This content is for educational purposes only and is not financial advice. bunq doesn't give trading advice. Always do your own research or consult a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Cryptocurrency investments come with risks, including the potential loss of the principal invested. Prices can fluctuate significantly. bunq Crypto is powered by our partner Kraken.

Solana is a high-speed blockchain built to process a large number of transactions quickly and cheaply. While networks like Bitcoin or Ethereum can slow down under heavy load, Solana handles thousands of transactions per second, and keeps costs low even when usage spikes. That combination of speed, scale, and affordability has made it one of the most actively used blockchains in the world.

What makes Solana different

Most blockchains verify transactions sequentially. Solana uses a system called Proof of History, which creates a verifiable timestamp for each transaction before it's confirmed. That proof of sequence speeds up the whole validation process, so the network doesn't need to pause and reach consensus on order before moving on.

The result: faster confirmations, lower fees, and a network that holds up under pressure. Solana also runs on Proof of Stake, which means SOL token holders can participate in staking, committing coins to help secure the network and earning rewards in return.

What Solana supports

Solana is a platform, not just a currency. Developers build apps directly on top of it, from decentralized finance (DeFi) tools and NFT marketplaces to gaming and Web3 applications. Its low fees and fast processing make it practical for high-volume, everyday use, not just large trades.

SOL is the native token of the Solana network. It's used to pay for transactions and to participate in staking. When you buy SOL, you hold a stake in the network that powers all of that activity.

Investing in Solana with bunq

You can buy SOL directly in the bunq app, starting from as little as €1. Track your Solana portfolio alongside your savings and everyday accounts, set Price Alerts to stay informed when prices move, and manage everything in one place. Your crypto is held securely through our partner Kraken, no wallets to manage, no extra platforms to juggle.

If you want to grow your euro balance at the same time, take a look at bunq's Savings Account or explore other investment options in the app.

Frequently asked questions

What is SOL?

SOL is the native cryptocurrency of the Solana blockchain. It's used to pay transaction fees on the network and to participate in staking. When you invest in Solana, you're buying SOL tokens, your ownership of a piece of the network's activity.

How is Solana different from Ethereum?

Both Solana and Ethereum support smart contracts and decentralized applications. The main differences are speed and cost. Solana is significantly faster and cheaper to use, thanks to its Proof of History mechanism. Ethereum has a larger developer ecosystem and a longer track record, but typically comes with higher transaction fees at peak times.

Is Solana a good investment?

That's a decision only you can make, based on your financial situation and goals. Solana has a strong technical foundation and wide adoption across gaming, DeFi, and NFTs. But like all cryptocurrencies, its price is volatile and past performance doesn't predict future results. Do your own research and consider consulting a qualified financial advisor before committing funds.