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Overview

Monei supports multiple blockchain networks, allowing you to choose the best network for your use case based on speed, cost, and ecosystem. This guide covers all supported networks and how to work with them. What you’ll learn:
  • Supported blockchain networks
  • Network characteristics and trade-offs
  • Switching between networks
  • Network-specific considerations
  • Best practices for network selection

Supported Networks

Monei infrastructure supports 6+ blockchain networks across EVM and non-EVM ecosystems:
Ethereum Virtual Machine compatible chains. Same address across all networks
  • Ethereum Mainnet
  • BNB Smart Chain (BSC)
  • Polygon
  • Base
  • Arbitrum
  • Optimism
Your EVM wallet address works across all 6 EVM chains. You don’t need separate addresses for each network.

Network Details

Ethereum Mainnet

The original smart contract blockchain
  • Chain ID: 1
  • Native Token: ETH
  • Consensus: Proof of Stake
  • Block Time: ~12 seconds
  • Finality: ~13 minutes (2 epochs)
Best For:
  • High-value transactions
  • Maximum security
  • DeFi protocols
  • NFT marketplaces

BNB Smart Chain (BSC)

High-performance EVM-compatible chain
  • Chain ID: 56
  • Native Token: BNB
  • Consensus: Proof of Staked Authority
  • Block Time: ~3 seconds
  • Finality: ~45 seconds (15 blocks)
Best For:
  • Cost-effective DeFi
  • High-frequency trading
  • Gaming applications
  • Everyday transactions

Polygon

Ultra-low-cost Ethereum sidechain
  • Chain ID: 137
  • Native Token: MATIC
  • Consensus: Proof of Stake
  • Block Time: ~2 seconds
  • Finality: ~4 minutes (128 blocks)
Best For:
  • Micro-transactions
  • NFT minting
  • Web3 gaming
  • High-volume applications

Base (Coinbase L2)

Coinbase’s Ethereum Layer 2
  • Chain ID: 8453
  • Native Token: ETH
  • Consensus: Optimistic Rollup
  • Block Time: ~2 seconds
  • Finality: ~7 days (for withdrawals)
Best For:
  • Coinbase ecosystem integration
  • Low-cost Ethereum transactions
  • Consumer applications
  • Social applications

Arbitrum

Leading Ethereum Layer 2
  • Chain ID: 42161
  • Native Token: ETH
  • Consensus: Optimistic Rollup
  • Block Time: ~0.25 seconds
  • Finality: ~7 days (for withdrawals)
Best For:
  • Ethereum DeFi at scale
  • High-throughput applications
  • Complex smart contracts
  • Developer-friendly environment

Optimism

Ethereum Layer 2 with retroactive funding
  • Chain ID: 10
  • Native Token: ETH
  • Consensus: Optimistic Rollup
  • Block Time: ~2 seconds
  • Finality: ~7 days (for withdrawals)
Best For:
  • Public goods funding
  • Ethereum DeFi
  • DAO operations
  • Community-driven projects

Solana

High-performance blockchain with ultra-low fees
  • Chain ID: N/A (not EVM)
  • Native Token: SOL
  • Consensus: Proof of History + PoS
  • Block Time: ~0.4 seconds
  • Finality: ~13 seconds (32 slots)
Best For:
  • High-frequency trading
  • Ultra-low-cost transactions
  • Fast settlement
  • DeFi and NFTs at scale

Network Comparison

Quick Reference Table

NetworkChain IDAvg. FeeSpeedBest For
Polygon137$0.012sMicro-transactions, NFTs
BSC56$0.103sGeneral DeFi, Trading
Base8453$0.052sCoinbase ecosystem
Optimism10$0.152sEthereum L2 DeFi
Arbitrum42161$0.200.25sHigh-throughput DeFi
Ethereum1$5.0012sHigh-value, Security
Solana-$0.0010.4sSpeed, Volume

Working with Networks

Get Supported Networks

import MoneiSDK from 'monei-sdk';

const monei = new MoneiSDK({
  apiKey: process.env.MONEI_API_KEY,
});

// Get all supported EVM networks
const evmNetworks = await monei.evm.getSupportedNetworks();

evmNetworks.forEach(network => {
  console.log(`${network.name} (Chain ID: ${network.chainId})`);
  console.log(`  Native: ${network.nativeToken}`);
  console.log(`  Explorer: ${network.blockExplorerUrl}`);
  console.log(`  RPC: ${network.rpcUrl}`);
});

// Get Solana networks
const solanaNetworks = await monei.solana.getSupportedNetworks();
console.log('Solana networks:', solanaNetworks);

Network-Specific Balances

// Get balance on specific EVM network
const bscBalance = await monei.evm.getPortfolio(56); // BSC

console.log('BSC Portfolio:');
console.log('  Native BNB:', bscBalance.nativeToken.balance);
console.log('  Total USD:', bscBalance.totalPortfolioValueUSD);

// Get balance on Polygon
const polygonBalance = await monei.evm.getPortfolio(137);

// Compare across networks
const networks = [56, 137, 8453]; // BSC, Polygon, Base
for (const chainId of networks) {
  const portfolio = await monei.evm.getPortfolio(chainId);
  console.log(`${portfolio.networkName}: $${portfolio.totalPortfolioValueUSD}`);
}

Network Selection Guide

Decision Matrix

Under $10:
  • Use: Polygon or Solana
  • Reason: Ultra-low fees preserve value
1010 - 100:
  • Use: BSC or Base
  • Reason: Good balance of cost and speed
100100 - 1,000:
  • Use: Arbitrum or Optimism
  • Reason: Ethereum security with reasonable fees
Over $1,000:
  • Use: Ethereum mainnet
  • Reason: Maximum security and liquidity
Ultra-fast:
  • Solana (0.4s blocks)
  • Arbitrum (0.25s blocks)
Fast (2-3s):
  • BSC, Polygon, Base, Optimism
Standard (10-15s):
  • Ethereum, Lisk
Note: Finality time differs from block time
Maximum Security:
  • Ethereum mainnet
  • Arbitrum/Optimism (inherit Ethereum security)
High Security:
  • BSC, Polygon
  • Scroll (ZK proofs)
Standard Security:
  • Base, Lisk
  • Solana
Ethereum DeFi:
  • Ethereum, Arbitrum, Optimism, Scroll
Multi-chain DeFi:
  • BSC, Polygon, Base
Coinbase Users:
  • Base
High-frequency:
  • Solana, BSC
JavaScript Devs:
  • Lisk

Network-Specific Considerations

Shared Characteristics:
  • Same wallet address across all chains
  • Similar transaction structure
  • Compatible tooling (web3.js, ethers.js)
  • Gas paid in native token
Key Differences:
  • Gas prices vary significantly
  • Block times differ
  • Finality times vary
  • Ecosystem/dApps differ

Best Practices

Match Network to Use Case

Choose based on value, speed, and cost requirements - not just lowest fees

Verify Before Sending

Always confirm the recipient address supports the network you’re using

Monitor Gas Prices

Check current gas prices before transactions, especially on Ethereum

Keep Native Tokens

Maintain small balance of native token (ETH, BNB, etc.) for gas fees

Common Issues

Problem: Sent tokens to correct address but wrong networkPrevention:
  • Always verify network before sending
  • Use network-specific addresses when possible
  • Test with small amount first
Recovery:
  • Contact support for assistance
  • May require bridge recovery
Problem: Transaction fails due to insufficient native token for gasSolutions:
  • Keep small balance of native token (0.01-0.1)
  • Use faucets for testnets
  • Bridge or buy native token
  • Estimate gas before transactions
Problem: High gas fees or slow confirmationsSolutions:
  • Wait for off-peak hours
  • Use alternative network
  • Increase gas price for faster confirmation
  • Monitor gas prices before sending

Next Steps

Error Handling

Handle network-specific errors properly

EVM Operations

Deep dive into EVM network operations

Solana Operations

Learn Solana-specific operations

Token Swaps

Cross-network token swaps