The Ethereum Mainnet (short for “main network”) is the official, live version of the Ethereum blockchain. It’s where all real ETH transactions happen—and where your business’s crypto payments are processed, verified, and recorded.
Think of it like the production server in traditional web terms. It’s the real thing—not a test or simulation.
Why It Matters for Merchants
When you accept ETH through Bankful, or when you withdraw ETH to your MetaMask wallet, all activity happens on Ethereum Mainnet—meaning:
- 💰 You’re receiving real ETH (not test tokens or play money)
- 🔒 Your transaction is being recorded on the public, secure blockchain
- 🧾 Your business is interacting with the global Ethereum ecosystem
This ensures that every transaction is legitimate, transparent, and part of the same blockchain network used by major companies, apps, and users worldwide.
Ethereum Mainnet vs. Other Networks
In the future, you might hear about “testnets” or “Layer 2 networks” like Polygon or Arbitrum. Here’s how they compare:
| Network Type | Purpose | Used By Bankful? |
|---|---|---|
| Ethereum Mainnet | Real payments, public blockchain | ✅ Yes (current) |
| Testnet | For testing and development only | ❌ No |
| Layer 2 | Cheaper, faster alternatives to Mainnet | 🚧 Coming soon |
Bankful uses Ethereum Mainnet today to ensure maximum compatibility, transparency, and reliability.
What About Gas Fees?
Because your transactions happen on Ethereum Mainnet, you’ll encounter gas fees during withdrawals. These fees are:
- Required to process transactions on the Mainnet
- Variable depending on network demand
- Paid by you, the merchant (via MetaMask)
👉 Read our full guide on Understanding Ethereum Gas Fees.
Is Ethereum Mainnet Secure?
Yes. Ethereum Mainnet is one of the most secure and decentralized blockchains in the world. Every transaction is:
- Publicly verifiable
- Permanently recorded
- Backed by thousands of decentralized validators across the globe
That means no central authority can change or reverse your transaction—and no one can “shut it down.”
How Do I Know My Transaction Is on Mainnet?
Every time you:
- Accept a payment through the Bankful Crypto Wallet
- Withdraw from your Vault to MetaMask
- View your transaction in Etherscan
…you are interacting with Ethereum Mainnet.
You’ll even see a dropdown labeled “Ethereum” or “Ethereum Mainnet” in your wallet or dashboard confirming this.
What’s Next?
In the future, Bankful plans to support additional networks that offer faster and more affordable transactions (such as Polygon). But Ethereum Mainnet will always be our foundation—providing trust, traceability, and global acceptance.
Quick Recap
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Ethereum Mainnet | The live, global Ethereum blockchain for real ETH activity |
| Used For | Bankful payments, withdrawals, and merchant transactions |
| Gas Fees | Required for on-chain transactions on Mainnet |
| Security | Backed by decentralized validators and public transparency |
Still Learning?
That’s okay—we’re here to guide you. Whether you’re just getting started or want to dive deeper, Bankful is your trusted partner in the future of payments.