Understanding the distinction between BEP2 and BEP20 tokens is essential for anyone navigating the Binance ecosystem. While both token standards are part of the BNB Chain infrastructure, they serve different purposes and operate on separate blockchains. This guide breaks down everything you need to know—from blockchain fundamentals and gas fees to wallet compatibility, token bridging, and real-world use cases.
BNB Beacon Chain vs. BNB Smart Chain
Before diving into BEP2 and BEP20, it's important to understand the two underlying blockchains: BNB Beacon Chain (formerly Binance Chain) and BNB Smart Chain (formerly Binance Smart Chain).
The BNB Beacon Chain, launched in April 2019, was designed primarily for fast and efficient cryptocurrency trading. It powers the Binance Decentralized Exchange (DEX), allowing users to trade assets without relying on a centralized intermediary. This chain uses a Proof-of-Staked Authority (PoSA) consensus mechanism and supports only basic transactions—no smart contracts.
In contrast, the BNB Smart Chain, launched in September 2020, was built to support smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). It’s fully compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), meaning developers can easily port Ethereum-based dApps to BNB Smart Chain. This compatibility also allows BEP20 tokens to mirror ERC-20 functionality.
👉 Discover how BEP20 tokens unlock access to powerful DeFi platforms on BNB Smart Chain.
Despite their rebranding from "Binance" to "BNB," both chains remain tightly integrated with Binance’s broader ecosystem. The name change reflects a strategic shift toward decentralization, with "BNB" now symbolizing “Build ’N Build”—a vision of community-driven growth.
Understanding BEP2, BEP20, and ERC-20 Token Standards
Token standards define how tokens behave on a blockchain. Here’s how the three major standards compare:
- BEP2: Native to the BNB Beacon Chain, this standard supports only basic transfers and is used mainly for Binance Coin (BNB) on the Binance DEX.
- BEP20: The default token standard for BNB Smart Chain, designed to be compatible with Ethereum’s ERC-20 standard. This enables seamless integration with EVM-based tools, wallets, and dApps.
- ERC-20: The foundational token standard for Ethereum, used by thousands of projects including USDT, SHIB, and DAI.
Because BEP20 mirrors ERC-20, developers familiar with Ethereum can quickly deploy tokens and dApps on BNB Smart Chain. However, BEP2 is not compatible with EVM, limiting its utility outside of Binance’s native DEX.
This dual-token structure allows Binance to maintain high-speed trading on the Beacon Chain while enabling rich smart contract functionality on the Smart Chain.
Gas Fees: BEP2 vs. BEP20 Compared
One of the biggest advantages of BNB Chain over Ethereum is its ultra-low transaction fees.
As of mid-2022:
- Average BEP20 gas fee on BNB Smart Chain: less than $0.00002 (around 7 Gwei)
- Average Ethereum ERC-20 gas fee: between $1–$50+, depending on network congestion
BEP2 transaction fees are similarly low, making both chains highly cost-effective for everyday use. These minimal costs have fueled widespread adoption in DeFi, NFTs, and play-to-earn gaming ecosystems.
The efficiency of PoSA consensus and limited validator count (21 active validators) contribute to fast confirmation times and low fees—but also raise questions about decentralization.
Core Use Cases: Where Each Token Shines
BEP2 Tokens – Built for Speed and Simplicity
BEP2 tokens are ideal for:
- Trading on the Binance DEX
- Paying transaction fees in a non-custodial environment
- Holding BNB in its original format
However, BEP2 lacks smart contract capabilities, so it cannot interact with dApps or participate in yield farming.
BEP20 Tokens – Powering DeFi Innovation
BEP20 tokens unlock access to:
- Decentralized exchanges (DEXs) like PancakeSwap and Biswap
- Lending protocols such as Venus and Alpaca Finance
- NFT marketplaces and gaming platforms like MOBOX and XWorld Games
- Cross-chain bridges and liquidity pools
Because BEP20 supports smart contracts, these tokens can be programmed for complex financial logic—enabling staking rewards, automated swaps, and governance voting.
👉 See how top DeFi dApps leverage BEP20 tokens for high-yield opportunities.
Top BEP2 and BEP20 Tokens by Market Cap (as of 2025)
Notable BEP2 Tokens:
- BNB: The native currency of the BNB ecosystem
- BTCB: Bitcoin pegged 1:1 to the BNB Beacon Chain
- CAKE: PancakeSwap’s governance token
- TWT: Trust Wallet’s utility token
- RUNE: THORChain’s cross-chain liquidity token
Leading BEP20 Tokens:
- Binance-Peg ETH: Ethereum mirrored on BNB Smart Chain
- BUSD / USDC / DAI: Major stablecoins available as BEP20 versions
- WBNB: Wrapped BNB for use in smart contracts
- Binance-Peg ADA / DOT / XRP: Cross-chain representations of major cryptos
These "bridged" tokens allow users to access diverse assets within the BNB Smart Chain ecosystem.
Wallet Compatibility: Which Wallets Support BEP2 and BEP20?
Wallets That Support Both BEP2 and BEP20:
- Trust Wallet: Mobile-first, supports over 4.5 million tokens
- SafePal S1: Secure hardware wallet with QR-based offline signing
- Ellipal Titan: Air-gapped hardware wallet with anti-tamper protection
- TokenPocket: Cross-chain wallet supporting multiple ecosystems
- D’CENT Wallet: Biometric hardware wallet with broad asset support
BEP20-Only Wallets (ERC-20 Compatible):
- MetaMask: Most popular EVM wallet; does not support BEP2
- Ledger Nano X/S: Hardware wallets with full BEP20 integration
- Math Wallet: Multi-chain support including BNB Smart Chain
⚠️ Important: Never send BEP2 tokens to an Ethereum or MetaMask address unless bridged first—doing so may result in permanent loss.
How to Bridge Tokens Using Binance Bridge
To move assets between chains, you must use a cross-chain bridge. For example:
- Convert ERC-20 USDT → BEP20 USDT for lower fees
- Bridge BEP2 BNB → BEP20 BNB to use in DeFi apps
Steps to Bridge Tokens via Celer cBridge:
- Visit cbridge.celer.network
- Connect your MetaMask wallet
- Select source chain (e.g., Ethereum) and destination (BNB Smart Chain)
- Choose asset (e.g., USDT) and amount
- Confirm transaction in your wallet
After bridging, your tokens will appear in your wallet under the new chain. Note: You’ll need a small amount of native gas token (ETH or BNB) to pay fees.
How to Swap BEP20 Tokens in MetaMask
Once you have BEP20 tokens:
Add BNB Smart Chain network to MetaMask:
- Network Name: Smart Chain
- RPC URL:
https://bsc-dataseed.binance.org/ - Chain ID: 56
- Symbol: BNB
- Block Explorer:
https://bscscan.com
- Click “Swap” in MetaMask
- Select input/output tokens (e.g., USDT → BNB)
- Review and confirm swap
You’ll need a small amount of BNB for gas—even when swapping other tokens.
Finding Your BEP2 and BEP20 Addresses
In Trust Wallet:
- For BEP20: Ensure BNB Smart Chain is selected → Tap “Receive” → Copy address (starts with “0x”)
- For BEP2: Switch to BNB Beacon Chain → Tap “Receive” → Copy address (starts with “bnb”)
🔐 Remember: Sending funds to the wrong chain type can lead to irreversible loss.
Using BscScan to Track Transactions
BscScan is the block explorer for BNB Smart Chain. You can:
- View transaction history
- Check token balances
- Monitor smart contract interactions
Simply paste your wallet address into the search bar to explore your activity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main difference between BEP2 and BEP20?
BEP2 operates on the BNB Beacon Chain for fast trading; BEP20 runs on the EVM-compatible BNB Smart Chain for smart contracts and dApps.
Can I use BEP2 tokens in DeFi applications?
Not directly. You must first bridge them to BEP20 format using a cross-chain bridge.
Are BEP20 tokens compatible with MetaMask?
Yes, MetaMask fully supports BEP20 tokens once you’ve added the BNB Smart Chain network.
Is it safe to bridge tokens?
Yes, if you use trusted bridges like Celer cBridge or official Binance services. Always double-check network settings.
Do I need both types of tokens?
Most users only need BEP20 unless actively trading on the Binance DEX or holding legacy assets.
Can I lose money sending tokens to the wrong chain?
Yes. Sending BEP2 tokens to an Ethereum address (or vice versa) often results in permanent loss. Always verify chain compatibility.
By understanding the roles of BEP2 and BEP20 tokens—and knowing how to manage them securely—you can fully leverage the power of the BNB ecosystem. Whether you're trading, investing in DeFi, or exploring NFTs, choosing the right token standard is key to a smooth experience.
👉 Start exploring BEP20-powered DeFi dApps with confidence today.