bep-20

What Is BEP-20?

BEP-20 is a “token standard” on BNB Chain, similar to a universal plug specification: as long as a token is created according to this standard, wallets, exchanges, and DApps can recognize and interact with it. The BEP-20 standard defines the basic rules for token transfers, balance queries, and delegated spending.

BEP-20 operates on the EVM-compatible BNB Smart Chain (also known as BNB Chain), with all logic executed by smart contracts. These smart contracts are like on-chain programs that automatically handle token issuance, transfers, and burning according to preset rules. To transfer BEP-20 tokens on-chain, users must pay network fees in BNB.

As of 2025, BEP-20 remains the most common fungible token format on BNB Chain, supporting project tokens, stablecoins, and cross-chain wrapped assets.

How Is BEP-20 Related to ERC-20?

BEP-20 is “highly compatible” with ERC-20. The core functions and event names—such as balanceOf (check balance), transfer (token transfer), approve and transferFrom (allowance and delegated transfer)—are almost identical, allowing many Ethereum-based projects to migrate to BNB Chain with minimal friction.

The main differences lie in “network and fees.” ERC-20 tokens operate on Ethereum and require ETH for transaction fees; BEP-20 runs on BNB Chain with BNB as the fee token. Both token addresses start with 0x and look similar, but they exist on different networks—sending tokens across chains directly can result in permanent loss of funds.

To bring ERC-20 assets onto BNB Chain, users typically need a “cross-chain bridge” (locking assets on the source chain and minting pegged tokens on the destination chain) rather than simply sending tokens to a 0x address on another network.

How Does BEP-20 Work on BNB Chain?

BEP-20 tokens rely on smart contracts to maintain an “account balance table,” tracking each address’s token holdings. The contract implements a set of standardized interfaces that wallets and DApps use to interact with tokens.

Common interfaces include:

• Metadata: name, symbol, decimals (which determines the minimum unit).
• Basic transfers: balanceOf for checking balances; transfer for same-chain token transfers.
• Allowance & delegated spending: approve to set allowances, transferFrom for approved addresses to transfer tokens on your behalf (used frequently in DEXs and lending protocols).
• Supply management: mint (issue) and burn (destroy) tokens, enabled at the contract owner’s discretion.

Each operation consumes gas, paid in BNB. Blocks are produced every few seconds, leading to fast transaction confirmations. Smart contracts emit events (such as Transfer and Approval), which block explorers use to display transaction records and changes in permissions.

What Can BEP-20 Be Used For?

BEP-20 supports a wide range of applications:

In payments and settlements, BEP-20 stablecoins enable on-chain transfers and merchant transactions. In DeFi, BEP-20 tokens can be provided as liquidity pairs in decentralized exchanges (DEXs) to earn trading fees; in lending protocols, users can collateralize BEP-20 assets to borrow other tokens.

For games and apps, BEP-20 tokens can represent in-game credits or utility tokens for in-app purchases, rewards, or governance voting. Unique non-fungible items usually use BEP-721 or BEP-1155 standards, but these often work alongside BEP-20 tokens as part of an in-game economy.

On exchanges, users can deposit BEP-20 tokens into Gate for trading, quant strategies, or earning yields. Withdrawals via the BEP-20 network reduce on-chain fees and speed up settlements (subject to current network conditions).

How Do I Deposit or Withdraw BEP-20 Tokens on Gate?

The key steps for BEP-20 deposits or withdrawals on Gate are: “select the correct network channel, ensure address compatibility, and reserve BNB for gas.”

Step 1: On Gate, choose the token you want to deposit. On the deposit page, select “BEP20 (BSC)” or its equivalent (BNB Chain EVM) as the network.

Step 2: Copy the deposit address provided by Gate. This address usually starts with 0x and looks similar to an Ethereum address. Some tokens may require a Memo or Tag—always follow page instructions.

Step 3: In your wallet, select the same network (BNB Chain EVM), paste the address, and initiate the transfer. Ensure you have enough BNB in your wallet to pay gas fees; otherwise, your transaction will fail.

Step 4: Wait for on-chain confirmation. Once credited, you’ll see the funds in your account history. If there is a delay, check the transaction hash, selected network, and token contract address.

Step 5: For withdrawals, select “BEP20 (BSC)” network on Gate’s withdrawal page, paste the recipient’s 0x address, and confirm. For cross-chain withdrawals, use officially supported bridges—never send BEP-20 tokens directly to Ethereum or another chain’s 0x address.

Risk warning: Selecting the wrong network, using an incorrect address, or omitting a required Memo may result in irreversible loss. Always test with a small amount first.

What Should You Know About Addresses and Gas When Using BEP-20?

BEP-20 addresses start with 0x just like Ethereum addresses but operate on different networks. Sending ERC-20 tokens from Ethereum directly to a BEP-20 address—or vice versa—will result in unrecoverable loss of assets.

Gas-related points:

• Transaction fees must be paid in BNB. Without BNB, you cannot send BEP-20 transactions.
• Approving a token for use in DEXs also requires gas. The first approve transaction is needed before you can trade a new token.
• Some wallets auto-calculate gas fees, but during congestion you may need to manually raise the gas price to ensure your transaction is processed.

Best practices:

• Before transferring, double-check both the “token contract address” and “network”—use BscScan to verify.
• For large amounts, always start with a small test transfer.
• For cross-chain operations, use official or leading bridges and be aware of associated costs and settlement times.

How Does BEP-20 Differ from BEP-2 and ERC-20?

BEP-20 is designed for fungible tokens within EVM ecosystems; BEP-2 is an earlier standard for BNB Beacon Chain, with addresses typically starting with bnb. BEP-2 often requires a Memo and does not support EVM smart contracts. Direct transfers between BEP-2 and BEP-20 addresses will fail or result in lost funds; conversion requires cross-chain or swap tools.

Compared to ERC-20, BEP-20 shares nearly identical interfaces but runs on a different network with different fee structures. BNB Chain offers faster blocks and usually lower fees than Ethereum, though Ethereum boasts a larger and more established ecosystem. Many assets exist in both versions—one may be a “wrapped” or “pegged” token whose value depends on bridge security and reserves.

How Do You Issue Your Own Token Under the BEP-20 Standard?

Issuing a BEP-20 token involves deploying a smart contract that complies with standard interfaces while managing permissions and supply controls.

Step 1: Define your requirements—token name, symbol, decimals, total supply model (fixed or mintable), whether to include features such as blacklists/whitelists, transaction fees, or governance functions.

Step 2: Choose a contract template. Most developers start from open-source libraries (often adapted from proven ERC-20 implementations) to reduce risks and ensure BEP-20 compatibility.

Step 3: Test on testnet. Deploy first on the BNB Chain testnet; perform tests for transfers, approvals, minting/burning; conduct security audits or at least static analysis and unit testing.

Step 4: Mainnet deployment & verification. Deploy on mainnet; submit source code verification to BscScan so the community can review contract logic and permissions.

Step 5: Governance & compliance. Use multisig or timelocks for critical controls where needed; renounce sensitive permissions if appropriate; comply with local regulations and disclose token economics and risks.

Step 6: Integrate with the ecosystem. Submit token info to popular wallets; create liquidity pairs on DEXs; publish official contract addresses to prevent scams.

Tip: Token issuance carries security and legal risks—conduct thorough assessments and seek professional advice before proceeding.

Key Takeaways of BEP-20

BEP-20 is the dominant fungible token standard on BNB Chain—fully compatible with ERC-20—making it easy for wallets, DApps, and exchanges to integrate. Through smart contracts it defines metadata, transfers, permissions, and supply management for use cases ranging from payments to DeFi. Always verify network and addresses before transactions, reserve enough BNB for gas fees, use proper bridging tools for cross-chain transfers, and test with small amounts when depositing or withdrawing via Gate. For token issuers, prioritize permissions management, security audits, and regulatory compliance. Mastering these essentials enables safe and efficient use of BEP-20 tokens.

FAQ

Can I Send BEP-20 Tokens Directly to an Ethereum Wallet?

No—BEP-20 tokens only operate on BNB Chain. Sending them directly to an Ethereum wallet will result in loss of funds. Although both networks support smart contracts, their infrastructures are completely separate and tokens are not compatible. For cross-chain transfers, you must use exchange deposit/withdrawal features or dedicated bridge tools such as those provided by Gate.

Why Are Gas Fees for BEP-20 Tokens Lower Than Ethereum?

BNB Chain has lower gas fees due to its underlying network structure and consensus mechanism. It uses Proof of Stake (PoS) consensus with fast block times—making transaction costs much lower than Ethereum’s. This makes BEP-20 ideal for frequent trades or small-value transfers.

What Should I Do If My BEP-20 Tokens Are Sent to the Wrong Chain?

If you accidentally send tokens to another public chain (such as Ethereum), they usually cannot be recovered directly. Stop any further actions immediately and contact Gate’s customer support with details of your case. In some cases recovery might be possible through contract interaction—but success rates and costs are uncertain. The best practice is always to double-check addresses and networks before transferring any funds.

Why Did Binance Choose the BEP-20 Standard Instead of Others?

BEP-20 is the official token standard of BNB Chain—much like ERC-20 is for Ethereum. This standard maximizes compatibility within the Binance ecosystem so that wallets, DEXs, lending protocols, etc., can all interact seamlessly. Binance built its DeFi ecosystem around this unified standard.

How Long Does It Take for Gate Deposits Using BEP-20 Tokens to Confirm?

BNB Chain transactions usually confirm within seconds; however, actual deposit times at Gate depend on platform risk controls—typically within 1–5 minutes. If your deposit takes over 30 minutes, check that your deposit address is correct and your transaction hash is valid—then contact Gate support if needed.