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BEP2 vs. BEP20: Explaining The Difference in Simple Terms — QIT

May 8, 2023 12 min read
"BEP2 vs. BEP20: Explaining The Difference in Simple Terms — QIT"

The article explains the differences between BEP2 and BEP20 token standards, both of which operate on the Binance blockchain. The BEP2 tokens are designed for Binance’s native currency, the BNB coin, and are primarily used for fast and secure trading on the Binance DEX and other centralized exchanges. BEP20 tokens serve as the standard token for transactions on the Binance Smart Chain (BSC), which supports smart contract functionality and decentralized applications (dApps). They are fully compatible with the Ethereum ecosystem, including wallets and exchanges.

The article discusses the use cases for both token standards, including trading fees, transaction fees, participation in token sales, governance, asset transfer, payment, investment, DeFi, gaming and NFTs, staking and governance. The article provides a thorough comparison of the pros and cons of using each token standard, allowing readers to make an informed decision about which token standard to use.

BEP2 or BEP20: Which Token Standard Should I Use?

bep2 or bep20 tokens

Multi currency crypto wallets have become increasingly popular in recent years: these wallets support a number of different cryptocurrencies, facilitating the processes of crypto trading. Crypto investors typically use four of the most popular networks to interact with their crypto wallets: BEP20, ERC20, BEP2, and TRC20. These networks offer various features and benefits that cater to the diverse needs of crypto traders and investors, providing them with the flexibility to manage their digital assets. Among these standards, the BEP2 and BEP20 token standards have gained significant attention in the crypto market. Today, we will analyze BEP2 vs BEP20 and review the pros and cons of using the two networks operated by the Binance block chain: BEP2 and BEP20.

Difference Between BEP2 and BEP20

Binance, one of the leading crypto-currency exchanges, has created its own blockchain technology, with Binance Smart Chain (BSC) and Binance Chain (BC) being its two major offerings. BSC enables the creation of dApps (software applications that operate on a blockchain or peer to peer network (P2P) of computers rather than on a single computer) and supports smart contract functionality, while BC has been developed to support fast and secure trading. BEP2 tokens are intended for use within the Binance ecosystem, while BEP20 tokens are designed for the Binance Smart Chain (BSC).

BEP-2 and BEP-20 Tokens

Use Cases for BEP-2 Tokens

As we mentioned before, BEP2 tokens are designed specially for BNB digital coins – Binance native currency. This means that these tokens are most commonly used inside the Binance ecosystem, including Binance’s centralized exchange and decentralized exchange (DEX). Crypto investors also use BEP2 tokens for:

  • Trading fees: BEP2 tokens such as Binance Coin (BNB) can be used to pay for trading fees on the Binance exchange platform, with users receiving a discount on their trading fees when using BNB.
  • Transaction fees: BEP2 tokens can be used to pay for transaction fees when making withdrawals or deposits on Binance Chain.
  • Participation in token sales: BEP2 tokens are often used in token sales on Binance Launchpad, allowing users to purchase new cryptocurrencies and tokens at discounted rates using Binance Coin.
  • Governance: Some projects built on Binance Chain using the BEP2 token standard offer holders the ability to participate in decision-making processes for the project through governance mechanisms.
  • Digital asset transfer: BEP2 tokens can be used to transfer assets within the Binance ecosystem, either between different accounts or across different applications built on the Binance Chain.

Use Cases for BEP20 Tokens

BEP20 tokens are designed for use on the Binance Smart Chain (BSC), a blockchain network that supports smart contract functionality and decentralized applications (dApps). The primary purpose of BEP20 tokens is to enable the creation and use of decentralized applications on the Binance Smart Chain, while also providing a means of exchange for goods and services. BEP20 tokens also promote the usage of DeFi applications (decentralized financial applications) that enable users to lend, borrow, and trade digital money without the need for intermediaries like banks. Some examples of DeFi applications that use BEP-20 tokens include PancakeSwap, a decentralized exchange (DEX) and BakerySwap, an automated market maker (AMM) protocol. Additionally, BEP20 tokens are commonly used for:

  • Payment system: BEP20 tokens can be used as a payment method for goods and services, similar to how traditional currencies are used.
  • Investment: Many BEP20 tokens are designed as investment vehicles, allowing users to buy and hold them for potential long-term gains.
  • Decentralized Finance (DeFi): The BSC ecosystem supports a range of decentralized finance (DeFi) applications, including automated market makers, lending platforms, and yield farming protocols. Many of these applications use BEP20 tokens as their native currency.
  • Gaming and NFTs: BEP20 tokens are also used in the gaming and non-fungible token (NFT) spaces. For example, some gaming platforms allow users to purchase in-game items using BEP20 tokens, while some NFT marketplaces use BEP20 tokens as the payment method for buying and selling digital assets.
  • Staking and Governance: Some BEP20 tokens also serve as governance tokens, allowing users to participate in the decision-making processes of a particular protocol or platform. In some cases, these tokens and coins can also be staked to earn rewards or voting rights.

BEP20 tokens are unique as they operate both within the Binance ecosystem and externally with the Ethereum network. Based on the same technology as Ethereum’s ERC-20 tokens, BEP20 tokens are fully compatible with the Ethereum ecosystem and can be easily integrated with existing Ethereum wallets and exchanges. This allows users to hold and trade BEP20 tokens just like they would with any other ERC-20 token on the Ethereum network.

The interoperability between BSC and Ethereum enables users to transfer assets easily between the two networks. This means that users can use a decentralized exchange (DEX) that supports both networks to swap BEP20 tokens for ERC-20 tokens. Overall, BEP20 tokens offer more versatility and accessibility compared to BEP2 tokens.

Exchange Between the BEP2 and BEP20 Tokens

ethereum blockchain

BEP2 and BEP20 tokens are built on different blockchains and have different technical standards, which means that they are not directly compatible with each other. As a result, they cannot be exchanged between the two networks without some sort of conversion process.

To exchange BEP2 and BEP20 tokens, users typically need to use a trading platform or a swapping service that supports both token standards. They would need to send their BEP2 tokens to the exchange or swapping service, where they would be converted to BEP20 tokens or another compatible token standard. Similarly, users who want to exchange BEP20 tokens for BEP2 tokens would need to follow a similar process in reverse, sending their BEP20 tokens to an exchange or swapping service that supports BEP2 tokens, where they would be converted into BEP2 tokens.

It’s important to note that there may be fees and other considerations involved in these conversion processes, and users should carefully review the terms and conditions of any exchange or swapping service before using them.

Pros and Cons of BEP-2 Tokens

Pros of BEP-2 Tokens

Speed and Security

The Binance Chain was developed with fast and secure trading in mind, boasting a high-speed trading engine and low latency. As a result, BEP-2 tokens are particularly suitable for high-frequency trading.

Simplicity

Unlike BEP-20 tokens, which are based on smart contracts, BEP-2 tokens are simple and easy to use. This makes them accessible to a wider range of users, including those who may not be familiar with smart contract technology.

Widely Acceptance

As the token standard for Binance’s native currency, BNB, BEP2 tokens are widely accepted across Binance’s centralized and decentralized exchanges, as well as by other platforms and services that support BNB.

Low Fees

Transactions on the Binance Chain typically have lower fees than those on the Ethereum network, which can be advantageous for users looking to save on transaction costs.

Cons of BEP-2 Tokens

Limited Functionality

While BEP-20 tokens are capable of supporting smart contracts and the creation of decentralized applications, BEP-2 tokens are primarily focused on facilitating trading.

Centralization

The Binance Chain, on which BEP-2 tokens operate, is a centralized network controlled by Binance. This means that Binance has control over the network’s operations, which could pose a risk for token holders if the asset exchange were to experience any issues or malfunctions.

Limited adoption

Despite being the native token of Binance, BEP-2 tokens are not widely accepted or used by other exchanges or platforms. This can limit their liquidity and make it difficult for users to buy and sell them.

Lack of Compatibility with the Ethereum Ecosystem

This means that they cannot be integrated with existing wallets and exchanges that are designed to work with Ethereum tokens. This limits the ability of users to trade and store BEP-2 tokens.

Pros and Cons of BEP-20 Tokens

bep20

Pros of BEP-20 Tokens

Compatibility with the Ethereum ecosystem

BEP-20 tokens are fully compatible with the Ethereum ecosystem, which means that they can be easily integrated with existing Ethereum wallets, exchanges, and other applications.

Fast Transaction and Low Fees

BEP-20 tokens are designed to facilitate fast transactions on the Binance Smart Chain. The Binance Smart Chain uses a Proof of Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism that allows for faster block times and lower transaction fees compared to the Ethereum network, which uses a Proof of Work (PoW) consensus mechanism. This means that all transactions involving BEP-20 tokens can be processed quickly and at a lower cost, making them an attractive option for users who require fast and inexpensive transactions. This makes them ideal for decentralized finance (DeFi) applications like lending, borrowing, and trading.

Smart Contracts Support

Smart contracts are self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement between buyer and seller being directly written into lines of code. This means that smart contracts can automatically execute the terms of a contract, which can reduce the need for intermediaries and increase efficiency. BEP-20 tokens can be used to create and execute smart contracts on the Binance Smart Chain.

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Community support

BEP-20 tokens have a large and active community of developers and users, which means that there is a wealth of resources available for those looking to use or develop these tokens.

Cons of BEP-20 Tokens

Network Congestion

Like other blockchain networks, Binance Smart Chain can experience network congestion during periods of high traffic, which can slow down transaction times and increase fees.

Centralization Concerns

While Binance Smart Chain is technically a decentralized network, some critics have raised concerns about the level of centralization in the network, as Binance operates several of the network’s key nodes.

Security Risks

The smart contracts that power BEP-20 tokens can be vulnerable to security risks, such as malicious hacks or exploits, which can result in the loss of funds.

Lack of Regulatory Clarity

As with other cryptocurrencies and blockchain-based projects, the regulatory landscape surrounding BEP-20 tokens is still evolving, which can create uncertainty for users and developers.

Lack of Scalability

The Binance Smart Chain currently has a limited number of validators, which can result in slower transaction times during periods of high network congestion. This can cause delays and higher fees for users. Additionally, the Binance Smart Chain is not as decentralized as some other blockchain networks, which can lead to potential security issues.

Binance Smart Chain Dependence

In case of technical issues or a shutdown of the Binance Smart Chain, the usability of BEP-20 tokens may be impacted. This risk is mitigated by the fact that BEP-20 tokens are fully compatible with the Ethereum network, providing an alternative option for users to access and use their tokens.

FAQ

What are BEP2 tokens, and what are they used for?

BEP2 tokens are a token standard created by Binance for use within the Binance ecosystem, primarily on the Binance DEX and other centralized exchanges. They are designed for fast and secure trading and are not interoperable with blockchains other than Binance. The most popular BEP2 token is Binance Coin (BNB), which is used to pay for trading fees on the Binance cryptocurrency exchange, transaction fees on Binance Chain, participation in token sales on Binance Launchpad, governance mechanisms, and asset transfer within the Binance ecosystem.

What are BEP20 tokens, and what are they used for?

BEP20 tokens are a token standard designed for transactions on the Binance Smart Chain (BSC) and serve as the standard token for transactions on the BSC. They are built on the Ethereum ERC-20 standard, which makes them compatible with the Ethereum ecosystem, including wallets and exchanges. BEP20 tokens are designed for use in creating and using decentralized applications (dApps) on the Binance Smart Chain, providing a means of exchange for goods and services, and promoting the use of DeFi applications. They are also used for payment, investment, gaming, and NFTs.

Is BEP2 same as BEP20?

BEP2 tokens are intended for use within the Binance ecosystem, while BEP20 tokens are designed for the Binance Smart Chain (BSC). They are not interoperable with blockchains other than Binance, while BEP20 tokens are built on the Ethereum ERC-20 standard, making them fully compatible with the Ethereum ecosystem. Tokens are primarily used for fast and secure trading, trading fees, transaction fees, participation in token sales, governance mechanisms, and asset transfer within the Binance ecosystem, while BEP20 tokens are designed for use in creating and using decentralized applications (dApps) on the Binance Smart Chain, providing a means of exchange for goods and services, promoting the use of DeFi applications, and more.

Can BEP20 tokens be used on the Ethereum network?

No, BEP20 tokens cannot be used directly on the Ethereum network, but they are built on the Ethereum ERC-20 standard, which makes them fully compatible with the Ethereum ecosystem. This means that they can be easily integrated with existing Ethereum wallets and exchanges, allowing users to hold and trade BEP20 tokens just like any other ERC-20 token on the Ethereum network.

Can I transfer Bitcoin to a BEP20 wallet?

Yes, you may exchange Bitcoin for BEP20 tokens backed by Bitcoin using the Binance Smartchain Wallet.

Conclusion

binance smart chain

The choice between BEP2 and BEP20 tokens ultimately depends on the specific use case and needs of the user. BEP2 tokens are specifically designed for use within the Binance ecosystem, providing benefits such as fast and secure trading, discounted trading fees, and participation in token sales. Alternatively, BEP20 tokens are optimized for use on the Binance Smart Chain (BSC) and enable the usage of decentralized finance (DeFi) applications, as well as other use cases such as payment, investment, and gaming. Due to their full compatibility with the Ethereum ecosystem, BEP20 tokens offer greater flexibility and can be easily integrated with existing Ethereum wallets and exchanges.

Also, read: Blockchain development services.