What Are BRC-20 Tokens and Can You Buy Them on Binance
BRC-20 is a token standard built on the Bitcoin network. While the name sounds similar to Ethereum's ERC-20, the two work on fundamentally different principles. Ever since Bitcoin Ordinals (inscriptions) exploded in popularity, BRC-20 tokens have ridden that same wave of momentum, and Binance has listed several of the most popular ones. If you want to trade them, start by logging into the Binance official website to see what is available. Mobile users can download the Binance official app for a more convenient experience, and iPhone users should first check the iOS installation guide.
What Is BRC-20
The Foundation: Bitcoin Ordinals
To understand BRC-20, you first need to know about Bitcoin Ordinals (inscriptions). In simple terms, developers discovered that it is possible to inscribe data onto the smallest unit of Bitcoin — called a "satoshi" or "sat" — similar to engraving text onto a gold coin. These satoshis with embedded data are what we call inscriptions or ordinals.
The Birth of BRC-20
A developer known as Domo built on this concept to propose the BRC-20 standard, which uses inscription technology to create and transfer tokens on the Bitcoin network. All BRC-20 token information — including deployment, minting, and transfers — is encoded as JSON data and inscribed into Bitcoin transactions.
How Does It Differ from ERC-20
Despite the similar names, BRC-20 and ERC-20 have fundamental differences:
| Feature | ERC-20 | BRC-20 |
|---|---|---|
| Blockchain | Ethereum | Bitcoin |
| Implementation | Smart contracts | Inscription-based JSON data |
| Functionality | Rich (DeFi, etc.) | Basic (issuance and transfers) |
| Transaction speed | Relatively fast | Slower (limited by Bitcoin block time) |
| Gas fees | Paid in ETH | Paid in BTC |
BRC-20 Tokens Available on Binance
ORDI
ORDI was the first BRC-20 token to be listed on Binance and remains the undisputed leader of the entire BRC-20 sector. It was among the very first tokens minted using the BRC-20 standard, giving it significant symbolic importance as a pioneer. Its price performance after listing on Binance has been remarkably strong.
SATS
SATS is a BRC-20 token named after Bitcoin's smallest unit — the "satoshi." It has an extremely large total supply and a very low unit price, making it accessible for investors with smaller amounts of capital. Because the name itself is directly tied to Bitcoin, SATS enjoys strong popularity and recognition within the community.
Other BRC-20 Tokens
Binance has gradually listed additional BRC-20 tokens, though the primary options remain ORDI and SATS. A wider selection of BRC-20 tokens can be traded on specialized inscription trading platforms.
How to Buy BRC-20 Tokens on Binance
The process is just as straightforward as buying any other cryptocurrency:
Step One: Deposit or Buy USDT
Make sure your Binance spot account has enough USDT or other stablecoins to fund your purchase.
Step Two: Search for the Token
On the trading page, search for "ORDI" or "SATS" and tap on the corresponding USDT trading pair.
Step Three: Place Your Order
Choose either a market order or a limit order, enter the quantity or amount you want to buy, and confirm the order.
The entire process is identical to buying any other token on Binance. The platform has already handled all the underlying BRC-20 technical complexities for you, so you can focus entirely on your trading decisions.
Depositing and Withdrawing BRC-20 Tokens
Depositing BRC-20 Tokens to Binance
If you hold BRC-20 tokens elsewhere and want to transfer them to Binance, keep the following in mind:
- Find the deposit address for the corresponding token on Binance
- Select the correct network (BTC network)
- Initiate the transfer from your wallet to the provided Binance address
BRC-20 transfers need to be confirmed on the Bitcoin network, which is relatively slow. Expect to wait anywhere from ten minutes to an hour or more, and be aware that the transaction fees tend to be higher than you might be used to on faster networks.
Withdrawing BRC-20 Tokens from Binance
The withdrawal process is similar. On the withdrawal page, select the corresponding token and the BTC network, enter the destination address and amount, then submit. Double-check that the address is correct — Bitcoin network transactions are irreversible once confirmed.
Investment Potential of the BRC-20 Sector
Bullish Arguments
- Expanding the Bitcoin ecosystem: BRC-20 gives Bitcoin capabilities beyond just being "digital gold," opening up new possibilities for the most established blockchain
- First-mover advantage: As a token standard native to Bitcoin, BRC-20 occupies a unique and difficult-to-replicate position
- Strong community consensus: The Bitcoin community is the most powerful and established community in the entire cryptocurrency world
Risks to Consider
- Technical controversy: There is significant debate within the Bitcoin community about inscriptions and BRC-20, with some core developers dismissing them as "spam transactions" that clog the network
- Network congestion: High BRC-20 activity has previously caused severe Bitcoin network congestion and dramatic spikes in transaction fees
- Technical limitations: BRC-20's functionality is quite limited compared to ERC-20, which supports complex DeFi applications
- Competition: Besides BRC-20, other Bitcoin-native token standards such as ARC-20 and Runes are actively competing for market share
The Runes Protocol and Its Relationship to BRC-20
Runes is a newer protocol proposed by Casey Rodarmor, the creator of Bitcoin Ordinals, and is widely considered to be an upgraded version of BRC-20. Runes offers higher efficiency and places less burden on the Bitcoin network. Some in the community believe Runes could eventually replace BRC-20 as the dominant standard.
This represents a risk factor that BRC-20 investors should keep a close eye on. However, others argue that BRC-20 has already established sufficient first-mover advantage and community consensus that it will not be displaced in the near term.
How to Stay Updated on the BRC-20 Sector
The research section on the Binance official website publishes reports about BRC-20 and the broader Bitcoin ecosystem, which are well worth reading on a regular basis. Additionally, following discussions among Bitcoin core developers and staying current with community developments around inscriptions will help you better understand the trajectory of this sector.
Security Reminder
The BRC-20 sector is still relatively new, and scams are not uncommon. Keep these points in mind:
- Only trade BRC-20 tokens that are already listed on Binance — any obscure BRC-20 token claiming it is "about to be listed on Binance" is almost certainly a scam
- If you choose to trade BRC-20 tokens on-chain, use reputable inscription wallets and trusted trading platforms
- Do not participate in so-called "BRC-20 presales" or "BRC-20 whitelist" events
- Safeguard your Bitcoin wallet private key, as BRC-20 tokens are stored at the same address as your regular Bitcoin
- For everyday trading, completing transactions on the Binance official app is the simplest and safest option