Add Cardano to MetaMask

In this guide, we will show you how to add the Cardano ADA token to MetaMask. While Cardano itself is not compatible with MetaMask, there is a workaround using the Binance Smart Chain.

TL;DR

This guide walks through the process of adding Cardano (ADA) to the MetaMask wallet by using the Binance-pegged version of ADA on the Binance Smart Chain network. Specifically, we will cover how to find the correct BEP-20 ADA contract address, import it into MetaMask wallet, and transfer ADA from an exchange like Binance.

Can You Add Cardano To Metamask?

Unfortunately, Cardano (ADA) is not currently supported by MetaMask wallet since it uses a different blockchain architecture than Ethereum. MetaMask is primarily designed for managing wallets and interacting with decentralized applications (DApps) built on Ethereum and participating Ethereum-compatible networks.

While Cardano cannot directly be added to MetaMask, you can utilize Cardano through alternative wallets like Daedalus or Yoroi which are designed specifically for the Cardano blockchain. MetaMask may eventually support Cardano if the teams collaborate to build integration, but for now, Cardano remains separate.

Another promising blockchain platform that MetaMask currently supports is Binance Smart Chain (BSC). BSC allows users to access decentralized applications and digital assets in a similar manner to Ethereum but with much lower transaction fees.

What is Binance Smart Chain (BSC)?

Binance Smart Chain (BSC) is a blockchain network developed by Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by volume. BSC is compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine and allows developers to port their decentralized applications over from Ethereum to take advantage of BSC’s faster transaction speeds and lower gas fees. It also supports wallets including MetaMask, Trust Wallet, and Binance wallet to manage BSC assets.

Adding the Binance Smart Chain Network to MetaMask:

The Binance Smart Chain (BSC) is a blockchain network compatible with Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). It allows users to hold tokens pegged to other blockchains like Cardano.

To add Binance Smart Chain to MetaMask, follow these steps:

1. Select “Custom RPC” from the networks dropdown
2. Enter the following RPC URL: https://bsc-dataseed.binance.org/
3. Click “Save”

Now MetaMask is configured to interact with the BSC network where we will add the Binance-pegged ADA token.

Adding the Binance-pegged ADA Token to MetaMask:

With BSC added, we can now import the ADA token contract.

1. In MetaMask, go to “Assets” and select “Import Tokens”

2. Copy the BEP-20 ADA contract address: 0x3EE2200Efb3400fAbB9AacF31297cBdD1d435D47
   

3. Paste the address and click “Add Custom Token.”

The Binance-pegged ADA token should now appear in your MetaMask wallet, ready to receive transfers from supported exchanges like Binance.

Transferring ADA from an Exchange to MetaMask:

To transfer ADA held on an exchange to your new MetaMask ADA wallet, follow your exchange’s withdrawal process.

On Binance for example:

1. Go to “Wallet” and select “Withdraw”
2. Choose “ADA” and the network as BEP20 (BSC)
3. Enter your MetaMask receiving address and withdraw amount
4. Review and submit withdrawal

The ADA will arrive in your MetaMask wallet within minutes to be held and interacted with using the BSC network.

Security Considerations When Using MetaMask

While MetaMask provides a convenient way to manage your digital assets and interact with decentralized applications, it’s essential to follow best practices for wallet security to safeguard your funds. Here are some key security tips to keep in mind:

1. Always download MetaMask from the official website (metamask.io) and double-check the URL to avoid phishing scams.
2. Create a strong, unique password for your MetaMask wallet and never share it with anyone.
3. Securely back up your 12-word secret recovery phrase offline and store it in a safe place. Never store your recovery phrase digitally or share it with others.
4. Be cautious when interacting with unknown decentralized applications and verify the legitimacy of the smart contract addresses before approving any transactions.
5. Regularly update your MetaMask extension and the browser it’s installed on to ensure you have the latest security patches and features.
6. Consider using a hardware wallet like Ledger or Trezor for added security, especially when dealing with large amounts of crypto assets.

By following these security guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to hacks, scams, or theft while using MetaMask to manage your Cardano and other digital assets.

For more information on adding other tokens to your MetaMask wallet, we recommend reading the following guides:

• Add Bitgert to MetaMask 
• Add BNB Chain to MetaMask 
• Add BUSD to MetaMask

Advantages of Cardano

Cardano is a decentralized proof-of-stake blockchain platform that emphasizes sustainability, scalability, and interoperability. Developed by Input Output Hong Kong (IOHK) and led by Ethereum co-founder Charles Hoskinson, Cardano aims to provide a more secure, efficient, and accessible blockchain infrastructure for the future of decentralized applications and services.

Some key advantages of Cardano include:

1. Energy-efficient consensus mechanism: Cardano’s proof-of-stake Ouroboros protocol consumes significantly less energy compared to proof-of-work networks like Bitcoin, making it a more environmentally sustainable blockchain solution.
2. Rigorous academic research and development: Cardano’s development is guided by a research-first approach, with a strong emphasis on peer-reviewed academic papers and formal verification methods to ensure the security and reliability of the network.
3. Scalability through layer-2 solutions: Cardano is designed to scale efficiently through the use of sidechains, state channels, and off-chain computation, enabling high transaction throughput without compromising decentralization or security.
4. Growing DeFi ecosystem: Cardano’s expanding ecosystem includes a diverse range of decentralized finance (DeFi) applications, such as decentralized exchanges, lending platforms, stablecoins, and more, offering users access to a wide array of financial services.
5. Native token support and low transaction fees: Cardano supports the creation of native tokens without the need for smart contracts, enabling efficient token transfers with low transaction costs compared to Ethereum’s ERC-20 token standard.

These advantages position Cardano as a strong contender in the blockchain space, with a focus on long-term sustainability, security, and accessibility for users and developers alike.

Popular Cardano Applications

As Cardano continues to grow and evolve, its ecosystem is home to an increasing number of decentralized applications spanning various sectors, including DeFi, NFTs, and more. Some notable Cardano-based projects include:

1. SundaeSwap: A native, scalable decentralized exchange (DEX) on Cardano, enabling fast, low-cost token swaps and liquidity provision.
2. ADAX: A decentralized exchange protocol designed to be censorship-resistant, trustless, and non-custodial, with a focus on user experience and ease of use.
3. Cardano Cube: A one-stop platform for discovering, analyzing, and interacting with Cardano-based projects, tokens, and NFTs.
4. Cardano Kidz: An NFT project featuring unique, hand-drawn characters that aim to educate children about blockchain technology and financial literacy.
5. Cardano Wall: A community-driven project that aggregates news, data, and insights related to Cardano, serving as a central hub for ecosystem updates and analysis.

As the Cardano ecosystem continues to mature and attract more developers and users, the number and diversity of decentralized applications built on the platform are expected to grow, further strengthening Cardano’s position as a leading blockchain solution.

Conclusion

By importing the Binance-pegged ADA token contract into MetaMask connected to the Binance Smart Chain, users can now hold and transfer the ADA token without needing a separate Cardano wallet. This works around the lack of direct Cardano integration by utilizing a BEP-20 compatible version of the token. With sent ADA showing as its BSC-pegged equivalent in the wallet, this method provides Cardano exposure and transacting options using MetaMask.