What is BNB?
BNB is the digital asset used as gas on BNB Smart Chain and for staking, governance and other ecosystem functions. It is not a share of Binance.
Full referenceIndependent BNB knowledge base / field note 001
Separate the asset, the company and the chain.
A maintained reference to BNB, Binance, BNB Smart Chain, opBNB and BNB Greenfield—what each one is, how the systems relate and what must be verified before using them.
The short explanation
Binance is a company and digital-asset platform. BNB is a digital asset used for gas and other ecosystem functions. BNB Chain is a blockchain ecosystem. The names share a history, but they are not interchangeable.
BNB Smart Chain is the EVM-compatible Layer 1 where smart contracts run. opBNB is a Layer 2 built on BSC. BNB Greenfield is designed for decentralized storage and data ownership.
Six names, six different roles
Research begins by naming the correct entity. This index separates the company, asset, ecosystem and networks.
- Binance
- A company and digital-asset platform.
Centralized services and products. - BNB
- A digital asset.
Gas, staking, governance and ecosystem utility. - BNB Chain
- A blockchain ecosystem.
Coordinates BSC, opBNB and Greenfield. - BNB Smart Chain
- An EVM-compatible Layer 1.
Smart contracts, tokens and dApps. - opBNB
- A Layer 2 built on BSC.
Higher capacity and lower execution costs. - BNB Greenfield
- A blockchain and storage network.
Decentralized data storage and ownership.
Begin with the question, not the token
Direct answers to the questions that usually begin research into BNB and its blockchain ecosystem.
What is BNB Chain?
BNB Chain is the broader blockchain ecosystem that includes BNB Smart Chain, opBNB and BNB Greenfield.
Full referenceIs BNB Chain the same as Binance?
No. Binance is a company and platform; BNB Chain is a blockchain ecosystem. They have a historical relationship, but they are distinct entities.
Full referenceWhat is BNB Smart Chain?
BNB Smart Chain is the EVM-compatible Layer 1 network used for smart contracts, tokens and decentralized applications.
Full referenceHow do I use BNB Chain?
You need an EVM-compatible wallet, the correct network configuration and a small amount of BNB for gas. Start with a test transaction.
Operational guideWhat are the main risks?
Risks include lost keys, malicious signatures, fake tokens, vulnerable contracts, bridge failures, network-selection errors and regulatory uncertainty.
Security referenceOperational facts
These values are useful for orientation, but network parameters are operational data. Verify them with official documentation before moving funds.
BSC mainnet Chain ID56
opBNB mainnet Chain ID204
BSC executionEVM
Gas assetBNB
Maintained research paths
Stable concepts live in maintained references. Time-sensitive events, individual projects and procedures remain in News, Projects, Guides and Security.
What is BNB Chain?
Understand BSC, opBNB and Greenfield as separate systems with different roles.
Binance, BNB and BNB Chain
Separate the company, asset and ecosystem before evaluating claims.
The BNB token
Review gas utility, staking, burn mechanisms, custody and dynamic facts.
Start using BNB Chain
Set up a wallet, verify the network, fund gas and test a transaction.
Networks, tokens and gas
Understand Chain IDs, contracts, approvals and transaction states.
Wallets and security
Protect keys, understand signatures and respond to compromise.
Ecosystem and projects
Evaluate contracts, administrator powers, dependencies and incidents.