How to Add Binance Smart Chain (BSC) to Metamask
Binance Smart Chain is a blockchain network that runs in parallel with Binance Chain, the native blockchain of Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange. Binance Smart Chain is compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) and supports smart contracts and dapps. Binance Smart Chain also has a native token called BNB, which is used to pay for network fees and transactions.
MetaMask is a cryptocurrency wallet and a browser plugin that enables users to store and use Ether and other ERC-20 tokens, and to access and interact with dapps on the Ethereum network. MetaMask also allows users to switch between different networks, such as Ethereum mainnet, testnet or custom networks.
To use Binance Smart Chain with MetaMask, users need to add Binance Smart Chain as a custom network in MetaMask. This will enable users to send and receive transactions on the Binance Smart Chain network, and to use Binance Smart Chain-based dapps. To add Binance Smart Chain to MetaMask, users need to follow these steps:
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Open MetaMask and click on the network dropdown menu at the top right corner of the interface.
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Select Custom RPC from the list of available networks.
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Enter the following information in the fields:
- Network Name: Binance Smart Chain
- New RPC URL: https://bsc-dataseed.binance.org/
- Chain ID: 56
- Symbol: BNB
- Block Explorer URL: https://bscscan.com/
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Click Save to add Binance Smart Chain as a custom network in MetaMask.
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Switch to the Binance Smart Chain network by clicking on the network dropdown menu again and selecting Binance Smart Chain.
Users can now use MetaMask to send and receive transactions on the Binance Smart Chain network, and to access and interact with Binance Smart Chain-based dapps. Users can also transfer their Ether and ERC-20 tokens from the Ethereum network to the Binance Smart Chain network using the Binance Bridge (https://www.binance.org/en/bridge). Users should be aware of the fees and confirmation times involved in using the bridge. Users can also buy BNB tokens directly from MetaMask using a debit card or bank account.
What are the benefits and risks of using Binance Smart Chain with MetaMask?
Using Binance Smart Chain with MetaMask has the following benefits and risks:
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Benefits:
- Users can enjoy faster and cheaper transactions on the Binance Smart Chain network, compared to the Ethereum network. Binance Smart Chain claims to offer transactions that are processed in 3 seconds and cost less than a cent.
- Users can access and use various dapps that run on the Binance Smart Chain network, such as PancakeSwap, Venus, BakerySwap, etc. These dapps offer different services and experiences, such as decentralized exchange, lending, gaming, etc.
- Users can still use MetaMask as their wallet and browser plugin, without needing to download or install other software or create other accounts. MetaMask is a user-friendly and secure tool that simplifies the process of managing and using cryptocurrencies and dapps.
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Risks:
- Users need to trust the security and reliability of the Binance Smart Chain network and its validators. Binance Smart Chain uses a proof-of-authority consensus mechanism that relies on a set of validators to process and validate transactions. These validators are selected by Binance and have a high degree of centralization and control over the network.
- Users need to be careful when using the Binance Bridge to transfer their Ether and ERC-20 tokens from the Ethereum network to the Binance Smart Chain network. The bridge is a smart contract that locks the tokens on the Ethereum network and mints corresponding tokens on the Binance Smart Chain network. Users should only use the official bridge website (https://www.binance.org/en/bridge) and verify the transaction details before confirming them. Users should also be aware of the fees and confirmation times involved in using the bridge.
- Users need to do their own research and due diligence before using any dapp on the Binance Smart Chain network. Not all dapps are of high quality or trustworthy. Users should only interact with dapps that have a good reputation and track record. Users should also read the terms and conditions of each dapp and understand the risks involved.
Conclusion
Binance Smart Chain is a blockchain network that runs in parallel with Binance Chain, the native blockchain of Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange. Binance Smart Chain is compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) and supports smart contracts and dapps. Binance Smart Chain also has a native token called BNB, which is used to pay for network fees and transactions.
MetaMask is a cryptocurrency wallet and a browser plugin that enables users to store and use Ether and other ERC-20 tokens, and to access and interact with dapps on the Ethereum network. MetaMask also allows users to switch between different networks, such as Ethereum mainnet, testnet or custom networks.
To use Binance Smart Chain with MetaMask, users need to add Binance Smart Chain as a custom network in MetaMask. This will enable users to send and receive transactions on the Binance Smart Chain network, and to use Binance Smart Chain-based dapps. Users can also transfer their Ether and ERC-20 tokens from the Ethereum network to the Binance Smart Chain network using the Binance Bridge.
Using Binance Smart Chain with MetaMask has many benefits, such as faster and cheaper transactions, gateway to Web3, user-friendliness and security. However, it also has some risks, such as network centralization and control, bridge fees and confirmation times, and dapp quality and trustworthiness. Users should be careful and informed when using Binance Smart Chain with MetaMask and enjoy the decentralized web.