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Coin explainersChris Richardson

BNB (Binance Coin)

Explore the basics of BNB.

BNB Binance Coin cryptocurrency explainer artwork

BNB is the native asset used to pay transaction fees on BNB Smart Chain and other parts of the BNB Chain ecosystem. It was formerly called Binance Coin. BNB Chain and the Binance exchange are related historically, but an exchange account and an on-chain wallet work differently.

What BNB is used for

On BNB Smart Chain, BNB pays the network fees needed to send transactions and interact with applications. Binance also offers eligible users BNB-based trading-fee discounts; availability and terms should be checked directly with the exchange.

Key dates

BNB began as an Ethereum token in 2017 and migrated to its own chain in 2019. The later BNB Chain Fusion moved staking and governance functions from BNB Beacon Chain to BNB Smart Chain. Beacon Chain was retired in 2024; older instructions for that chain should not be treated as current guidance.

Staking

BNB holders can delegate to validators that help secure BNB Smart Chain. Rewards vary and are not guaranteed. Before delegating, understand the validator, fees, withdrawal conditions, and risks of the wallet or service being used.

Coin burning

BNB uses an Auto-Burn mechanism designed to reduce supply toward a target of 100 million BNB. A separate mechanism burns a portion of network transaction fees. Burning removes coins, but it does not guarantee a higher market price.

Things to understand

BNB’s price can fall sharply. Applications can fail, wallets can be compromised, and exchange services vary by location. Confirm the correct supported network before sending funds, and do not assume that every game or merchant accepts BNB.

Source for BNB graphics

By Web Summit - RC1_4431, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=124856579

By Aevozer - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=119474168

Di Web Summit - BE6_1586, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=124925903

By Binance - https://www.binance.com/, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=121835012

By Binance - https://www.binance.com/, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=67536240

By Binance - Own work based on: Binance logo.svg, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=101553632

By https://storage.googleapis.com/axie-cdn/new-banner.png, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=71808032

Sources

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