Stellar, Start Here

Updated 2026-10-29

Short answer: Stellar is a fast, low-cost network for payments and stablecoins, and its coin is XLM (lumens). Addresses start with G. Like the XRP Ledger, it keeps a small minimum balance in every account, and exchanges often need a memo with your deposit.

Minimum balance

Every Stellar account must hold at least 1 XLM, plus 0.5 XLM for each extra item it holds, such as a trust line for a token. That XLM can't be sent, but removing items frees it again. A brand-new address must receive at least 1 XLM before it exists.

Memos

Exchanges often use one Stellar address for many customers and tell them apart with a memo. When you send XLM to an exchange, always include the memo it gives you, or the deposit may not reach your account.

Assets and trust lines

Tokens on Stellar (called assets), such as Circle's USDC, need a trust line: you agree to hold that asset from that issuer. Only add trust lines for issuers you've checked on their official site; copies with the same code exist.

Watch out

• Fake XLM giveaways and "airdrops" that ask for your secret key (it starts with S). Never share it.
• Send a small test first to a new address.

On Crypto Lighthouse

• [Portfolio](/portfolio): XLM and your assets, with USDC priced.
• [Check an Address](/check): activity and sanctions status.

Learn more at stellar.org.