Chain APIs

Chain APIs Overview

Use the Chain APIs to access read and write functionality for all blockchains supported by Alchemy.

What are Chain APIs?

Alchemy’s Chain APIs provide comprehensive access to blockchain data and functionality across all supported networks. These APIs enable you to interact with blockchains through standardized JSON-RPC methods, allowing you to read blockchain state, write transactions, and build powerful decentralized applications.

Key Capabilities

Chain APIs provide essential blockchain functionality including:

  • Read Operations: Query account balances, smart contract state, transaction history, block data, and more
  • Write Operations: Submit transactions to the network and track their status
  • Event Monitoring: Subscribe to real-time blockchain events via WebSockets
  • Gas Management: Estimate transaction costs and optimize gas usage
  • Network Information: Access chain-specific data like network version, block numbers, and protocol details

Supported Blockchains

Ethereum & EVM Layer 1s

  • Ethereum - The leading smart contract platform and home to DeFi, NFTs, and Web3
  • BNB Smart Chain - High-performance blockchain compatible with Ethereum tooling
  • Avalanche - Fast, low-cost blockchain with sub-second finality
  • Fantom - High-speed, scalable smart contract platform
  • Gnosis - Community-owned Ethereum sidechain focused on payments and prediction markets
  • Rootstock - Bitcoin-secured smart contract platform

Layer 2 Scaling Solutions

Optimistic Rollups

  • Arbitrum - Leading Ethereum L2 with EVM compatibility and lower fees
  • Arbitrum Nova - Ultra-low-cost Arbitrum chain for gaming and social
  • OP Mainnet - Optimistic rollup from Optimism Collective
  • Base - Coinbase’s Ethereum L2 built on the OP Stack

ZK Rollups

  • Polygon zkEVM - Zero-knowledge rollup with full EVM equivalence
  • zkSync - Privacy-preserving and scalable ZK rollup
  • Scroll - Bytecode-level compatible zkEVM
  • Linea - ConsenSys zkEVM rollup
  • Starknet - Validity rollup using STARK proofs

Other L2s & Sidechains

  • Polygon PoS - High-throughput Ethereum sidechain
  • Mantle - Modular L2 with low fees
  • Metis - Decentralized optimistic rollup
  • Blast - L2 with native yield for ETH and stablecoins
  • Mode - Optimistic L2 focused on DeFi
  • Zora - Creator-focused Ethereum L2
  • Ink - L2 solution for decentralized apps
  • Shape - Scalable L2 network
  • Unichain - Uniswap’s L2 solution
  • World Chain - Identity-focused L2
  • Abstract - Application-specific L2
  • Soneium - Next-generation L2 platform

Alternative Layer 1 Blockchains

  • Solana - High-performance blockchain with fast transactions and low fees
  • Aptos - Secure, scalable blockchain using the Move language
  • Sui - Fast, private, and secure blockchain built on Move
  • Celo - Mobile-first blockchain for financial inclusion
  • Bitcoin - The original cryptocurrency and decentralized network
  • Flow - Blockchain built for NFTs, games, and digital assets
  • Berachain - DeFi-native blockchain with novel consensus
  • Monad - High-performance EVM-compatible blockchain
  • Sei - Purpose-built L1 for trading applications

Emerging Networks & Testnets

Alchemy also supports many emerging chains and specialized networks including Astar, Hyperliquid, Lens, opBNB, Plasma, Rise, Ronin, Sonic, and many more. Visit our full chain directory for a complete list.

Getting Started

  1. Create an Alchemy account - Sign up for free at alchemy.com
  2. Create an app - Set up a new app for your chosen blockchain
  3. Get your API key - Use your unique API endpoint to start making requests
  4. Choose your chain - Select a chain from the list above and follow its quickstart guide
  5. Start building - Use our SDKs, documentation, and tools to build your dapp