What is xDAI (xDAI)?
xDAI is the native currency of Gnosis Chain, the EVM network that began in 2018 as the xDai Chain built by POA Network and later merged into the Gnosis ecosystem. Unlike most gas tokens, it tracks the US dollar, so fees and payments on the chain are denominated in a stable unit.
- Type
- Bridged USD stable gas token
- Launched
- 2018
- Consensus
- Runs on Gnosis Chain (proof-of-stake, secured by GNO)
- Max supply
- No fixed cap (1:1 with bridged stablecoins)
- Swap network
- Gnosis Chain
How xDAI works
Users deposit a dollar stablecoin into the xDai bridge contract on Ethereum, and the same amount of xDAI is minted on Gnosis Chain; burning xDAI releases the locked funds back on Ethereum. The bridge historically accepted DAI and, since an upgrade in late 2025, uses USDS as its default token, with idle reserves placed in Sky's savings products.
What xDAI is used for
Everyone transacting on Gnosis Chain needs xDAI to pay gas. Because it stays close to one dollar, it also serves as a low-cost medium for payments and transfers.
xDAI supply
There is no fixed cap: xDAI supply expands and contracts one-for-one with the stablecoins locked in the bridge. It is not mined or issued as a validator reward; Gnosis Chain secures itself with the separate GNO token.
Before you swap xDAI
This asset is the native coin of Gnosis Chain, so receiving it also covers your gas there. Its value follows the US dollar, so swapping into it works like moving into a USD stablecoin on that chain.