How to Get Started with Binance Smart Chain (BSC)

TL;DR

Binance Smart Chain (BSC) has been booming with activity. Ranging from token swaps to decentralized money markets and cute NFTs, there are many options to earn yield or simply to have fun.

But what do you need to get started, and how do you do it? We’ll go through it all in this article.

Introduction

First, if you’d like to get an overview of the technology behind BSC, check out An Introduction to Binance Smart Chain (BSC).

That article can give you a walkthrough of the mechanics of the blockchain, while this one will provide practical information about how to get started. So let’s dive in.

Binance Smart Chain (BSC) wallets

First things first, you’ll need a wallet to interact with the applications on BSC. The good news is that you have quite a few options to choose from.

It’s worth keeping in mind that this isn’t an exhaustive list. In addition to the ones mentioned below, you can also use Math Wallet, Ledger, TokenPocket, Bitkeep, ONTO, Safepal, and Arkane.

MetaMask

Something you might already be familiar with is MetaMask. If not, no worries, we’ve got your back – we have a guide on How to Use MetaMask.

But wait, isn’t MetaMask an Ethereum wallet? It is, but actually, it’s quite easy to connect it to BSC. This way, you can use a familiar UI when interacting with BSC.

As to how to connect your MetaMask to BSC? We’ve got a detailed guide about it, so check out Connecting MetaMask to Binance Smart Chain if you’re interested.

Trust Wallet

Some dApps, such as PancakeSwap, allow you to connect using Trust Wallet.

Trust Wallet is one of the easiest mobile wallets to use, so if you’d like to use BSC from your pocket, it’s among the best options.

Binance Chain Wallet

Binance Chain Wallet is another option that you have for certain apps on BSC. You can get it as a browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, and Brave. It’s easy to use and has a slick UI.

How to get crypto to Binance Smart Chain (BSC)

So, now we have plenty of wallets to choose from, but how can we move funds to the chain? We can withdraw from our Binance account or use the Binance Bridge.

Before we go further, however, it’s important that we clear up some conceptual background.

Binance Smart Chain supports the BEP-20 token standard, while Binance Chain, the home of Binance DEX, supports the BEP-2 token standard. If you’d like to trade on Binance DEX, you’ll need to use BEP-2 tokens, while if you’d like to use dApps on BSC, you’ll need BEP-20 tokens.

Withdrawing from Binance

Chances are if you’re reading this, you already have a Binance account. The easiest option may be to simply withdraw from your Binance account to a BSC wallet.

Just make sure to select Binance Smart Chain (BEP-20) when withdrawing funds to your external wallet.

Binance Bridge

Another great way to bring assets to BSC is using the Binance Bridge.

You can select many of the biggest blockchains, such as Ethereum or TRON, and convert their native tokens to wrapped tokens on BSC. The bridge works in both directions. You can monitor the on-chain reserve that ensures that the wrapped tokens on BSC are sufficiently collateralized by the native tokens here: Proof of Assets.

If this seems like your preferred way of getting assets to BSC, check out our guide to Binance Bridge.

Binance Smart Chain (BSC) dApps

So, now we’ve got a wallet, and we’ve transferred some funds to it. What can we do with our magic internet money? Let’s take a look at some of the most popular decentralized applications on BSC.

And don’t forget that these are just a few of the biggest ones. New and exciting dApps are getting launched all the time. You can track them on DefiStation, DappRadar, or the Math dApp Store.

PancakeSwap

PancakeSwap is the number one automated market maker (AMM) on Binance Smart Chain.

Similar to Uniswap or SushiSwap, you can do token swaps for BEP-20 tokens on PancakeSwap.

You can also earn passive income by providing liquidity to one (or more) of the liquidity pools. Just be aware of impermanent loss before depositing.

While the AMM is at the core of PancakeSwap, there’s much more you can do. You can also take part in the lottery, win NFTs, participate in token sales, compete for spots on the leaderboard, and more!

If you’re interested, check out our detailed guide about PancakeSwap.

Venus

Venus is a borrow-lending protocol similar to Compound or Aave on Ethereum. It’s a decentralized money market where you can borrow and lend BEP-20 tokens with algorithmically set interest rates.

Have some idle funds lying around? Venus can be an option to earn interest on them or use them as collateral to borrow against to participate in yield farming.

Venus also enables a decentralized stablecoin called VAI, which is backed by a basket of cryptoassets. In this way, you could think of Venus as a hybrid of Compound and MakerDAO on BSC.

Autofarm

Autofarm is a yield aggregator on BSC. You can think of it as similar to yearn on Ethereum. It automatically tries to find the most optimal way for you to earn a yield on your deposits.

BurgerSwap

BurgerSwap is also a popular AMM on BSC. You can do BEP-20 token swaps and provide liquidity.

Spartan Protocol

The Spartan Protocol is a synthetic asset protocol on BSC. It allows users to create liquidity pools for BEP-20 tokens – just like many other AMMs.

However, it aims to allow for much more in the future, such as the creation of synthetic assets collateralized by liquidity pools, as well as lending and on-chain derivatives.

Cream

Cream is a popular lending protocol on Ethereum that is also deployed on BSC. You can borrow and lend BEP-20 tokens.

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How to track Binance Smart Chain (BSC) metrics

So, now we have almost everything to get started. But how will we track our activity on BSC? Well, BscScan is the best place.

If you’ve been involved with DeFi at all, the site may look a bit familiar. It looks and feels very much like EtherScan – that’s because it’s made by the same team that made EtherScan.

So once you’ve found your addresses, what else should you keep an eye on? There are several handy metrics that track the ongoing activity on BSC, and we’ve collected them in this article: 6 Binance Smart Chain (BSC) Metrics You Should Know.

Closing thoughts

Binance Smart Chain has seen some significant development and user activity, and it’s only bound to increase in the future.

If you’re interested in DeFi, It may be worth keeping a close eye on it. Where’s the best place to do that? Follow the Binance Chain Community Twitter for the latest updates about BSC.

Do you still have questions about the Binance Smart Chain? Check out our Q&A platform, Ask Academy, where the Binance community will answer your questions.