MetaMask connects only to the Ethereum mainnet by default. If you want to use BSC (BNB Smart Chain, formerly Binance Smart Chain) for trading or DeFi apps like PancakeSwap, you need to manually add the BSC network. The entire process is very simple and takes just a minute or two.
Why Add BSC to MetaMask?
BSC is an EVM-compatible blockchain launched by Binance with several advantages:
- Low gas fees: Transaction fees are far lower than Ethereum mainnet, usually just a few cents
- Fast confirmations: Block time of about 3 seconds for quick transaction confirmations
- Rich DeFi ecosystem: PancakeSwap, Venus, Alpaca Finance, and many more DApps
- BEP-20 tokens: Numerous projects issue tokens on BSC
- Interoperability with Binance: Easy to withdraw from Binance to your BSC address
How to Manually Add the BSC Network?
Step 1: Open Network Settings
- Click the network selector dropdown at the top of MetaMask (defaults to "Ethereum Mainnet")
- Click "Add Network"
Step 2: Enter BSC Network Parameters
Under "Add a network manually," enter the following:
- Network Name: BNB Smart Chain (or a custom name like BSC Mainnet)
- RPC URL:
https://bsc-dataseed1.binance.org - Chain ID: 56
- Currency Symbol: BNB
- Block Explorer URL:
https://bscscan.com
Step 3: Save and Switch
Click "Save" after filling in the details. MetaMask will automatically switch to the BSC network. You'll see the network name at the top change to "BNB Smart Chain" and the native token displayed as BNB.
How to Use Chainlist for One-Click BSC Setup?
If you'd rather not manually enter network parameters, use the Chainlist website for one-click addition.
Steps
- Open chainlist.org in your browser
- Search for "BSC" or "BNB"
- Find "BNB Smart Chain" (Chain ID: 56)
- Click "Connect Wallet" to connect your MetaMask
- MetaMask will pop up a network addition confirmation window
- Verify the parameters and click "Approve"
- Then click "Switch network"
This method is faster and more convenient, with parameters auto-filled by Chainlist, reducing the chance of manual input errors.
What Are the Backup RPC Nodes for BSC?
If the default RPC node is unstable, try these alternatives:
https://bsc-dataseed2.binance.orghttps://bsc-dataseed3.binance.orghttps://bsc-dataseed4.binance.orghttps://bsc-dataseed1.defibit.iohttps://bsc-dataseed1.ninicoin.io
To change the RPC node: MetaMask Settings > Networks > BNB Smart Chain > Edit RPC URL.
How to Receive BNB and BEP-20 Tokens After Adding BSC?
After adding the BSC network, your MetaMask address on BSC is the same. That means your Ethereum address and BSC address are identical (both start with 0x).
Withdrawing from Binance to your MetaMask BSC address:
- Make sure MetaMask is switched to the BSC network
- Copy your MetaMask wallet address
- In the Binance App (iOS users refer to the iOS installation guide), select withdrawal
- Paste the MetaMask address
- Select "BSC (BEP20)" as the network
- Confirm and complete the withdrawal
Important: Always select BSC (BEP20) when withdrawing. If you choose the wrong network (e.g., ERC20), your assets may not arrive or may require complex recovery steps.
BSC vs. Ethereum Mainnet – What's the Difference?
The main differences are:
| Comparison | Ethereum Mainnet | BSC |
|---|---|---|
| Native Token | ETH | BNB |
| Gas Fees | Higher (several to tens of dollars) | Very low (a few cents) |
| Block Time | ~12 seconds | ~3 seconds |
| Consensus | PoS | PoSA |
| Decentralization | High | Relatively lower |
Safety Tips
When adding and using the BSC network, keep these safety points in mind:
- Verify the RPC address: An incorrect RPC could connect you to a malicious node — always use officially provided RPCs
- Select the correct withdrawal network: When withdrawing from an exchange to MetaMask, make sure you select BSC (BEP20)
- Be cautious with unknown tokens: BSC has many scam tokens — don't interact with token contracts from unknown sources
- Keep some BNB for gas: BSC transactions require BNB for gas fees — ensure you have enough
- Verify DApp authenticity: Confirm you're on the official website before using BSC DApps
- Manage approvals: Don't grant unlimited approvals to untrusted contracts
How much are gas fees on BSC?
BSC gas fees are very low. A standard transfer costs about 0.0001-0.0005 BNB (a few cents). Complex DeFi operations like swaps cost around 0.001-0.005 BNB. Compared to Ethereum mainnet, BSC gas fees are tens to hundreds of times lower.
Will my Ethereum assets disappear after adding BSC?
Of course not. Adding the BSC network doesn't affect any of your Ethereum mainnet assets. MetaMask supports multiple networks simultaneously — switching networks only changes which chain is displayed and interacted with.
Why does my balance show 0 after adding BSC?
If you haven't previously received BNB or tokens on BSC, the balance will naturally be 0. You need to transfer BNB to your BSC address from an exchange or another address. The same address has independent balances on different chains.
What if MetaMask can't connect to BSC?
First check your internet connection. If connectivity is fine but the RPC fails, try a backup RPC node. Also verify the chain ID is correctly set to 56. Restarting your browser or re-adding the network usually resolves the issue.
How to add the BSC testnet?
BSC testnet parameters: Network Name "BSC Testnet," RPC URL https://data-seed-prebsc-1-s1.binance.org:8545, Chain ID 97, Currency Symbol BNB, Explorer URL https://testnet.bscscan.com. Developers can test on the testnet for free.