Gianluca L. Fact checked by Gianluca L.
Updated: 18 march 2024
11 minutes

What is PancakeSwap?

what is Pancakeswap

PancakeSwap is a decentralized exchange launched in September 2020 on the Binance Smart Chain blockchain, now called BNB Chain. In this sense, it allows BEP20 tokens to be exchanged on the Binance Smart Chain.

PancakeSwap was created as an alternative to Uniswap. Its platform offers lower transaction fees and faster transaction speeds.

Since its launch, it has become one of the most popular decentralized exchanges, thanks to its unique features and growing community.

PancakeSwap uses an automated market maker (AMM) model to provide liquidity for crypto-currency transactions.

It is fully decentralized, meaning that users can exchange tokens directly from their wallets without the need for intermediaries or trusted third parties.

As a decentralized exchange platform (DEX), PancakeSwap differs from centralized exchanges because it doesn’t have an order book. Instead, it uses liquidity pools and liquidity provider tokens to enable users to trade tokens.

PancakeSwap currently offers a plethora of cryptocurrencies on its platform. It has grown in popularity due to its ease of use and competitive pricing. Pancake has also become popular for crypto-currency projects looking to launch their tokens as liquidity pools on the platform. It also offers staking, yield farming, lottery participation, and NFT trading opportunities.

PancakeSwap

Sign up now at this decentralized exchange, which supports tokens on the Binance Smart Chain.

What cryptos can I buy on PancakeSwap?

PancakeSwap is a decentralized BEP20 token exchange offering traders various cryptocurrencies.

However, since the integration of Ethereum market makers in 2023, the platform also allows the immediate exchange of over 20 ERC-20 tokens, such as ETH and USDC.

Pancakeswap exchange

Traders can now take advantage of a wider choice of cryptocurrencies on PancakeSwap. Here’s an overview of some of the crypto-currencies available on the platform.

  • Wrapped BTC: a Bitcoin-backed token that can be used on blockchains such as BNB Chain.
  • Wrapped ETH: an Ethereum-backed token that can be used on blockchains like BNB Chain.
  • BNB: the native token of the Binance blockchain, used to pay transaction fees.
  • CAKE: the native token of PancakeSwap, used for transaction fees, rewards, and platform governance.
  • USDC is a stablecoin backed by the US dollar that minimizes volatility when exchanging crypto-currencies.
  • Trust Wallet Token: a token used for transaction fees on the Trust Wallet, which is integrated with PancakeSwap.
  • Orainchain is a decentralized finance platform (DeFi) built on the BNB Chain, enabling fast, low-cost transactions.
  • DAI: a stablecoin backed by the US dollar, issued by decentralized finance platform MakerDAO.
  • USDT: a stablecoin backed by the US dollar, issued by Tether Limited.
  • Polkadot: an interoperable blockchain platform that enables the exchange of data and value between different blockchains.
  • VAI: a stablecoin backed by Binance USD (BUSD), used to minimize volatility when exchanging crypto-currencies on Venus Protocol.
  • Dogecoin: a popular cryptocurrency based on an Internet meme, which saw a significant increase in value in 2021.
  • Cardano: a blockchain platform that focuses on security and scalability and uses Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus.

The different services and functionalities offered by PancakeSwap

PancakeSwap enables users to buy, sell, and provide liquidity for BEP-20 tokens.

The platform offers several features that enable users to earn passive rewards, including the ability to provide liquidity, yield farms, Syrup Pools, and Initial Farm Offerings.

Here are the key PancakeSwap services in detail:

Exchange

PancakeSwap allows users to trade BEP-20 tokens easily and select ERC-20 tokens using a compatible wallet.

With a user-friendly interface, you can easily navigate the exchange page and select the two tokens you wish to exchange. You can also track a token’s value history and trade in real-time.

Initial Farm Offering (IFO)

PancakeSwap IFO

Initial Farm Offering (IFO) is a feature of PancakeSwap that enables projects to launch their own tokens by distributing them to yield farmers.

Projects can generate funds by selling their tokens to participants, who can stake them in new lists.

To participate in an IFO, you must first have an active profile. Next, CAKE-BNB LP tokens must be staked, which means that CAKE and BNB tokens must be purchased and added to the liquidity pools beforehand.

Contributors must also pay a participation fee, which is converted into CAKE at the end of the sale and taken out of circulation.

The IFO is an opportunity for projects to raise funds and for participants to discover new and exciting projects while enjoying the rewards offered by the liquidity pools.

Providing liquidity

PancakeSwap lets you earn passive income by staking your tokens on liquidity pools. In exchange for participating, you receive LP tokens representing your pool share.

When traders trade using this pool, liquidity providers earn rewards on trading fees.

These are added to the liquidity pool, increasing the value of their LP tokens. Liquidity providers can then exchange their LP tokens for their funds anytime.

Prediction

Prediction pancakeswap

PancakeSwap has also launched a prediction feature that allows users to predict the price of tokens and earn rewards based on their predictions.

Users can also use CAKE tokens to purchase prediction tokens and participate in.

Yield farm

PancakeSwap lets you earn rewards by betting your LP tokens on specific farms.

To participate in a yield farm, you need to deposit two different tokens and receive corresponding LP tokens in exchange.

For example, to participate in the CAKE-WBNB farm, you must deposit CAKE and WBNB tokens and receive CAKE-WBNB LP tokens in return.

Each yield farm has a multiplier that determines the amount of CAKE it receives per block produced.

For example, the CAKE-BNB farm has a multiplier of 40x, meaning it receives 40 CAKE for each block produced.

Syrup Pools

PancakeSwap also offers syrup pools. These work similarly to yield farms, although they only require one type of LP token.

It’s important to note that, like yield farms, syrup pools carry a risk of impermanent loss, where the value of your pool share is less than what the tokens would have been had you kept them.

However, incoming trading fees usually offset this to make it profitable.

Instant swap

In addition to the traditional exchange method, PancakeSwap also offers instant swap.

This allows users to swap tokens quickly and easily without going through a trading pair. In fact, users can easily select the tokens they wish to exchange and carry out the transaction instantly.

NFT Marketplace

NFT pancakeswape

PancakeSwap has also launched its own NFT Marketplace. Users can buy and sell non-fungible tokens (NFT) using CAKE and other supported tokens on this platform. Users can create and sell their own NFTs on the market.

Binance Bridge

Binance Bridge on PancakeSwap is a bridge that enables users to transfer assets between BNB Chain, Ethereum, and other blockchains quickly and easily.

Users can move tokens between these two networks by converting their original tokens into corresponding tokens on the other network. This facilitates the mobility of funds between different chains. The advantage of Binance Bridge functionality is that it enables users to benefit from the advantages of different blockchains.

Fees charged on the platform

Fees on PancakeSwap are an important subject for platform users to understand.

Unlike conventional platforms, PancakeSwap does not present fee tables on its site. Instead, it directly connects users’ wallets to facilitate exchanges.

However, for transactions to take place, they must be validated by validators who must solve calculations. These fees vary according to the protocol, transaction amount, network congestion, etc.

On PancakeSwap, the NBB Chain’s BEP-20 standard is mainly used for transactions. It has the advantage of being much faster and cheaper than other protocols.

However, it’s important to note that transaction fees can be high for low-value transactions.

For example, when a transaction is carried out with one dollar, the final amount will be around 50 cents of units purchased.

Similarly, when selling 1 dollar, transaction fees can be so high as to reduce the value of the units sold to zero. In fact, it is advisable to refrain from carrying out low-value transactions to avoid losing funds due to fees.

It is important to note that transaction fees are dynamic and evolve.

Users can check the current transaction fees on bscscan.com to ensure they understand them before making a transaction. In fact, fees vary according to network congestion and the volume of transactions in progress.

PancakeSwap

Sign up now at this decentralized exchange, which supports tokens on the Binance Smart Chain.

The PancakeSwap App

PancakeSwap is a platform that does not have its own mobile application.

However, users can access the PancakeSwap ecosystem from various third-party apps on Android or iOS.

One of the advantages of using a mobile app to access PancakeSwap is the convenience offered by mobility.

Users can carry out transactions anytime, anywhere, with an Internet connection. This is particularly useful for those who are constantly on the move.

What’s more, third-party applications often offer additional functionalities, such as portfolio management. This allows users to track their assets and manage their transactions easily.

One of the most popular third-party applications to access PancakeSwap is Trust Wallet. The latter supports hundreds of crypto-currencies.

Trust Wallet also offers staking and voting functionalities, enabling users to participate in the governance of the PancakeSwap protocol and earn rewards for their participation.

The app also supports trading with a simple, easy-to-use interface and the ability to create customized wallets.

Another third-party application commonly used to access PancakeSwap is WalletConnect, which allows users to connect to a large number of popular cryptocurrency wallets, such as MetaMask, Coinbase Wallet, Atomic Wallet, and Tron Wallet.

What account can I open with PancakeSwap?

PancakeSwap is a decentralized exchange that enables users to trade crypto-currencies quickly and cost-effectively.

Unlike centralized platforms, you don’t need to open an account to access it.

However, to use PancakeSwap, you must have an electronic wallet compatible with one of the three blockchains supported by the platform: BNB Chain, Ethereum, and Aptos.

Ethereum-compatible wallet

To access PancakeSwap with an Ethereum-compatible e-wallet, you need one that supports the ERC-20 protocol.

Popular wallets for Ethereum include MyEtherWallet, MetaMask, Ledger Nano S, and Trezor.

Wallet compatible with BNB Chain

To access PancakeSwap with a BNB Chain-compatible e-wallet, you need a wallet that supports the BEP-20 standard.

The most popular wallets for BNB Chain are Trust Wallet, Metamask, Binance Chain Wallet, and Ledger Nano S.

Aptos-compatible wallet

To access PancakeSwap with an Aptos-compatible e-wallet, you need a wallet that supports the AP-20 standard.

The most popular wallets for Aptos are Aptos Wallet, MyEtherWallet, Trust Wallet, and Ledger Nano S.

PancakeSwap

Sign up now at this decentralized exchange, which supports tokens on the Binance Smart Chain.

Is PancakeSwap safe?

PancakeSwap immerses investors in the exciting world of decentralized finance.

But can this crypto platform really be trusted to trade securely? Stay with us to find out if PancakeSwap is a secure platform for crypto-currency trading.

The platform’s security measures

PancakeSwap implements a variety of security measures to ensure the correct and safe use of its trading platform.

First and foremost, the platform has been audited by CertiK. This is a recognized cybersecurity company. This ensures a high level of security for users.

Moreover, PancakeSwap is a decentralized exchange that never directly holds your assets.

So, no hacker can steal your funds. You are the sole owner of your private keys. In this sense, you have total control over your assets.

PancakeSwap also uses a decentralized governance system, where CAKE token holders have a vote on essential platform decisions. This ensures greater transparency and accountability on the part of the development team.

Finally, PancakeSwap uses an alert system to detect suspicious activity and phishing attempts. When the platform detects suspicious activity, it sends an alert message to the user, informing them and asking them to take appropriate action.

Exchange regulations and licensing

Regarding licensing, PancakeSwap is a decentralized exchange, which means no central authority does regulate it.

However, the platform does follow anti-money laundering (AML) regulations.

PancakeSwap does not impose KYC, which means that users can trade anonymously.

However, if you carry out large transactions, the platform may ask you to provide additional information to comply with AML regulations.

In addition, PancakeSwap has implemented security measures to ensure that transactions are carried out safely and protected. The platform uses a real-time monitoring system to detect suspicious activity.

Although PancakeSwap is not regulated by a central authority, the platform implements security measures and follows anti-money laundering regulations to ensure users’ safe and transparent trading experience.

How do I buy cryptos on PancakeSwap?

It’s easy to buy cryptocurrencies on PancakeSwap. In this section, we’ll explain how to buy cryptos on PancakeSwap by breaking down the process into five simple steps.

Step 1- Set up a crypto wallet

Before starting, you must set up a crypto-currency wallet such as Metamask or Trust Wallet. It’s important to write down the recovery phrase and required codes and keep them in a safe place.

Step 2- Deposit BEP-20 tokens

The exchange token must be a BEP-20 token to buy crypto on PancakeSwap. Users have two options for obtaining funds in their wallet: buy directly from third-party providers or deposit funds from CEX or other DEXs that hold the required token.

Step 3- Visit the PancakeSwap exchange page

Visit the official PancakeSwap website and click the “Trade” button. By clicking, the user will land on the “Swap” page.

Step 4- Connect Wallet to PancakeSwap

In the top right-hand corner of the swap page, click on the “Connect Wallet” button. Choose your wallet from the list and enter the required password. Click Approve on the wallet to connect PancakeSwap to the wallet.

Step 5- Choose a crypto to trade

Select the desired crypto to trade using the trade calculator on the right. Ensure the token to be exchanged is entered correctly to avoid errors. Finally, select the token you wish to exchange. In our case, we’ve chosen to exchange BNB tokens for Cake tokens.

Following these five simple steps, you can easily buy cryptos on PancakeSwap. Before you start, watch out for online scams and visit the official PancakeSwap website.

PancakeSwap

Sign up now at this decentralized exchange, which supports tokens on the Binance Smart Chain.

Which user profile is the platform best suited to?

PancakeSwap is a decentralized trading platform (DEX) that uses the BNB Chain blockchain to offer fast, low-cost cryptocurrency trading services.

This platform suits experienced and intermediate users who want to trade autonomously without going through a third party.

Experienced users

PancakeSwap offers advanced features such as token trading, staking, farming, and participation in liquidity pools.

These users have in-depth knowledge of blockchain and the technology underlying crypto-currencies. They often seek to maximize their returns using complex trading strategies, such as arbitrage and scalping.

Intermediate users

PancakeSwap is an ideal platform for gaining experience in cryptocurrency trading.

These users have a basic understanding of blockchain technology and want to deepen their knowledge while trading.

PancakeSwap offers helpful tutorials and guides to help users navigate the platform and trade securely.

PancakeSwap is less suited to novice users who still need a solid understanding of blockchain technology and crypto-currencies.

These users may require additional assistance to complete transactions securely and risk losing funds if they need help understanding the risks inherent in cryptocurrency transactions.

Customer service quality

Regarding the quality of customer service at PancakeSwap, it’s important to note that no official customer support is provided.

This may seem daunting for users with questions or problems, but several options are available for getting help.

Firstly, a troubleshooting page on the PancakeSwap website provides a list of common errors and their solutions.

This page is helpful for common problems such as “price impact is too high” or “PancakeSwap router has expired”.

Then, if you have more specific questions or queries, it can be useful to seek help and assistance online.

PancakeSwap’s official social media channels, such as Reddit, Twitter, Medium, Instagram, and Telegram, are excellent options for this. You can also find help from the community on social networks.

Finally, watching tutorial videos on YouTube can be helpful for more complex problems or if you need help finding answers on the official support pages.

Although this may take more time and effort, video tutorials can provide detailed, visual solutions for your problems.

Overall, although PancakeSwap has no official customer support, plenty of options are available for getting help and assistance.

Our final opinion on Pancake Swap

Having carefully reviewed PancakeSwap, it’s a reliable and interesting exchange for investing in crypto-currency.

Thanks to its careful design and various methods for earning capital, users can explore numerous tokens, farms, and pools, making it an attractive choice for novice and experienced investors.

The fact that PancakeSwap has been audited by CertiK is also a positive point, offering some assurance that investors can trade safely. Although there’s no official customer support on the PancakeSwap website, it’s reassuring to know that there are several social media channels to get help with any issues.

That said, it’s important to note that the cryptocurrency market’s volatility can lead to significant risks, and investors must research and fully understand the risks before committing. Ultimately, PancakeSwap is a solid choice for diversifying its cryptocurrency portfolio and exploiting opportunities in the ever-changing market.

PancakeSwap

Sign up now at this decentralized exchange, which supports tokens on the Binance Smart Chain.

Pancakeswap Advantages and disadvantages

  • Ease of use thanks to a simple, intuitive user interface
  • Competitive costs compared with major alternatives such as UniSwap and SushiSwap
  • Wide range of tokens, farms and pools available
  • Easy to get started with no registration required for exchange and staking
  • Non-depository, so tokens are protected against theft if the platform is hacked
  • Additional rewards can be earned by staking LP tokens
  • Risk of impermanent loss during staking
  • No dedicated customer support outside social networks
  • Risk of fraudulent projects and unreliable tokens
  • Decentralized finance can be more vulnerable to attack

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions about PancakeSwap

How does PancakeSwap work?

PancakeSwap is a decentralized exchange platform (DEX) running on the BNB Chain network. It enables users to trade tokens using cash pairs and staking pools, avoiding the high fees and transaction limits imposed by centralized exchanges.

What are the advantages of PancakeSwap?

PancakeSwap offers several advantages, such as competitive fees, a wide variety of tokens, farms and pools, community governance, a return-on-investment calculator and enhanced security, as users retain possession of their tokens.

Is PancakeSwap safe?

PancakeSwap uses state-of-the-art technology to secure the platform, including CertiK verification to guarantee the platform’s security and transparency.

How can I buy tokens on PancakeSwap?

To buy tokens on PancakeSwap, users must first have Binance Coin (BNB) or other BEP-20 tokens. Then, they can connect to their wallet and use the PancakeSwap interface to exchange their tokens for other tokens available on the platform.

How can I secure my funds on PancakeSwap?

To secure their funds on PancakeSwap, users must use a BNB Chain-compatible wallet, such as Trust Wallet or MetaMask, and never share their private key. They should also verify destination addresses before making transactions, and use strong passwords for their accounts. Finally, users should avoid scams and fake sites by only clicking on links from reliable sources.

How can I earn rewards on PancakeSwap?

You can earn rewards on PancakeSwap by providing liquidity in pools, staking tokens and participating in community governance by voting on proposals. Rewards are generally in the form of CAKE tokens, which can be exchanged on the platform.