Binance to End BNB Smart Chain Support for ATA and QI Deposits, Withdrawals
Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, has announced that it will cease supporting deposits and withdrawals for two tokens on the BNB Smart Chain (BEP-20) network. Effective March 27, 2026, at 16:00 (UTC+8), users will no longer be able to deposit or withdraw Automata (ATA) and BENQI (QI) via the BNB Smart Chain .
Tokens and Networks Affected
The suspension applies specifically to transactions involving the following tokens on the BNB Smart Chain network:
– Automata (ATA) via BNB Smart Chain (BEP-20)
– BENQI (QI) via BNB Smart Chain (BEP-20)
According to the official announcement, any deposits made using these designated tokens after the cutoff time will not be credited to user accounts and may result in irreversible asset loss. The exchange emphasized that users must ensure they complete any pending deposits or withdrawals well before the deadline .
Why Binance Is Taking This Action
While Binance did not provide specific reasoning in the brief announcement, such actions typically stem from periodic network and asset reviews. The exchange regularly evaluates supported networks to maintain operational efficiency, security standards, and liquidity requirements. Tokens that see declining usage, technical changes in the underlying network, or shifts in project direction may have certain network support removed .
In this case, both ATA and QI remain available for trading on Binance, but users will need to use alternative networks for deposits and withdrawals. For Automata (ATA), alternative network options such as Ethereum (ERC-20) may remain available. For BENQI (QI), users can utilize the Avalanche C-Chain network, where the token originates .
Impact on Users
For users holding ATA or QI tokens on the BNB Smart Chain, the suspension creates a clear deadline for action. Those with funds in their Binance accounts are not immediately affected for trading purposes, but any attempt to deposit or withdraw these tokens via BNB Smart Chain after the cutoff will fail, potentially resulting in lost funds .
Key actions users should consider:
– If holding ATA or QI in external wallets on BNB Smart Chain, transfer them to Binance before March 27, 16:00 (UTC+8) using the BEP-20 network
– After the deadline, deposits via BNB Smart Chain will be permanently lost
– Withdrawals via BNB Smart Chain will also be disabled; users must select alternative networks
– Trading of ATA and QI on Binance spot and margin markets remains unaffected
Alternative Networks for Deposits and Withdrawals
Following the suspension, Binance users can continue to deposit and withdraw ATA and QI using other supported networks:
For Automata (ATA):
– Ethereum (ERC-20) network remains available for deposits and withdrawals
For BENQI (QI):
– Avalanche C-Chain (AVAX C-Chain) network remains available, as QI is native to the Avalanche ecosystem
Users should verify network compatibility before initiating any transfers. Sending tokens via unsupported networks after the deadline will result in permanent loss .
Historical Context: Binance Network Support Changes
Binance routinely adjusts network support for tokens based on usage metrics, security assessments, and project developments. Previous network support suspensions have included various tokens on networks like BNB Smart Chain, Ethereum, and others. The exchange typically provides advance notice to allow users sufficient time to manage their assets .
This particular update affects two tokens with distinct origins. Automata (ATA) is a privacy-focused middleware protocol that operates across multiple chains including Ethereum and BNB Chain. BENQI (QI) is a liquidity market protocol native to the Avalanche ecosystem, where its primary network support remains intact .
What Users Should Do Now
To avoid any potential loss, users holding ATA or QI tokens on the BNB Smart Chain should take the following steps before the March 27 deadline:
1. Check wallet balances: Verify if you hold ATA or QI tokens on BNB Smart Chain in external wallets or on Binance
2. Transfer to Binance early: If holding externally, deposit to Binance using BEP-20 before the cutoff
3. Use alternative networks after deadline: For future deposits and withdrawals, select Ethereum for ATA or Avalanche C-Chain for QI
4. Monitor official announcements: Binance may provide further updates or clarifications before the effective date
The exchange has warned that after March 27, 2026, at 16:00 (UTC+8), any deposits made via the affected networks will not be credited and may result in asset loss. Users are strongly encouraged to act promptly .
Sources: Binance Announcement, Automata Network, BENQI Protocol.
Disclaimer: This content is for market information purposes only and is not investment advice. Cryptocurrency transactions carry risk. Users should verify network compatibility before making deposits or withdrawals.
