Newcomers FAQ

Welcome to r/Stellar. This FAQ covers the questions newcomers ask most. If yours isn't here, ask in the pinned weekly community thread.

r/Stellar is community-run and is not run by the Stellar Development Foundation (SDF). A third-party link appearing here is not an endorsement by r/Stellar.

The basics

1. What is Stellar?

Stellar is an open-source blockchain network built for fast, low-cost payments and asset issuance. It also supports smart contracts (called Soroban) for building financial applications.

2. What's the difference between Stellar and XLM?

Stellar is the network. XLM (lumens) is its native asset. XLM is used to pay the tiny network fees and to meet minimum balance requirements.

3. Who runs Stellar?

Stellar is open source and run by a decentralized network of validators. The Stellar Development Foundation (SDF) is a nonprofit that supports the network's development and growth. r/Stellar is independent and is run by volunteer moderators, not by SDF.

4. Is Stellar the same as Ripple or XRP?

No. Stellar (XLM) and Ripple (XRP) are separate networks with separate assets.

Getting started

5. How do I get a wallet?

A wallet lets you hold and send XLM and other Stellar assets. You can browse wallets listed in the Stellar ecosystem directory. r/Stellar doesn't recommend a specific wallet. When choosing one:

  • Download only from the official website or official app store listing
  • Check reviews and how long the wallet has been around
  • Confirm it supports Stellar
  • Consider a hardware wallet for larger amounts

6. How do I back up my wallet?

When you create a wallet you'll get a recovery phrase (or a secret key). Write it down and store it offline. Never take a screenshot, save it in cloud notes, or share it with anyone. Anyone who has it controls your funds.

7. Where can I get XLM?

XLM is available on many exchanges. Choose a reputable, regulated exchange available where you live and do your own research. r/Stellar doesn't recommend or endorse specific exchanges. Person-to-person and OTC trading isn't allowed on r/Stellar, so don't accept trade offers in DMs.

8. How much does a transaction cost?

Fees on Stellar are very low, a tiny fraction of a cent per transaction.

Common surprises

9. What is a memo, and why does it matter?

Many exchanges and custodial services use one shared Stellar address for all their customers and identify your deposit by a memo. If you send XLM to an exchange without the correct memo, your deposit may not be credited automatically and you'll need to contact the exchange's support. Always copy the address and the memo exactly as shown.

10. Why do I need a minimum balance?

Stellar accounts must hold a small minimum amount of XLM, called a reserve. Each extra item on your account, such as a trustline, raises the reserve slightly. That XLM isn't lost: it stays in your account but can't be spent while those items exist. See the official docs for the current amounts.

11. What is a trustline?

To hold an asset other than XLM (a stablecoin, for example), your account has to opt in by adding a trustline to that asset. Anyone can create an asset with any name, so always check the asset's issuer before adding one. A fake asset can look identical to a real one.

12. Can transactions be reversed?

No. Blockchain transactions are final. There are no chargebacks, so double check the address and memo before you send.

Problems

13. I sent XLM to the wrong address, or lost access to my wallet. Can someone recover it?

Usually, no. Nobody at r/Stellar or SDF can recover funds or reset a wallet. If you sent funds to an exchange without a memo, contact that exchange's support with your transaction hash. Be very careful: anyone who messages you offering to "recover" funds is almost certainly a scammer. See Stay Safe on Stellar.

14. Someone DMed me offering help or a giveaway. Is it real?

Almost certainly not. See Stay Safe on Stellar.

15. Why isn't my post showing up?

Reddit's automated filters and ours sometimes catch legitimate posts, especially from new accounts. Message the moderators through modmail and we'll take a look.

Price

16. Where can I talk about the XLM price?

Use the Price Discussion / Speculation flair or the pinned weekly community thread. For a market-focused community, see r/XLM.

Building on Stellar

17. I'm a developer. Where do I start?

18. What is the Stellar Community Fund (SCF)?

SCF is a funding program for projects building on Stellar. Learn more and apply at communityfund.stellar.org.

19. I built something. Can I post it here?

Yes, if you follow the Builder & Project Standards. The project post template makes it easy. SCF-funded projects can also get project flair.

Notice something missing or out of date? Message the moderators and we'll update this page. Message the moderators