Chain, often "BSC") is a fast, low-fee blockchain started by Binance. It works like Ethereum: the same 0x addresses, the same wallets (MetaMask, Trust Wallet and others), and tokens that follow the same standard (called BEP-20 here). Fees are paid in BNB.

Fees

  • Every transaction costs a small fee in BNB, even when you send a token like USDT.
  • Keep a little BNB in your wallet, or you can't move your tokens.

Moving coins to and from an exchange

  • When you withdraw, pick BNB Smart Chain (BEP20) as the network, and make sure your wallet is on BNB Chain to see it arrive.
  • The same 0x address works on Ethereum too, but coins sent on one network don't show up on the other. Picking the wrong network is the most common mistake.
  • Send a small test first.

Watch out

  • Fake tokens: anyone can launch a token on BNB Chain in minutes, and many copy real names. Check the contract on the project's site, and use our token check for honeypot signs (tokens you can buy but not sell).
  • Approvals: apps ask permission to spend your tokens. Revoke ones you no longer use. See how to check and revoke token approvals.
  • "Pump" groups and new-token hype on Telegram: most new tokens lose almost all their value.

On Crypto Lighthouse

  • [Portfolio](/portfolio): BNB and the major tokens on BNB Chain (stablecoins, ETH, BTCB, XRP and others).
  • Token checks: in the Portfolio and on Check an Address, for honeypots, hidden taxes and owner powers.

Learn more at bnbchain.org.