As a crypto entrepreneur and decentralized finance (DeFi) enthusiast, I‘ve used my fair share of wallets and blockchain networks. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll show you how to integrate Binance Smart Chain (BSC) with MetaMask step-by-step.
Whether you‘re just getting started in crypto or looking to expand into DeFi, this tutorial has got you covered. By the end, you‘ll have a MetaMask wallet fully set up to interact with all the top BSC apps and services.
Why Add BSC to MetaMask?
Before we jump into the how-to, let me quickly explain why you should connect BSC to your MetaMask wallet:
🚀 Use Exciting DeFi Apps: There are tons of great platforms being built on BSC, like lending protocols, DEXs, prediction markets, and more!
💰 Save on Fees: Sending and trading crypto on BSC costs a fraction compared to Ethereum. Less spent on fees means more profits for you.
⚡️ Faster Transactions: BSC processes transfers, swaps, and other transactions much quicker than Ethereum.
📈 Growth Potential: BSC adoption has skyrocketed over 700% in 2021. Integrating early means more opportunities.
As you can see, adding BSC supercharges what you can do with MetaMask. Now let‘s get right into it!
Step 1: Install the MetaMask Browser Extension
If you don‘t already have the MetaMask browser extension installed, head over to the official site and add it to Chrome, Firefox, Brave or Edge.
Once installed, you‘ll see the fox icon for MetaMask in your browser toolbar. Click to open the extension and create a new wallet or import your existing one.
Be sure to safely back up your seed phrase when prompted at setup. This gives you access to the wallet if you switch browsers or computers.
Step 2: Get Some BNB (Binance Coin)
To interact on Binance Smart Chain, you‘ll need some BNB to pay gas fees.
There are a few ways to get BNB:
- Buy on an exchange like Binance or Kucoin then withdraw to a BSC-compatible wallet address
- Use a DEX like [PancakeSwap]() to trade other crypto assets for BNB
- Get free BNB from a faucet site like [BSCFaucet]()
Once you‘ve obtained some BNB, make sure it‘s sitting in a wallet that supports Binance Smart Chain, like Trust Wallet. This allows you to later transfer it into your MetaMask BSC wallet.
According to data from BSC Project, over $36 billion worth of crypto assets were on BSC DeFi protocols by the end of January 2022. So lots of demand for BNB to fuel these apps!
Step 3: Add Binance Smart Chain to MetaMask
Alright, time for the actual chain integration:
- Open your MetaMask browser extension and log into your wallet if you aren‘t already.
- Click your account icon in the top right and go to Settings.
- Scroll down and select Networks from the left menu.
- At the bottom under "Available Networks" you‘ll see a link to Add a Network. Click that.
-
Enter the following details in the form that pops up:
- Network Name: Smart Chain
-
New RPC URL:
https://bsc-dataseed.binance.org/ -
Chain ID:
56 - Symbol: BNB
-
Block Explorer URL:
https://bscscan.com
- Once all the details are entered correctly, hit Save.
And just like that – Binance Smart Chain will now show up alongside Ethereum as a network option for sending/receiving transactions and interacting with dApps from your MetaMask wallet!
Step 4: Send BNB from Trust Wallet to MetaMask
Now let‘s fund your MetaMask wallet with the BNB you purchased earlier so you can start putting it to use on BSC:
- Make sure MetaMask is on the Smart Chain network.
- Click Receive and copy your BSC wallet address.
- Open your Trust Wallet, tap Send, choose BNB, enter the amount, and paste your MetaMask address as the recipient.
- Confirm the details are right then submit the transfer.
Give it a few minutes for the BNB deposit to hit your MetaMask BSC wallet and show up under your balance.
You did it! Your MetaMask wallet is now integrated with BSC and ready to rock 🤘
What Can You Do Now?
By adding Binance Smart Chain to MetaMask, you‘ve opened yourself up to a whole new world of DeFi possibilities. Here‘s a taste of what you can now do:
👨🌾 Farm Yields on protocols like PancakeSwap and ApeSwap
📉 Trade Tokens on DEXs with super low fees
🔮 Bet on Events at prediction markets like Polymarket
🛠️Lend and Borrow assets with Venus and Scream
🧑🎓 Learn About DeFi by using BSC dApps hands-on
And so much more! The only limit is your imagination. Start exploring all that DeFi on BSC has to offer!
Just remember to do your own research before supplying liquidity or interacting with new protocols. There are risks as well as rewards when it comes to decentralized finance. But adding BSC to MetaMask gets your foot firmly in the door.
Congratulations on taking this important step along your crypto journey! Let me know if you have any other questions.
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