How to Get MATIC on Polygon: Step-by-Step Guide

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MATIC is the native cryptocurrency of the Polygon network, and it's essential for executing any transaction—whether you're swapping tokens, minting NFTs, or interacting with decentralized applications (dApps). The good news? Transaction fees on Polygon are incredibly low, typically under 0.02 MATIC per operation. This means that holding just 1–2 MATIC is usually more than enough to cover dozens or even hundreds of transactions.

If you're new to Polygon or need a quick refresher on how to acquire MATIC, this comprehensive guide walks you through four reliable methods to get MATIC directly into your wallet—no prior crypto balance required in most cases.

Method 1: Withdraw MATIC from a Centralized Exchange

One of the fastest and most straightforward ways to get MATIC is by withdrawing it directly from a centralized exchange (CEX) like Binance, Coinbase, or Kraken.

Most major exchanges support direct withdrawals to the Polygon (formerly Matic) network, which ensures your MATIC arrives quickly and with minimal fees.

Steps:

  1. Log in to your preferred exchange.
  2. Navigate to the withdrawal section.
  3. Select MATIC as the asset.
  4. Choose Polygon as the network (not Ethereum or any other chain).
  5. Paste your Polygon wallet address (e.g., MetaMask).
  6. Confirm the transaction.

✅ Tip: Always double-check the network selection. Sending MATIC via the wrong network (like ERC-20) can result in lost funds.

This method works best if you already own MATIC or want to buy it using fiat currency through the exchange.

👉 Discover secure ways to manage your crypto assets today.

Method 2: Use a Fiat On-Ramp

If you're starting from scratch and only have traditional currency (like USD, EUR, or GBP), a fiat on-ramp lets you buy MATIC directly using your credit/debit card or bank transfer—right within your wallet interface.

While convenient, keep in mind that fiat on-ramps often come with:

Recommended Service: Ramp Network

Ramp is a widely used and trusted fiat-to-crypto gateway that integrates with many wallets.

Steps:

  1. Visit Ramp’s official platform (note: external link removed per guidelines).
  2. Enter the amount of MATIC you’d like to purchase.
  3. In the “You Get” dropdown, search for and select “MATIC — Polygon on Polygon” to ensure compatibility.
  4. Follow the prompts to complete identity verification and payment.
  5. Your MATIC will be sent directly to your connected wallet.

This method is ideal for beginners who want a seamless entry point into the Polygon ecosystem without managing multiple platforms.

Method 3: Bridge Tokens from Another Blockchain

Already hold crypto on another network like Ethereum, BNB Smart Chain, or Avalanche? You can bridge your assets over to Polygon and then convert them into MATIC.

Cross-chain bridges make it possible to move value across different blockchains securely and efficiently.

Recommended Tool: Connext Bridge

Connext supports fast, low-fee transfers from multiple chains including:

Steps:

  1. Go to the Connext bridge interface.
  2. Select your source chain (e.g., Ethereum) and destination (Polygon).
  3. Choose the token you’d like to transfer (e.g., USDC, DAI, ETH).
  4. Enter your Polygon wallet address.
  5. Confirm and initiate the transfer.

Once the tokens arrive on Polygon:

This method is excellent for users already active on other blockchains who want to expand their presence on Polygon.

👉 Learn how to securely bridge and manage multi-chain assets.

Method 4: Swap For Gas (No MATIC Needed!)

Here’s the game-changer: what if you need MATIC for gas but don’t have any yet?

Polygon offers a unique solution called Gas Swap, which allows you to convert another token into MATIC without paying gas fees upfront.

Yes—you can get your first MATIC without already owning any.

Requirements:

Steps:

  1. Open MetaMask and switch to the Polygon network.
  2. Visit the official Polygon Gas Swap tool (link cleaned per guidelines).
  3. Enter the amount of MATIC you’d like (recommended: 1–2 MATIC).
  4. Under “Swap from,” select the token you want to exchange.
  5. Click Approve and sign the transaction—this step is gasless.
  6. Click Swap and sign again—also gasless.

Within 30 seconds, your wallet balance will update with the new MATIC.

This feature leverages meta-transactions, where third-party relayers pay the initial gas fee so you don’t have to—making onboarding frictionless.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use Ethereum’s MetaMask wallet for Polygon?
A: Yes! MetaMask supports multiple networks. Just add the Polygon network settings or switch to it directly if already configured.

Q: Why can’t I see my MATIC after bridging?
A: Ensure your wallet is set to the Polygon network and manually add the MATIC token contract if needed: 0x7D1AfA7B718fb893dB30A3aBc0Cfc608AaCfeBB0.

Q: Is it safe to use cross-chain bridges?
A: Reputable bridges like Connext are audited and widely used, but always verify URLs and never share private keys.

Q: Do I need MATIC for every transaction on Polygon?
A: Yes—just like ETH on Ethereum, MATIC is required to pay for gas fees on every transaction.

Q: Can I buy MATIC directly in MetaMask?
A: Yes, MetaMask integrates with several fiat on-ramps that allow direct purchases using USD or EUR.

Q: What happens if I send MATIC via ERC-20 instead of Polygon?
A: Your funds may be lost or require manual recovery. Always confirm the withdrawal network matches your destination.

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👉 Start exploring Polygon with confidence—manage your MATIC securely today.

Whether you're a beginner taking your first steps into Web3 or an experienced user expanding across chains, acquiring MATIC has never been easier. With multiple entry points—from exchanges and fiat ramps to cross-chain bridges and gasless swaps—you can choose the method that best fits your situation.

Remember: always verify network details, protect your private keys, and use trusted platforms. Once you have MATIC in your wallet, the full power of Polygon’s fast, low-cost ecosystem is at your fingertips.