XDC is the native token of XDC Network, a layer 1 hybrid blockchain built for trade finance, cross-border payments and tokenized real-world assets. The network is EVM compatible and reaches consensus through XDPoS 2.0, where 108 Core Validators each stake at least 10 million XDC to produce blocks roughly every 2 seconds.

That's the on-chain side of XDC, but what happens once you bring it into the real world? The token can also pay for everyday purchases, from booking a hotel or flight through CoinBooking to picking up physical collectibles on Polkastarter.

At Polkastarter, XDC holders can shop for physical collectibles such as rare trading cards, sealed products, and video games. New users can receive a free mystery pack after signing up.

Key Takeaways

• Graded collectibles, rare trading cards and sealed games are among the physical items offered through Polkastarter. New users can claim a free mystery pack.
• XDC can make travel more affordable. CoinBooking accepts the token for flights and hotels in 190+ countries, with prices up to 30% lower than Booking.com.
• The XDC 3.0 staking, rewards and burning upgrade adds Core Validator, Protector and Observer node tiers, with full on-chain automation of Protector and Observer Node rewards targeted for October 2026.
• XDC holders can also use Coinsbee to purchase gift cards and mobile top-ups from 5,000+ brands in 185+ countries.

1. Buy Physical Collectibles With XDC on Polkastarter

XDC holders can put their crypto toward physical collectibles on Polkastarter. The platform lists authenticated trading cards, physical video games, and other premium collectibles, with ownership recorded on-chain.

Items remain in secure custody while ownership is traded digitally, so you can transfer ownership without having the physical item shipped. If you want the item in hand, you can request shipping or sell it back through the platform.

XDC isn't currently listed as a direct payment method, so holders need to convert it to a supported cryptocurrency first. Once the balance is funded, they can browse Lootboxes and other listings, with the contents, value and odds shown upfront.

New users can also claim a free mystery pack after signing up. Browse Polkastarter's collectibles marketplace to see what's available.

2. Book Discounted Hotels and Flights With XDC on CoinBooking

Your XDC can do more than sit in your wallet. CoinBooking lets you book hotels and flights for up to 30% less than Booking.com, accepting XDC along with 200+ other cryptocurrencies. CoinBooking is a Dubai-licensed crypto travel platform that offers users access to more than 2 million hotels and flights in 190+ countries.

CoinBooking accepts XDC and over 200 other cryptocurrencies, covering hotel and flight bookings across 190+ countries. This lets users apply their crypto directly toward a trip while cutting the total booking cost.

For frequent travelers, those savings can add up quickly. First-time users can also get $25 off their first booking.

3. Use XDC Across the XDC Network Ecosystem

XDC has several roles inside the XDC Network. It is the gas token of a layer 1 chain whose mainnet launched on June 1, 2019, covering the fees on every transaction and smart contract call.

Consensus runs on 108 Core Validators, each locking a minimum of 10 million XDC, and holders who don't run a node themselves can delegate to a masternode operator instead. Core Validators and Protector Nodes also vote on proposals and network upgrades.

The XDC 3.0 staking, rewards and burning upgrade reworks that structure into three node tiers and adds a burn mechanism to control inflation. It is already running on the Apothem test network, with full on-chain automation of Protector and Observer Node rewards targeted for October 2026.

XDC also pays the fees on the applications built on top of the network, from the TradeFinex trade finance platform and the XSwap AMM to Impel's ISO 20022 payment messaging. In December 2024, XDC Network and Archax tokenized money market funds from BlackRock, Fidelity, State Street and Abrdn on the chain.

4. Spend XDC With a Crypto Card

XDC can be used for everyday purchases through crypto payment cards. The cards can be used anywhere Visa or Mastercard is accepted, including online, in stores, and through Apple Pay or Google Pay.

RedotPay is available across Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, but not to US residents. KAST offers virtual and physical cards built on Solana, while Ether.fi supports self-custody and offers cashback on eligible purchases.

To get started, pick a provider available in your country, fund the account with XDC, and order your card. Check each provider's fees, features, and availability before signing up.

5. Buy Gift Cards and Everyday Products With XDC on Coinsbee

Coinsbee offers XDC holders another way to spend their crypto on everyday purchases. The service supports 200+ cryptocurrencies and offers gift cards, prepaid products, and mobile top-ups across 5,000+ brands in 185+ countries.

Its catalogue reaches into retail, entertainment, gaming, travel, and other daily-use categories. Select a brand and denomination, settle with XDC, and receive the digital code by email.

Have a look at Coinsbee's catalogue to see what's stocked in your country.

6. Access Early-Stage Token Sales Through CoinTerminal

XDC holders can also use their tokens to get involved in early-stage token sales through CoinTerminal, an open-access launchpad for investing in crypto startups before they list on exchanges. There are no staking requirements, and contributions start from $100.

Since XDC isn't accepted directly, you'll need to convert it to USDT first. Once that USDT is in your wallet, you can use it to take part in an eligible sale. CoinTerminal also allows participants to request refunds during the refund window set for each launch.

Visit CoinTerminal to see which token sales are currently open.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is XDC going to be used for?

XDC pays the transaction fees on the XDC Network and secures it through staking: each Core Validator locks at least 10 million XDC to produce blocks and vote on proposals. It also settles activity on trade finance, cross-border payment and tokenized real-world asset applications built on the chain.

2. Can I book hotels and flights with XDC?

Yes. CoinBooking accepts XDC and 200+ other cryptocurrencies for discounted hotel and flight bookings across 190+ countries, at prices up to 30% cheaper than Booking.com. New users can claim $25 off their first booking.

3. What crypto network is XDC on?

XDC is the native coin of XDC Network, its own layer 1 blockchain, which launched its mainnet on June 1, 2019. The chain is EVM compatible and runs on XDPoS 2.0, a delegated proof-of-stake consensus with 2-second blocks and 108 Core Validators per epoch.

4. Is XDC available on Coinbase?

No. Coinbase does not list XDC for spot trading at the moment. The token trades against USDT on Bybit, KuCoin and Bitget, while Kraken offers an XDC/USD pair for US dollar trading.

5. Who is XDC partnered with?

XDC Network works with Archax, the FCA-regulated digital securities exchange, which tokenized money market funds from BlackRock, Fidelity, State Street and Abrdn on the network in December 2024. Other integrations include Impel for ISO 20022 payment messaging and the TradeFinex trade finance platform.