what is binance coin

BNB Explained: Everything You Need to Know About Binance Coin

If Bitcoin were the king of crypto, BNB (Binance Coin) would be like the prince who built his own empire. What started in 2017 as a simple discount token for Binance traders has grown into one of the most important cryptocurrencies in the world. From powering transactions on the BNB Smart Chain to being used for payments, trading fees, and even DeFi projects, BNB has become much more than “just another coin.”

And with Binance being the world’s largest exchange by volume, it’s no surprise that more Nigerians are asking questions like “What is BNB?” or “How much is BNB to Naira?” In this guide, we’ll break it all down — what BNB is, how it works, how to buy it in Nigeria, and whether it’s a good investment in 2026.

What’s the Gist?

  • BNB (Binance Coin) was launched in 2017 as a utility token for Binance Exchange.
  • It powers the BNB Smart Chain (BSC) for fees, staking, and payments.
  • You can use BNB for trading, DeFi, NFTs, and even to convert directly into Naira.
  • Nigerians can easily buy and sell BNB on trusted platforms and apps like Vent.
  • In 2026, BNB remains one of the top cryptocurrencies due to Binance’s dominance and strong ecosystem.

What is BNB?

BNB, short for Binance Coin, is the native cryptocurrency of the Binance ecosystem. It was initially created as an ERC-20 token on the Ethereum network but later migrated to Binance’s blockchain, now called the BNB Smart Chain (BSC).

BNB’s primary purpose was to give users discounts on trading fees when using the Binance Exchange. Over time, it evolved into a multi-purpose coin that fuels Binance’s entire ecosystem, making it one of the most valuable cryptocurrencies today. 

History of BNB: From Launch to Today

BNB, short for Binance Coin, was launched in July 2017 by Binance during its Initial Coin Offering (ICO). It was created as an ERC-20 token on the Ethereum network, with a total supply of 200 million coins. The primary purpose was to give users discounts on trading fees inside the Binance exchange.

In 2019, Binance launched its own blockchain called Binance Chain, and BNB migrated from Ethereum to this new network. Later, Binance introduced BNB Smart Chain (BSC), which allowed developers to build decentralised apps (dApps), DeFi projects, and more, putting BNB in direct competition with Ethereum.

Today, BNB has grown far beyond just a fee-discount token. It’s used for staking, payments, trading, gaming, and real-world purchases. Binance also introduced a quarterly burn mechanism, where part of the BNB supply is permanently destroyed, making the coin more scarce over time. This has helped BNB stay among the top 5 cryptocurrencies by market cap and one of the most widely used tokens globally.

What is BNB Coin Used For?

BNB is more than a trading discount token. It has multiple use cases:

  • Trading Fees: Pay fees on Binance Exchange with BNB for discounts.
  • BNB Smart Chain: Powering DeFi apps, smart contracts, and NFT marketplaces.
  • Payments: Some merchants and services accept BNB directly.
  • Staking: Lock up BNB to earn passive income or participate in governance.

This versatility makes BNB a coin with strong real-world utility.

How BNB Works in Crypto

BNB operates on the BNB Smart Chain (BSC), a blockchain designed for fast and low-cost transactions. With block times of just 3 seconds, it’s quicker and cheaper than Ethereum, making it a popular choice for DeFi developers.

The network also uses a “burn” mechanism, where Binance permanently removes some BNB from circulation each quarter. This reduces supply and makes the coin more valuable over time.

So, if you’re asking, “What makes BNB different from other cryptocurrencies?” The answer lies in its strong ecosystem, deflationary tokenomics, and direct connection to the world’s biggest exchange.

How Do You Buy and Sell BNB in Nigeria?

You can buy BNB on centralised exchanges (CEX) like MEXC, WEEX etc or decentralised Exchanges (DEX) like pancakeswap or uniswap   

You can sell your BNB for Naira using trusted platforms like Vent. Vent offers the best BNB to Naira rates. Using Vent, you can cash out into your Nigerian bank account within seconds. No delays, no hidden charges and no funny moves.

Follow these easy steps to start converting your BNB to Naira on Vent:

1. Download a trusted crypto-to-cash app like Vent.

2. Sign up and verify your account.

3. Deposit your BNB to your reusable wallet address.

4. Cash out directly to Naira in seconds at the best rates

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is BNB Bitcoin?

No, BNB is not Bitcoin. Bitcoin is the first-ever cryptocurrency, built as a peer-to-peer digital money system. BNB, on the other hand, is a utility token tied to the Binance ecosystem.

Think of Bitcoin as “digital gold” (a store of value). BNB is more like a “digital fuel”. It runs applications, pays fees, and interacts with the Binance Smart Chain.

How Much is BNB to Naira?

Since BNB is traded globally, its value against the naira depends on the USD/NGN rate.

For example:

If 1 BNB = $580 and the naira rate is ₦1,350 per dollar, then 1 BNB ≈ ₦783,000.

Rates change literally every millisecond. So if you’re asking “How much is BNB to 1 USD?” or “How much is BNB to Naira?” The best move is to check live prices on trusted apps like Vent. Vent is one of the platforms that offers the best exchange rates in Nigeria. 

Is BNB a Good Investment in 2025?

BNB is currently one of the top 5 cryptocurrencies by market cap. Its value comes from:

  • Binance Exchange dominance (the largest exchange globally).
  • Strong ecosystem (DeFi, NFTs, payments, staking).
  • Deflationary model (quarterly burns reduce supply).

So, is BNB a good investment in 2025? Many analysts believe it has long-term potential due to its strong use cases and active user base. But, like all crypto, it carries risks. Always do your own research.

Is BNB Good for Trading?

Yes. BNB is one of the most liquid cryptos, meaning it’s easy to buy and sell quickly. Traders also prefer it because paying fees in BNB gives discounts, which add up over time.

If you’re actively trading on Binance or using DeFi platforms on the BNB Smart Chain, holding BNB can save money and open up opportunities.

Can BNB Be Converted to Cash in Nigeria?

Absolutely. With Vent, you can easily convert BNB to cash in Nigeria. Just send your coins, and naira will land directly in your bank account in under a minute.

This makes BNB a practical choice for Nigerians, whether you’re a freelancer receiving payments or a trader cashing profits.

Final Thoughts

BNB has grown from a simple utility token into one of the most important cryptocurrencies in the world. It powers the Binance Smart Chain, offers discounts, and continues to expand in real-world use cases.

For Nigerians, the ability to convert BNB to naira instantly with Vent makes it even more valuable. Whether you’re holding BNB for long-term gains, trading it actively, or just cashing out quickly, Vent is your plug.

👉 Ready to get started? Download Vent today and start cashing out BNB with no stress.