Discover what Stellar (XLM) is, how it works, and why it matters in crypto. Explore its features, use cases, tokenomics, and tutorials with MEXC.Discover what Stellar (XLM) is, how it works, and why it matters in crypto. Explore its features, use cases, tokenomics, and tutorials with MEXC.

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What is Stellar (XLM)

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Start learning about what is Stellar through guides, tokenomics, trading information, and more.

Page last updated: 2025-12-24 01:12:52 (UTC+8)

Stellar (XLM) Basic Introduction

Stellar network is a free, open-source network that connects diverse financial systems and lets anyone build low-cost financial services—payments, savings, loans, insurance—for their community. It is supported by Stellar.org, a Silicon Valley based non-profit organization. The Stellar network enables money to move directly between people, companies and financial institutions as easily as email. This inter-connectivity means more access for individuals, lower costs for banks, and more revenue for businesses.

Stellar (XLM) Profile

Token Name
Stellar
Ticker Symbol
XLM
Public Blockchain
XLM
Whitepaper
Official Website
Sector
--
Market Cap
$ 7.05B
All Time Low
$ 0.001227
All Time High
$ 0.938144
Social Media
Block Explorer

What is Stellar (XLM) Trading

Stellar (XLM) trading refers to buying and selling the token in the cryptocurrency market. On MEXC, users can trade XLM through different markets depending on your investment goals and risk preferences. The two most common methods are spot trading and futures trading.

Stellar (XLM) Spot Trading

Crypto spot trading is directly buying or selling XLM at the current market price. Once the trade is completed, you own the actual XLM tokens, which can be held, transferred, or sold later. Spot trading is the most straightforward way to get exposure to XLM without leverage.

Stellar Spot Trading

How to Acquire Stellar (XLM)

You can easily obtain Stellar (XLM) on MEXC using a variety of payment methods such as credit card, debit card, bank transfer, Paypal, and many more! Learn how to buy tokens at MEXC now!

How to Buy Stellar Guide

Deeper Insights into Stellar (XLM)

Stellar (XLM) History and Background

Stellar (XLM): History and Background

Stellar is an open-source blockchain network founded in 2014 by Jed McCaleb and Joyce Kim through the Stellar Development Foundation. McCaleb, who previously co-founded Ripple, created Stellar with the vision of making financial services more accessible globally, particularly for underserved populations in developing countries.

Origins and Founding

The Stellar network launched in July 2014, initially using a modified version of the Ripple protocol. However, due to technical issues and philosophical differences, the team developed their own consensus protocol called the Stellar Consensus Protocol (SCP) in 2015. This protocol enables faster, more secure, and decentralized transactions without requiring energy-intensive mining.

The Native Token: Lumens (XLM)

Stellar's native cryptocurrency is called Lumens, with the ticker symbol XLM. Initially, 100 billion Lumens were created, with the majority distributed for free to promote adoption. The token serves multiple purposes: facilitating cross-border payments, preventing spam on the network, and maintaining minimum account balances.

Key Partnerships and Growth

Stellar has formed significant partnerships with major financial institutions and technology companies. Notable collaborations include IBM for cross-border payments, MoneyGram for remittances, and various central banks exploring digital currencies. These partnerships have helped establish Stellar as a legitimate player in the financial technology space.

Mission and Impact

The primary mission of Stellar is financial inclusion, aiming to connect financial institutions and reduce the cost and time of cross-border transactions. The network supports multiple currencies and assets, making it easier for people in developing countries to access banking services and participate in the global economy.

Who Created Stellar (XLM)?

Stellar (XLM) was created by Jed McCaleb and Joyce Kim in 2014. The cryptocurrency project was founded through the Stellar Development Foundation, a non-profit organization established to support the development and growth of the Stellar network.

Jed McCaleb is particularly notable as the primary technical architect behind Stellar. He previously co-founded Ripple and served as its CTO before leaving to create Stellar. McCaleb also founded the now-defunct Mt. Gox exchange and created the peer-to-peer file sharing network eDonkey2000. His extensive background in distributed systems and cryptocurrency technology made him well-positioned to develop Stellar's innovative consensus protocol.

Joyce Kim served as the co-founder and initial executive director of the Stellar Development Foundation. She brought business expertise and strategic vision to complement McCaleb's technical leadership. Kim played a crucial role in establishing partnerships and promoting adoption of the Stellar network during its early years.

The Stellar network launched in July 2014 with the goal of creating a decentralized payment system that could facilitate fast, low-cost cross-border transactions. Unlike many other cryptocurrencies that use proof-of-work or proof-of-stake consensus mechanisms, Stellar employs the Stellar Consensus Protocol (SCP), which is based on federated Byzantine agreement.

The native cryptocurrency of the Stellar network is called Lumens (XLM). Initially, the project distributed 100 billion XLM tokens, with a significant portion allocated for free distribution to increase adoption and accessibility of the network.

Stellar's mission focuses on financial inclusion, particularly serving unbanked and underbanked populations worldwide. The platform enables individuals and institutions to move money across borders quickly and affordably, making it an attractive solution for remittances and micropayments in developing economies.

How Does Stellar (XLM) Work?

Stellar (XLM) Overview

Stellar is a decentralized blockchain network designed to facilitate fast and low-cost cross-border payments. The native cryptocurrency XLM, also known as Lumens, serves as the bridge currency and powers the entire ecosystem. Stellar operates on a unique consensus mechanism that differs from traditional proof-of-work systems.

Stellar Consensus Protocol

Stellar uses the Stellar Consensus Protocol (SCP), which is based on Federated Byzantine Agreement (FBA). Instead of miners, the network relies on validators that form quorum slices. These validators agree on transaction validity through a voting process. Each node chooses which other nodes to trust, creating a web of trust that ensures network security and decentralization without requiring enormous energy consumption.

How Transactions Work

When users initiate transactions on Stellar, the network processes them within 3-5 seconds. Each transaction requires a small fee paid in XLM, typically around 0.00001 XLM. The network can handle thousands of transactions per second, making it highly scalable for global payment applications. Transactions are recorded on the distributed ledger and validated by the network of nodes.

Multi-Currency Support

Stellar supports multiple currencies and assets beyond XLM. Users can create custom tokens representing various assets like fiat currencies, commodities, or other cryptocurrencies. The network uses anchors, which are trusted entities that hold deposits and issue credits on the Stellar network. This allows seamless conversion between different currencies during transactions.

Path Payments and Currency Exchange

One of Stellar's key features is path payments, which automatically find the best exchange rate when converting between currencies. If someone wants to send USD but the recipient wants EUR, Stellar's built-in decentralized exchange finds the optimal conversion path, potentially using XLM as an intermediary currency to facilitate the transaction efficiently.

Stellar (XLM) Key Features

Stellar (XLM) Core Features

Stellar is a decentralized blockchain network designed to facilitate fast, low-cost cross-border payments and financial services. The platform's native cryptocurrency, XLM (Lumens), serves as a bridge currency and powers the entire ecosystem.

Consensus Mechanism

Stellar utilizes the Stellar Consensus Protocol (SCP), a federated Byzantine agreement system that enables fast transaction processing without requiring energy-intensive mining. This consensus mechanism allows the network to process thousands of transactions per second while maintaining decentralization and security.

Cross-Border Payments

The platform excels in facilitating international money transfers, converting currencies automatically through its built-in decentralized exchange. Users can send any supported currency, and recipients receive their preferred currency, with XLM often serving as an intermediary asset to bridge different currency pairs.

Low Transaction Costs

Stellar transactions typically cost a fraction of a cent, making it highly attractive for micropayments and remittances. The minimal fees help reduce barriers to financial inclusion, particularly benefiting users in developing countries.

Fast Settlement

Transactions on the Stellar network typically settle within 3-5 seconds, significantly faster than traditional banking systems and many other blockchain networks. This speed makes it practical for real-world payment applications.

Built-in Decentralized Exchange

Stellar features an integrated decentralized exchange that allows users to trade various assets directly on the network. This functionality enables automatic currency conversion and provides liquidity for cross-border transactions.

Asset Tokenization

The platform supports the creation and management of custom tokens, enabling organizations to digitize various assets including fiat currencies, commodities, and other financial instruments on the blockchain.

Stellar (XLM) Distribution and Allocation

Stellar (XLM) Distribution and Allocation Overview

Stellar's native cryptocurrency XLM (Lumens) has a unique distribution model designed to promote financial inclusion and network adoption. The Stellar Development Foundation (SDF) manages the allocation and distribution of XLM tokens through various programs and initiatives.

Initial Token Supply and Allocation

Stellar originally created 100 billion XLM tokens at launch. The distribution was structured to support the network's mission of connecting financial institutions and facilitating cross-border payments. Unlike many cryptocurrencies that rely heavily on mining or initial coin offerings, Stellar adopted a more philanthropic approach to token distribution.

Distribution Methods

The SDF distributes XLM through several channels. Direct sign-ups allowed individuals to claim free XLM by providing basic information and completing verification processes. Partnership programs allocated tokens to organizations and companies integrating Stellar's technology. Developer grants supported projects building on the Stellar network. Educational initiatives rewarded users for learning about blockchain technology and Stellar's capabilities.

Giveaway Programs

Stellar conducted major giveaway campaigns, including partnerships with platforms like Blockchain.com and Coinbase, distributing millions of XLM to users. These programs aimed to increase awareness and adoption while putting tokens directly into users' hands rather than concentrating them among early investors.

Current Supply Management

In 2019, the SDF reduced the total XLM supply from 105 billion to 50 billion tokens, burning excess tokens to create scarcity and potentially increase value. The foundation maintains transparency about token distribution through regular reports and maintains reserves for future development and partnership initiatives.

Ongoing Distribution Strategy

The SDF continues distributing XLM through ecosystem development programs, supporting financial inclusion projects, and facilitating adoption in emerging markets. This approach aligns with Stellar's mission to create an open financial system accessible to everyone globally.

Stellar (XLM) Utility and Use Cases

Stellar (XLM) Use Cases and Applications

Stellar is a decentralized blockchain platform designed to facilitate fast, low-cost cross-border payments and financial services. The native cryptocurrency XLM serves multiple purposes within the Stellar ecosystem, making it a versatile digital asset for various financial applications.

Cross-Border Payments and Remittances

The primary use case for Stellar is enabling efficient international money transfers. Traditional banking systems often take days to process cross-border transactions while charging high fees. Stellar processes payments in 3-5 seconds with minimal fees, making it ideal for remittances. Workers sending money to their families abroad can use Stellar-based services to transfer funds quickly and affordably, bypassing expensive traditional channels.

Banking the Unbanked

Stellar aims to provide financial services to underserved populations worldwide. In regions with limited banking infrastructure, people can access basic financial services through Stellar-powered mobile applications. Users can store value, send payments, and access microfinance services without needing traditional bank accounts. This democratization of financial services helps bridge the global financial inclusion gap.

Asset Tokenization and Digital Currencies

The Stellar network supports the creation of custom tokens representing various assets, including fiat currencies, commodities, and securities. Central banks and financial institutions can issue digital versions of their national currencies on Stellar. Several organizations have already launched stablecoins and digital assets on the platform, leveraging its robust infrastructure for asset management.

Micropayments and Content Monetization

XLM enables efficient micropayments for digital content, online services, and IoT applications. Content creators can monetize their work through small payments that would be impractical with traditional payment systems due to high processing fees. The low transaction costs make it viable to charge small amounts for articles, videos, or other digital goods.

Decentralized Exchange and Trading

Stellar features a built-in decentralized exchange where users can trade various assets directly on the network. XLM often serves as a bridge currency, facilitating trades between different asset pairs. This functionality enables seamless currency conversion and arbitrage opportunities while maintaining decentralization.

Stellar (XLM) Tokenomics

Tokenomics describes the economic model of Stellar (XLM), including its supply, distribution, and utility within the ecosystem. Factors such as total supply, circulating supply, and token allocation to the team, investors, or community play a major role in shaping its market behaviour.

Stellar Tokenomics

Pro Tip: Understanding XLM's tokenomics, price trends, and market sentiment can help you better assess its potential future price movements.

Stellar (XLM) Price History

Price history provides valuable context for XLM, showing how the token has reacted to different market conditions since its launch. By studying historical highs, lows, and overall trends, traders can spot patterns or gain perspective on the token's volatility. Explore the XLM historical price movement now!

Stellar (XLM) Price History

Stellar (XLM) Price Prediction

Building on tokenomics and past performance, price predictions for XLM aim to estimate where the token might be headed. Analysts and traders often look at supply dynamics, adoption trends, market sentiment, and broader crypto movements to form expectations. Did you know, MEXC has a price prediction tool that can assist you in measuring the future price of XLM? Check it out now!

Stellar Price Prediction

Disclaimer

The information on this page regarding Stellar (XLM) is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or trading advice. MEXC makes no guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the content provided. Cryptocurrency trading carries significant risks, including market volatility and potential loss of capital. You should conduct independent research, assess your financial situation, and consult a licensed advisor before making any investment decisions. MEXC is not liable for any losses or damages arising from reliance on this information.

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