BNB (BNB)
Exchange token · Layer 1
BNB is the token of the Binance ecosystem and BNB Chain, first sold in 2017. It pays fees on BNB Smart Chain and gives discounts on Binance, and its supply shrinks through quarterly burns toward a target of 100 million.
Profile last verified 23 September 2026. Live figures from CoinGecko. Not investment advice.
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What is BNB?
BNB launched in 2017 as a token sold to fund the Binance exchange. It now powers BNB Chain, whose BNB Smart Chain is an Ethereum-compatible network with low fees and a small set of validators.
Binance burns BNB every quarter using a published formula. Total supply started at 200 million and was about 133 million after the July 2026 burn.
Key facts
| Ticker | BNB |
|---|---|
| Type | Exchange token · Layer 1 |
| Launched | July 2017 |
| Consensus | Proof of Staked Authority on BNB Smart Chain (a limited set of staked validators) |
| Supply | Started at 200 million; quarterly burns aim to reduce it to 100 million (about 133 million as of mid-2026). |
| Official site | www.bnbchain.org |
What BNB is used for
- Gas fees on BNB Smart Chain
- Trading-fee discounts and launchpad access on Binance
- DeFi and payments within the BNB Chain ecosystem
Main risks
- Tied closely to one company, Binance, and its regulatory standing
- Fewer validators than more decentralized chains
- Hacks and scams on BNB Smart Chain apps
Related guides
BNB: frequently asked questions
- What is the BNB burn?
- Each quarter BNB is sent to an unusable address based on a formula tied to price and block production, permanently reducing the supply toward 100 million.
- Do I need Binance to use BNB?
- No. BNB can be held in a self-custody wallet and used on BNB Smart Chain without a Binance account, though the exchange is its biggest venue.
- Is BNB Smart Chain the same as Ethereum?
- No, but it is compatible with Ethereum tools and wallets, so many apps run on both. It trades some decentralization for lower fees.