This guide introduces Gnosis Chain, the blockchain network that powers Gnosis Pay. It outlines how the network was formed, why it's used for Gnosis Pay, and how its decentralisation and low-cost features benefit users. It also clarifies what xDai is and why it's important.
Gnosis Chain is the blockchain infrastructure that secures your Gnosis Pay Card Safe and processes your transactions. Built with a focus on accessibility, decentralisation, and real-world usability, it's the foundation of the Gnosis Pay experience.
What Makes It Special?
Gnosis Chain was born from the 2021 merger of xDai and GnosisDAO. It is now a fully-fledged, Ethereum-compatible blockchain (not a "sidechain") with one of the most decentralised validator sets in the industry.
Over 300,000 validators secure the network.
Zero downtime since launch.
Designed for inclusion and scalability, supporting a wide range of decentralised applications (dApps).
This makes Gnosis Chain a powerful choice for secure, self-custodial financial tools like Gnosis Pay.
You can learn more at gnosis.io.
Why Gnosis Pay Uses Gnosis Chain
Gnosis Chain provides unique benefits that make it ideal for Gnosis Pay users:
✅ Extremely Low Fees: Transactions often cost less than €0.01.
✅ Fast Confirmation Times: Transfers and top-ups typically complete within seconds.
✅ Proven Security: With hundreds of thousands of validators and a robust technical foundation, your Safe is backed by one of the most secure networks in Web3.
What Is xDai?
To interact with any blockchain, you need a small amount of its native token to pay for gas (transaction) fees. On Gnosis Chain, that token is xDai.
xDai is a stablecoin pegged 1:1 to the US Dollar and derived from Ethereum's DAI.
It’s bridged to Gnosis Chain and used to pay gas fees.
Though transaction costs are extremely low, you’ll need a small amount to send or swap tokens.
You can get a bit of free xDai to get started using the official Gnosis Faucet.
Learn more: Do I Need to Pay Gas Fees with Gnosis Pay?
Summary
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Validator Count | 300,000+ (Highly Decentralised) |
| Gas Token | xDai (USD-pegged stablecoin from DAI) |
| Transaction Fees | Less than €0.01 in most cases |
| Compatibility | Ethereum-compatible for maximum interoperability |
| Security | Zero downtime since inception |
Need Help?
If you're unsure about any blockchain terms or want help funding your Gnosis Pay Safe, reach out via in-app chat widget or email us at help@gnosispay.com.