An address starting with bnb1 belongs to BNB Beacon Chain (BEP2). Under BNB Chain Fusion its functions moved to BNB Smart Chain and the Beacon Chain was retired in 2024, so exchanges and swap services no longer accept BEP2.
What changed
BEP2 used bnb1… addresses and often required a memo for exchange deposits. BNB Smart Chain uses ordinary 0x… addresses with gas paid in BNB. The migration is described in the BC Fusion documentation.
What to do
- Find the "BNB Smart Chain" / BEP20 address in the same wallet.
- Check it in the address validator.
- For assets left on a bnb1 address, follow only the official BC Fusion instructions and their deadlines; never give your seed phrase to third-party sites.
- When selling BNB on the BNB → USDT page, send on BSC.
Do not confuse BSC with opBNB
opBNB uses the same 0x address but is a separate network. See opBNB vs BNB Smart Chain.
Two BNB addresses in one wallet
Wallets created before 2024 often still list a bnb1 Beacon Chain address next to the 0x BSC address. Both come from one seed but are different addresses on different networks, so check each separately. BSC deposits do not need a memo — BEP2 deposits did.
Quick checklist before sending BNB: the address starts with 0x, the network is BNB Smart Chain (BEP20) on both sides, no memo is required, and opBNB is not selected by mistake. Old bnb1 addresses should be removed from your notes.
FAQ
Can I still send BNB to a bnb1 address?
Not in the usual way: the Beacon Chain is retired and services removed BEP2. Use a BNB Smart Chain 0x address.
Is my BSC address the same as my Ethereum address?
In most multi-chain wallets the 0x address is the same, but the networks are different — always pick the network explicitly.