GlossaryBeginner
Native Token
The primary asset built directly into a blockchain's own protocol.
A native token is the primary asset that's built directly into a blockchain's own protocol, typically used to pay transaction fees and, in proof-of-stake networks, to participate in consensus.
This is distinct from tokens created by applications built on top of a blockchain, which follow a token standard but aren't part of the base protocol itself.
Examples
- ETH is Ethereum's native token, used to pay gas fees on the network.
- A DeFi application's own token is typically not a native token, but one built on top of a blockchain's native token.