BNB Smart Chain (BSC) is a blockchain in the broader BNB Chain ecosystem. It runs decentralized applications and smart contracts, with a particular focus on decentralized finance (DeFi). It was formerly called Binance Smart Chain, so the older name—and the abbreviation “BSC”—still appear in wallets, documentation and conversation.
What does BNB Smart Chain do?
BNB Chain describes BSC as a high-performance blockchain platform for decentralized applications. In practical terms, developers can deploy smart contracts on it, and people can use applications built on those contracts, including DeFi services. The name refers to one blockchain, not to every product or network in the BNB Chain ecosystem. BNB Chain’s BSC documentation describes its purpose and scope.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
How is BSC related to BNB Chain, opBNB and Greenfield?
BNB Chain is the wider ecosystem. Its documentation distinguishes BSC from opBNB, a Layer 2 network associated with BSC, and BNB Greenfield, a decentralized storage network. BSC itself is a Layer 1 blockchain. These names refer to different networks or services, not interchangeable names for BSC. BNB Chain’s documentation outlines the ecosystem.
What does EVM-compatible mean?
BSC is compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), the execution environment used by Ethereum smart contracts. That compatibility lets developers use Ethereum-compatible tools and means Ethereum wallets can connect to BSC. It does not make BSC part of Ethereum, nor does it guarantee that every Ethereum application, token or transaction will work identically on both networks. Check the selected network and the specific asset or application before sending funds.
#1 Best Overall
- Effortlessly build your crypto portfolio via the all in one Ledger Wallet app: buy, sell, send, receive, swap, stake and more across popular blockchains. 15,000+ coins & tokens in a single dashboard. Keep a close eye on the market. Compare service providers. Track performance. Get timely alerts. Build your portfolio with confidence.
- Effortlessly build your crypto portfolio via the all in one Ledger Wallet app: buy, sell, send, receive, swap, stake and more across popular blockchains. 15,000+ coins & tokens in a single dashboard. Keep a close eye on the market. Compare service providers. Track performance. Get timely alerts. Build your portfolio with confidence.
- Enjoy Bluetooth connectivity, iOS access, and hours of battery use with this mobile-first, secure backup signer. Freedom you can depend on.
- Genuine Check: confirm your signer is authentic during setup with the Ledger Wallet app.
- Protect your signer: keep it in mint condition at all times with a bespoke Pod or Case to avoid scratches and everyday wear and tear.
What are BNB, gas and chain ID 56?
- BNB: The native token used to pay BSC transaction fees. BNB Chain’s developer documentation also describes BNB as gas for smart-contract execution and a token used in staking. See BNB Chain’s BSC introduction.
- Chain ID: BSC mainnet’s chain ID is 56. Its currency symbol is BNB. These are network configuration details, not a wallet address or a token balance. BNB Chain’s wallet configuration page, dated May 12, 2025, lists the mainnet settings.
If adding BSC to a wallet, use the current settings in the official documentation and confirm the network shown in the wallet before a transaction. Choosing the wrong network can result in funds being sent somewhere the intended application or recipient cannot use.
How does BSC reach agreement on transactions?
BNB Chain describes BSC’s consensus mechanism as Proof-of-Staked-Authority (PoSA). Validators participate in securing the network, and BNB has a staking role in the system. This identifies the mechanism and participants; it is not, by itself, a comparative measure of security or decentralization. BNB Chain’s introduction explains the consensus model and validator role.
Rank #2
- Proven security at scale: Over 9 years and millions of cards issued with no known remote hacks, while military‑grade EAL6+ security keeps your private keys locked inside the chip. Your cryptocurrencies stay strongly protected from online attackers.
- Tap once to manage your entire crypto wallet across 90 blockchains - no USB cables or Bluetooth, no batteries, no setup. Access 14,100+ coins & tokens, DeFi, NFTs, and staking instantly from your phone
- Smart backup: Use your second Tangem Wallet as your Backup keys with end‑to‑end encryption; no more papers, pictures. If one card is lost, the remaining can still restore full access, with an optional seed phrase available for advanced users.
- Engineered to last up to 25 years: Waterproof (IP69K), shockproof and tested for extreme temperatures from −25°C to 50°C. A durable cold wallet with long‑term protection and independently audited security.
- Trusted by 6 million users worldwide (4.9 App Store, 4.8 Google Play) - buy, sell, swap, stake, and spend cryptocurrency directly. The secure offline storage wallet designed for how people actually use crypto wallets
What should you know before using a BSC wallet?
A compatible wallet can connect to BSC, but assets and applications are network-specific. Before sending funds, check the network selected by both the sending and receiving services, confirm the asset is supported on that network, and keep enough BNB available for transaction fees. For self-custody, hardware-wallet support varies by device, software and workflow; Ledger documents support for BNB and BEP-20 assets on BSC, but that is not a guarantee that every device or function is supported. Ledger’s BSC support announcement and its BEP-20 wallet information describe its offering.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Dual-chip architecture for maximum protection: The next-gen, fully auditable TROPIC01 chip works alongside a certified EAL6+ Secure Element—completely NDA-free—to deliver radically transparent, industry-leading defense against physical attacks.
- Quantum-ready security: Get protection against future threats with the first-ever hardware wallet designed with quantum-ready architecture.
- See every detail with confidence: Our largest high-resolution color touchscreen makes it easy to navigate your assets, review transactions and manage your coins with clarity.
- Wireless freedom with encrypted Bluetooth control: Manage, buy, swap and stake securely using Trezor Suite on desktop or mobile. Qi2-compatible wireless charging keeps your Trezor powered up. No cables required—security meets convenience.
- Works seamlessly with Android, iOS and desktop: Connect wirelessly or via USB-C to your phone or computer. Manage your crypto anywhere with our companion Trezor Suite app.
Rank #4
- EAL5+ CERTIFIED SECURE ELEMENT + FINGERPRINT PROTECTION — Your private keys stay encrypted offline on a certified EAL5+ chip, the same security tier used in EMV bank cards. Built by DCENT, securing crypto since 2018. Fingerprint authentication adds a second layer no PIN-only wallet can match.
- 10,000+ ASSETS NATIVE ON 100+ BLOCKCHAINS — Hold Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Solana, Cardano, popular stablecoins (USDT, USDC), and NFTs in one wallet. No third-party apps, no fragmented setup — every supported asset works straight out of the box.
- TAP-TO-SIGN MOBILE EXPERIENCE — Pair your wallet with the DCENT mobile app over Bluetooth. Manage tokens, review transactions, and access in-app swap features directly from your phone — no cables, no desktop required.
- WEB3 & dAPP ACCESS VIA METAMASK — Connect to MetaMask and other browser extension wallets to manage NFTs, claim airdrops, and access dApps. A large screen and intuitive 4-button interface keep every transaction clearly visible before you sign.
- SEAMLESS FIRMWARE UPDATES & 30-DAY MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE — Apply security updates without resetting your wallet or migrating funds. Backed by Amazon's 30-day money-back guarantee — your purchase is risk-free.
Rank #3
- Proven security at scale: Over 9 years and millions of cards issued with no known remote hacks, while military‑grade EAL6+ security keeps your private keys locked inside the chip. Your cryptocurrencies stay strongly protected from online attackers.
- Tap once to manage your entire crypto wallet across 90 blockchains - no USB cables or Bluetooth, no batteries, no setup. Access 14,100+ coins & tokens, DeFi, NFTs, and staking instantly from your phone
- Smart backup: Use your second Tangem Wallet as your Backup keys with end‑to‑end encryption; no more papers, pictures. If one card is lost, the remaining can still restore full access, with an optional seed phrase available for advanced users.
- Engineered to last up to 25 years: Waterproof (IP69K), shockproof and tested for extreme temperatures from −25°C to 50°C. A durable cold wallet with long‑term protection and independently audited security.
- Trusted by 6 million users worldwide - buy, sell, swap, stake, and spend cryptocurrency directly. The secure offline storage wallet designed for how people actually use crypto wallets
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
