NEAR Protocol (NEAR) - Complete Fundamental Analysis

NEAR Protocol (NEAR) Cryptocurrency

Core Definition and Technology

NEAR is a modular, high-speed protocol designed for AI to act on behalf of users, enabling not just compute, but transact, coordinate, and evolve, with AI serving as the front end to interface with users and carry out intent, while the blockchain acts as the backend to handle identity, trust, and data. NEAR Protocol is a Layer-1 blockchain platform designed for smart contract and decentralized application (dApp) development, providing a secure, scalable, and user-friendly environment for building and deploying blockchain applications.

Blockchain Architecture

NEAR's design employs the concept of sharding, where the network's infrastructure is split into several segments called nodes, with each node dealing with only a fraction of transactions on the network, which effectuates the distribution of blockchain segments to the nodes instead of the complete blockchain and accounts for efficient data retrieval and scalability of dApps.

NEAR uses a sharding technology called NightShade, which allows NEAR protocol to maintain a single data chain by sharding individual blocks, with each shard producing its portion of data called "chunks" handled by the nodes. At the end of 2024, NEAR had 6 live shards on its network, with 2 more shards added in the first quarter of 2025.

Similar to Ethereum, NEAR Protocol is an account-based system. NEAR's WebAssembly runtime supports familiar languages for building smart contracts, including Rust and JavaScript.

Consensus Mechanism and Network Security

NEAR uses a variation of the proof-of-stake consensus mechanism called Doomslug, which requires 2 rounds of communication to reach full BFT finality, but additionally provides near-instant practical finality after just 1 communication round. 50% of the participants are required to finalize blocks, contrary to 66% needed by the Byzantine Fault Tolerance (BFT) consensus algorithm, which underlies Ethereum and other networks.

The protocol's sharded blockchain is currently secured by just 215 validators, and becoming a validator on the NEAR network requires 26,000 NEAR tokens, or over $200,000 at current prices.

Founding Team and Project History

Illia Polosukhin and Alexander Skidanov founded NEAR Protocol in 2018 with the goal of building a scalable, usable blockchain, after first founding NEAR AI in 2017 as a startup to teach machines to code. Illia had been a machine learning researcher at Google and co-authored "Attention Is All You Need," the paper that launched the transformer architecture powering today's popular LLMs.

Before founding NEAR, Skidanov served as the director of engineering at the database company MemSQL. The vision for NEAR Protocol was to solve three core problems: Scalability by building a blockchain that could support a billion users without spiking fees; Usability by making onboarding and interaction intuitive, especially for users unfamiliar with crypto; and Developer Experience by enabling developers to use familiar programming languages like JavaScript and Rust.

The launch of the NEAR Protocol's blockchain on April 22, 2020, created 1 billion NEAR tokens.

Tokenomics

Supply and Distribution

NEAR Protocol launched its mainnet on April 22, 2020 with 1 billion NEAR tokens created at genesis. NEAR has a total supply of 1,283,269,522 NEAR tokens, with all 1,208,841,273 NEAR currently unlocked and in circulation.

The NEAR Protocol allocation includes Core Contributors at 8.51%, Community Sale at 7.29%, Early Ecosystem at 7.11%, Operation Grants at 6.93%, Foundation Endowment at 6.08%, Epoch Rewards at 39.26%, Small and Large Backers at 14.38% and Community Grants at 10.45%.

Inflation and Deflation Mechanics

5% of additional supply is issued each year to support the network as epoch rewards, of which 90% goes to validators (4.5% total) and 10% to the protocol treasury (0.5% total). NEAR is an inflationary token, with a fixed ~5% annual inflation rate based on the total token supply, used to pay network validators and support protocol operations, though actual inflation can be lower than 5% due to the burning of transaction and storage fees, and if network usage is high, the protocol can even become deflationary.

30% of transaction fees are paid out as rebates to contracts that interact with a transaction, while the remaining 70% are burned.

Token Utility

The NEAR token is used for: Fees for processing transactions and storing data; Running validator nodes on the network via staking NEAR tokens; and Used for governance votes to determine how network resources are allocated.

Primary Use Cases and Applications

NEAR Protocol is a high performance platform built to power decentralized applications and intelligent agents, providing the infrastructure for AI to transact, operate, and interact across Web2 and Web3.

In March 2023, NEAR announced the Blockchain Operating System (BOS), which is designed as a common layer for browsing and developing open web experiences compatible with any blockchain. The NEAR Blockchain Operating System (BOS) is a revolutionary platform that bridges the gap between Web2 and Web3 experiences, allowing for seamless onboarding with features like FastAuth, simplifying the transition for Web2 users and empowering Web3 developers with robust tools for creating composable apps and projects.

Real-world adoption of NEAR Protocol has been facilitated by platforms like Kai Ching and Sweat Economy (Sweatcoin), which simplify the use of crypto for everyday users.

Key Partnerships and Ecosystem Integrations

NEAR has already partnered with industry leaders including Google Cloud, Grupo Netresa, Sweat Economy and others. Polygon Labs and the NEAR Foundation entered into a collaboration to develop a zero-knowledge (ZK) prover specifically designed for Wasm (WebAssembly) blockchains.

On Jan. 18, 2024, the collaborating teams announced that NEAR DA was available for Polygon CDK. The NEAR Foundation partnered with Nym Technologies to enhance security with end-to-end encryption and metadata privacy services.

NEAR has formed alliances with several DeFi projects, including Ref Finance, Paras, and Mintbase, to foster a more vibrant ecosystem and enable a broader range of use cases on the platform.

NEAR has bridges to facilitate the transfer of assets through other ecosystems like Ethereum, Terra, and Cardano, with Rainbow Bridge for the Ethereum network that allows the network participants to transfer Ethereum tokens between NEAR and Ethereum.

NEAR blockchain offers compatibility for Ethereum virtual machine (EVM) for easy access to Ethereum developers to port applications, bringing forth EVM compatibility by deploying the smart contract on the main network called Aurora, which is a layer-2 solution that runs as a side chain while inheriting the block time and consensus mechanism from the NEAR network and acts as its stand-alone network providing users with the advantage of high throughput, low fees and familiarity of Ethereum applications.

Competitive Advantages and Unique Value Proposition

The project aims to release the third phase of its scaling roadmap in 2025, introducing a feature called dynamic sharding, which is being described as the "holy grail of sharding" by its team, allowing NEAR to dynamically split and merge its sub-networks, known as shards, based on resource utilization.

Co-founder Polosukhin helped develop the "Transformer" architecture that powers AI systems like ChatGPT, and NEAR Protocol has pivoted to position itself as a layer one (L1) blockchain purpose-built for the deployment of AI agents, with NEAR's core development team believing that high transaction throughput, low cost, and the use of cryptography make its platform the perfect place to incubate and grow user-owned AI projects.

NEAR emphasizes user experience with features like human-readable account names instead of long cryptographic addresses, and for developers, NEAR offers an environment with familiar programming languages, streamlined deployment processes and a robust support community.

Current Development Activity and Roadmap

In September 2021, the protocol launched "Simple Nightshade," kickstarting the Phase 0 sharding process for the network, and in September 2022, the protocol announced that it was moving forward with Phase One of the sharding process. On Jan. 30, 2024, the NEAR Foundation announced the beginning of testing for Phase Two of Sharding via the introduction of stateless validation.

In late 2024, NEAR Protocol saw a wave of institutional interest with the establishment of staking ETPs by 21Shares created in November 2024, and Bitwise launched on Deutsche Börse Xetra (Q3 2025), and in October 2025, CoinShares launches ETF Offering Access to multiple altcoins, among which NEAR is also listed.

The 3rd phase of Nightshade's implementation is what NEAR calls 'Dynamic Resharding', at which level NEAR will be able to dynamically split and merge shards to meet demand and resource utilization, enabling NEAR to expand to meet near infinite scalability if needed, and make it resilient to spikes in network usage as and when they occur.

Market Position

As of January 29, 2026, NEAR Protocol ranks 46th by market capitalization with a market cap of approximately $1.76 billion USD and a circulating supply of 1.29 billion tokens. The token trades at approximately $1.37 USD with a 24-hour trading volume of $237 million USD.

Sources:

1. https://www.quillaudits.com/blog/blockchain/what-is-near-protocol
2. https://www.near.org/
3. https://www.near.org/blockchain
4. https://tangem.com/en/blog/post/what-is-near-protocol/
5. https://messari.io/project/near-protocol/profile
6. https://weareblox.com/en-eu/near-protocol
7. https://99bitcoins.com/cryptocurrency/near-protocol-review/
8. https://docs.near.org/protocol/architecture
9. https://coinbureau.com/review/near-protocol/
10. https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/near-protocol/
11. https://pages.near.org/about/
12. https://www.near.org/roadmap-history
13. https://tokenomist.ai/near
14. https://cryptorank.io/price/near-protocol/vesting
15. https://www.coingecko.com/en/coins/near#tokenomics
16. https://www.mexc.com/price/NEAR/tokenomics
17. https://www.coincarp.com/currencies/nearprotocol/project-info/
18. https://www.bullish.com/us/digital-assets/near
19. https://pages.near.org/downloads/Nightshade.pdf
20. https://webisoft.com/articles/near-protocol/
21. https://learnnear.club/what-is-near-protocol/
22. https://www.kraken.com/learn/what-is-near-protocol
23. https://www.certik.com/resources/blog/cAZzg33XhuFff8yYvoJk0-understanding-how-near-scales-with-nightshade
24. https://learnnear.club/how-near-protocol-works-today/
25. https://medium.com/nearprotocol/how-nears-simple-nightshade-works-90f1c8e6e8af
26. https://www.coindesk.com/business/2022/09/12/near-blockchain-moves-ahead-with-phase-one-of-sharding-upgrade
27. https://pages.near.org/blog/built-on-near-celebrating-partners-and-innovators-at-nearcon-23/
28. https://www.near.org/blog/near-protocol-partners-with-d3-to-apply-for-near-top-level-domain
29. https://medium.com/nearprotocol/near-foundation-partners-with-neat-protocol-to-accelerate-the-growth-of-ai-applications-with-1-33123d7f0bbe
30. https://www.coindesk.com/sponsored-content/near-protocol-primed-for-the-crypto-winter
31. https://ndax.io/en/blog/article/what-is-near-near
32. https://coinbureau.com/analysis/top-near-projects/
33. https://rejolut.com/blog/top-10-dapps-on-near-protocol/
34. https://cryptoslate.com/project-reports/near-protocol/

I'll retrieve the current data on NEAR Protocol and search for additional context.

NEAR Protocol (NEAR) Price Prediction Analysis

Current Market Context

NEAR Protocol is currently trading at $1.37 USD with a market capitalization of $1.76 billion. NEAR Protocol recorded 13/30 (43%) green days with 6.01% price volatility over the last 30 days, and the current sentiment is Neutral while the Fear & Greed Index is showing 26 (Fear).

Short-Term Predictions (2025-2026)

January-February 2026

Based on algorithmically generated price prediction, the price of NEAR is expected to increase by 29.40% in the next month and reach $2.24 on Feb 12, 2026. For January 2026, cryptocurrency experts forecast a maximum trading value of around $2.04, with a possibility of dropping to a minimum of $1.76.

2026 Full Year Predictions

Billionaire venture capitalist Tim Draper is sticking to his prediction that NEAR Protocol will reach $4.51 by the end of 2026 or early 2026.

Medium-Term Predictions (2027-2028)

2027 Forecasts

2028 Forecasts

Long-Term Predictions (2029-2030)

2029 Forecasts

2030 Forecasts

AI and Algorithmic Prediction Aggregations

NEAR Protocol's price is forecasted to gain 319.93% in the next six months and reach $7.27 on Jul 12, 2026. The NEAR Protocol price prediction on CoinCodex is calculated using the historical NEAR Protocol price dataset, accounting for past volatility and market movements. In addition, the algorithm uses the cyclical nature of Bitcoin halvings, which introduce extra supply-side pressure on BTC every 4 years. This has historically played a pivotal role in cryptocurrency markets and is a major component of creating a realistic NEAR Protocol prediction.

VentureBurn analysts combine fundamental and technical factors when forecasting NEAR's price. The forecasts are based on statistics, historical price patterns, and a variety of technical indicators, including RSI, MACD, support and resistance, trendlines, Fibonacci levels, and momentum. Trained AI models and manual reviews are also utilized to improve prediction accuracy.

Historical Price Pattern Analysis

Over the past six months, NEAR has been trading in a tight range between $1.80 and $3.20. This sideways action has formed a symmetrical triangle — with higher lows and lower highs converging toward the apex. For technical traders, this is a classic sign that volatility is brewing. Such patterns usually represent a period of accumulation, where buyers and sellers are building positions ahead of a major move. With support tested several times around $1.80 and resistance holding strong near $3.20, the market is coiling up.

NEAR Protocol chart pattern prediction: a giant bullish W-reversal which has to resolve higher for NEAR predictions to be validated.

Key Price Catalysts and Potential Triggers

Positive Catalysts

2025 saw the Layer 1 chain reach 46 million monthly active users, while its dev team brought in significant network updates covering chain abstraction, a "halving" event that cut NEAR's inflation rate to 2.5%, and better user intents.

When it comes to combining AI and blockchain, NEAR stands out as a protocol purpose-built to power autonomous agents acting on behalf of users. NEAR goes beyond simple computation — it enables AI to transact, coordinate, and evolve. In this model, AI becomes the user-facing layer, interpreting intent and carrying out actions, while NEAR's blockchain works quietly in the background to handle identity, trust, and data integrity. What makes NEAR powerful is its infrastructure for running secure and verifiable AI agents, with support for encrypted model execution and cross-chain operations.

With NEAR now bridging to Solana and TON via Chain Signatures, the future looks promising.

NEAR Protocol has been witnessing growing interest from developers and projects looking for scalable solutions for decentralized applications (dApps). As of 2024, NEAR has over 300 projects built on its platform, with unique use cases spanning DeFi, NFTs, and gaming.

Broader Market Catalysts for 2026

Progress on the Clarity Act could provide a regulatory tailwind, with a Senate markup expected in mid-January. The passage of the crypto market structure bill, known as the Clarity Act, would provide a foundational tailwind. White House crypto czar David Sacks has previously noted that "we are closer than ever" to passing the bill, and the Senate is targeting a January 15 markup.

In 2025, we witnessed the debut of spot crypto ETFs for Solana, Litecoin, and XRP. In 2026, we're likely to see spot crypto ETF approvals for Avalanche, Cardano, and Polkadot, among others.

Factors That Could Invalidate Predictions

Bearish Scenarios

A "crypto winter" is a term that describes a period of decline for digital currencies, often accompanied by lower trading volume and poor investor sentiment. The latter can be particularly worrisome for cryptocurrencies, given that investor emotions are a core driver of directional price movement. Significant downdrafts in the crypto market have been occurring every four years, with prior drops in 2018 and 2022 leading to peak-to-trough drops of approximately 80% and 70%, respectively.

NEAR is still notable for underperforming against the broader market and leading competitors like Virtuals Protocol in 2025. This means that NEAR should be viewed as a high-risk investment, albeit one with considerable upside if the bullish case outlined in our analysis pans out.

Macroeconomic Risks

Macroeconomic conditions significantly influence investor sentiment and capital allocation toward digital assets. Federal Reserve policy decisions, geopolitical tensions, and traditional market performance create ripple effects across crypto markets, amplifying volatility.

NEAR Protocol has experienced a downward trend recently, with prices declining from higher levels. This trend is influenced by broader market conditions, including macroeconomic factors such as trade balances and employment data.

Ecosystem and Adoption Risks

These targets are speculative and depend on adoption, ecosystem growth, and global market conditions. Reaching $100 is possible only in a strong long-term scenario. Some 2030–2050 forecasts place NEAR well above that level, especially during major bull cycles. However, this would require significant adoption, sustained developer activity, and a large expansion of NEAR's ecosystem.

Prediction Range Summary

2026: $1.73 - $14.84 (Conservative to Bullish)
2027: $3.40 - $18.28 (Conservative to Bullish)
2028: $4.94 - $28.65 (Conservative to Bullish)
2029: $7.23 - $16.52 (Conservative to Bullish)
2030: $10.64 - $113.66 (Conservative to Extremely Bullish)

Sources:

1. https://coincodex.com/crypto/near-protocol/price-prediction/
2. https://digitalcoinprice.com/forecast/near-protocol
3. https://changelly.com/blog/near-protocol-near-price-prediction/
4. https://ventureburn.com/near-protocol-price-prediction/
5. https://cryptonews.com/price-predictions/near-protocol-price-prediction/
6. https://99bitcoins.com/price-predictions/near-protocol/
7. https://coinpedia.org/price-prediction/near-protocol-near-price-prediction/
8. https://3commas.io/predictions/near
9. https://investinghaven.com/near-protocol-near-price-prediction/
10. https://stealthex.io/blog/near-protocol-price-prediction-is-near-crypto-a-good-investment/
11. https://www.cryptopolitan.com/near-price-prediction/
12. https://coingape.com/price-predictions/near-protocol-near-price-prediction/
13. https://botsfolio.com/crypto/near-protocol/price-prediction
14. https://decrypt.co/353925/three-catalysts-kickstart-crypto-rally-2026
15. https://www.fool.com/investing/2025/12/31/4-cryptocurrency-predictions-for-2026/

I'll gather current data on NEAR Protocol and analyze its price potential.

Now I have comprehensive information to create a detailed guide. Let me compile this into a well-structured guide.

Comprehensive Guide to Purchasing NEAR Protocol (NEAR)

Quick Overview of Purchase Options

NEAR Protocol is available through multiple purchase channels. NEAR Protocol is traded on 101 exchanges, offering flexibility for different user preferences and regions. Purchase methods include centralized exchanges (CEX), decentralized exchanges (DEX), and peer-to-peer platforms, with various payment options ranging from fiat currency to cryptocurrency.

Detailed Exchange Comparison

Centralized Exchanges (CEX)

Major Platforms:

Binance is the best NEAR Protocol exchange to buy NEAR, which saw $79.21M worth of NEAR Protocol trading volume in the last 24 hours. Other exchanges that list NEAR include KuCoin, Kraken, Bybit, OKX and Gate.

NEAR Protocol is currently available to buy on Coinbase's centralized exchange, and you can buy NEAR Protocol on Coinbase with an approved payment method, including a bank account, a debit card, or you can initiate a wire transfer.

Trading Pairs Available:

The most popular NEAR Protocol trading pair is NEAR/USDT, which recorded $255.98M in trading volume across 101 different cryptocurrency exchanges in the last 24 hours. You can trade NEAR Protocol with many fiat currencies including INR, USD, SGD, AED, EUR and many stablecoins such as USDT, USDC, FDUSD, BUSD.

Fiat Purchase Options:

You can buy NEAR Protocol with fiat currency on Kraken, which is one of the most established exchanges in the cryptocurrency industry. Currently, Kraken lists NEAR Protocol in pairs against the US Dollar and Euro fiat currencies.

You can buy NEAR Protocol with a credit card on Binance and other exchanges like KuCoin, Bybit and OKX. Using a credit card is a fast and convenient payment method for purchasing cryptocurrencies, but typically comes with higher fees than other ways of buying cryptocurrency with fiat.

Decentralized Exchanges (DEX)

Popular DEXs include Uniswap (the largest by volume), PancakeSwap (on the Binance Smart Chain), SushiSwap (Ethereum-based with yield farming and staking), Curve Finance (focused on stablecoins), and 1inch Exchange (which aggregates prices from multiple DEXs).

DEX Advantages:

Decentralized exchanges offer decentralization where you control your funds held securely in your own wallet, privacy with minimal or no KYC requirements for more private transactions, and censorship resistance accessible even in regions with trading restrictions.

Step-by-Step Purchase Guide for Beginners

Method 1: Purchasing via Binance (Most Popular)

Step 1: Create and Verify Your Account

1. Visit Binance.com and click "Register"
2. Enter your email address and create a strong password
3. Verify your email through the confirmation link
4. Complete identity verification (KYC) by uploading a valid ID and proof of address
5. Wait for verification approval (typically 1-24 hours)

Step 2: Add a Payment Method

1. Log into your Binance account
2. Navigate to "Wallet" > "Fiat and Spot"
3. Select "Buy Crypto"
4. Choose your payment method (bank transfer, debit card, or credit card)
5. Link your bank account or card following the platform's instructions

Step 3: Deposit Funds

1. Go to "Wallet" > "Fiat Deposit"
2. Select your currency and payment method
3. Enter the amount you wish to deposit
4. Complete the transaction through your bank or payment provider

Step 4: Purchase NEAR

1. Navigate to "Buy Crypto" section
2. Select NEAR Protocol, enter the amount you want to buy, select your payment method, and review the exchange rate before confirming
3. Follow the prompts to complete your purchase securely
4. Once successful, you can view your NEAR Protocol by going to "Assets" > "Buy Crypto" > "Records" in the upper right corner

Alternative: Trading NEAR/USDT Pair

If NEAR is not available in the direct purchase section:

1. Go through the regular "Quick Purchase" process but choose USDT or your preferred stablecoin instead of NEAR
2. After buying USDT, go to the "Spot" trading section of the WEEX platform and look for the NEAR/USDT trading pair (or NEAR paired with the stablecoin you bought)
3. Enter the amount of NEAR you want to buy or the amount of USDT you want to spend

Method 2: Purchasing via Coinbase

Step 1: Set Up Your Account

1. Download the Coinbase app, sign up, and have a valid ID (and possibly proof of address) ready for verification
2. Complete identity verification
3. Connect a bank account, debit card, or wire transfer in the payment method section

Step 2: Purchase NEAR

1. Search for "NEAR Protocol" in the app
2. Select the amount you wish to purchase
3. Review the fee structure (displayed before confirmation)
4. Confirm the transaction

Regional Note: Currently, only US customers are able to buy NEAR Protocol or add US dollars using PayPal. All other customers are only able to use PayPal to cash out or sell, and transaction availability depends on region.

Wallet Recommendations for Storing NEAR

Hot Wallets (Software Wallets - For Active Trading)

NEAR Mobile Wallet

NEAR Mobile is a secure and easy-to-use non-custodial crypto wallet to store, transfer and stake NEAR and other crypto on the go, with NEAR Intents, cross-chain swaps, staking, and full support for the NEAR blockchain. NEAR Mobile supports fast, secure transactions and fiat on-ramps to buy NEAR and get started in minutes.

MyNearWallet

MyNearWallet is a secure, non-custodial wallet tailored for the NEAR ecosystem, enabling users to store, buy, send, and stake NEAR assets. It supports unique features such as USN, a NEAR-native stablecoin, NFT collection management, and the ability to stake NEAR for rewards. Additionally, it offers access to over 500 dApps in the NEAR and Aurora ecosystem and ensures advanced security with Ledger hardware wallet support.

MetaMask

You can buy NEAR on MetaMask. MetaMask is compatible with the NEAR Protocol, so you can use it to store, send, and receive NEAR.

Trust Wallet

You may stake your NEAR tokens directly in Trust Wallet to get rewards. Additionally, users may access decentralized apps (DApps) without leaving the Trust Wallet crypto wallet app, thanks to its built-in Web3 browser.

Guarda Wallet

Guarda is a non-custodial, multi-platform wallet that supports Near Protocol, allowing users to store, transfer, and manage NEAR tokens securely across web, desktop, and mobile devices. It supports NEAR along with other multi-chain assets, provides cross-device synchronization to access your wallet on web, desktop, and mobile seamlessly, includes built-in token management to easily send, receive, and swap NEAR directly within the wallet, and offers non-custodial control to retain full ownership of your private keys and funds.

Cold Wallets (Hardware Wallets - For Long-Term Storage)

Ledger Nano

Ledger Nano is the industry-leading hardware wallet. You can easily buy NEAR Protocol with a credit/debit card or bank transfer. Choose from a range of service providers (Paypal, Ramp, MoonPay, Sardine…) and select the option that works best for you. Your NEAR Protocol will land safely in your Ledger NEAR Protocol Wallet.

Ledger wallets, MetaMask, and Trust Wallet are suggested for users prioritizing security.

Trezor

Wallets compatible with the NEAR Protocol include Ledger, Trezor, and Trust Wallet.

Paper Wallets (Offline Storage)

Paper wallets are less convenient for everyday use and are susceptible to physical damage or loss. They are best suited for long-term storage of NEAR tokens in a secure location.

Trading Pairs Available

NEAR Protocol is listed on 101 exchanges across 193 trading pairs. The most common pairs include:

• NEAR/USDT - Most liquid and popular pair
• NEAR/USD - Direct fiat pairing
• NEAR/BTC - Bitcoin pairing
• NEAR/ETH - Ethereum pairing
• NEAR/USDC - USD Coin pairing

Fees Comparison Across Platforms

Exchange Fees:

Spot trading fees are as low as 0.1% or lower on some platforms.

Deposit Fees:

Usually, exchanges do not charge fees for deposits, but your bank or payment provider may apply a fee ranging from 0.5% to 3%.

Buying Fees:

Most exchanges do charge a fee for buying NEAR Protocol on the spot market, but these fees are usually small.

Withdrawal Fees:

NEAR Protocol withdrawal fees can vary between platforms. Some exchanges may charge a fixed fee, while others may charge a percentage of the transaction value. It is important to check the fee structure of the platform you are using before making a transaction to avoid any surprises.

Minimum Requirements:

For most exchanges, $10 is usually sufficient to buy NEAR Protocol. Many exchanges either have no minimum deposit requirement or set a very low one. Additionally, you can purchase NEAR Protocol with a small amount, as the minimum investment is typically limited only by the minimum trade size.

Security Best Practices for Buying and Storing

Before Purchase:

1. Use only official exchange websites (verify URLs carefully)
2. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all exchange accounts
3. Use a strong, unique password for each platform
4. Never share your private keys or seed phrases

During Purchase:

1. Verify exchange rates before confirming transactions
2. Double-check wallet addresses when transferring NEAR
3. Use limit orders when possible to control purchase price
4. Start with small amounts to test the process

After Purchase:

1. Transfer NEAR from exchange to a personal wallet immediately
2. The best place to store the crypto you have bought is in wallets outside the exchange
3. Hardware wallets are devices designed to keep your private keys offline, making them one of the most secure options. A NEAR hardware wallet is ideal for users who prioritize security and plan to hold a significant amount of NEAR for an extended period. These wallets protect against online threats, but they might be less convenient for frequent transactions due to their offline nature
4. Store hardware wallet recovery phrases in a secure location (physical safe, safety deposit box)
5. Never store recovery phrases digitally or in cloud storage
6. Regularly update wallet software

KYC Requirements Overview

Centralized Exchanges:

Most centralized exchanges require Know Your Customer (KYC) verification to comply with regulations:

• Valid government-issued ID (passport, driver's license, national ID)
• Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement, or government document)
• Personal information (name, date of birth, address)
• Phone number verification

Decentralized Exchanges:

DEXs have minimal or no KYC requirements for more private transactions.

Verification Timeline:

KYC approval typically takes 1-24 hours, though some platforms may require additional documentation.

Regional Availability Notes

United States:

In United States, you can buy NEAR Protocol on Coinbase's centralized exchange. Most major exchanges including Binance, Kraken, and Coinbase support US customers.

Europe:

NEAR is available on most major exchanges serving European customers, including Binance, Kraken, and Coinbase.

Asia:

Kraken lists NEAR Protocol in pairs against the US Dollar and Euro fiat currencies, with availability varying by specific country.

Restricted Regions:

Some exchanges restrict access based on location. Always verify your region's compliance before creating an account.

Alternative Purchase Methods

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Trading:

P2P exchange allows you to work with a wider range of payment methods and banks, including regional options.

Crypto-to-Crypto Swaps:

Exchange aggregators like Swapzone and ChangeNow allow swapping other cryptocurrencies for NEAR without KYC requirements.

Staking Rewards:

Stake NEAR directly from your wallet in just a few taps. Earn up to 10% APY non-custodially while keeping full control over your funds.

Official Resources

• NEAR Protocol Official Website: https://near.org/
• NEAR Wallet: https://wallet.near.org/
• NEAR Mobile: https://nearmobile.app/
• MyNearWallet: https://www.mynearwallet.com/
• Ledger NEAR Support: https://www.ledger.com/coin/wallet/near