rBTC (Real Bitcoin) is the native cryptocurrency of the Rootstock (RSK) blockchain. It is pegged 1:1 to Bitcoin (BTC), meaning that each rBTC is backed by an equivalent amount of BTC. rBTC is used to pay for transaction fees, execute smart contracts, and interact with decentralized applications (dApps) within the Rootstock ecosystem.

Several popular wallets support RBTC, including MetaMask, Ledger, Trezor, and MyCrypto. See the comprehensive list here.
These wallets allow you to store, send, and receive RBTC seamlessly. To add RBTC to your wallet, you may need to manually add the Rootstock network or import RBTC as a custom token.

To add RBTC to a wallet like MetaMask, follow these steps:

1. Open MetaMask and click on the Network Selector.
2. Select “Add Network” and click “Add a network manually.”
3. Enter the Rootstock network details:
   • Network Name: Rootstock Mainnet
   • RPC URL: https://public-node.rsk.co/
   • ChainID: 30
   • Symbol: RBTC
   • Block Explorer URL: https://explorer.rootstock.io/
4. Save the settings.

rBTC is secured through a two-way peg mechanism with Bitcoin and is backed 1:1 by BTC. The Rootstock network leverages Bitcoin’s robust proof-of-work security by using merged mining, where miners secure both Bitcoin and Rootstock simultaneously. This makes rBTC one of the most secure assets in the DeFi space, as it benefits from the massive computational power protecting the Bitcoin network.

The two-way peg mechanism allows users to convert BTC to rBTC and vice versa, maintaining a 1:1 peg. When you lock your BTC in the peg, an equivalent amount of rBTC is minted on the Rootstock network. This mechanism is secured by Bitcoin’s proof-of-work and ensures that each rBTC is fully backed by Bitcoin. The process is decentralized, with a system of federated nodes managing the peg.

Converting BTC to rBTC involves transaction fees on both the Bitcoin and Rootstock networks. These fees typically include Bitcoin network transaction fees and minimal network fees on the Rootstock side. Some conversion methods, like using FastBTC may also include a small service fee. It’s important to check the specific platform or service you’re using for the most accurate fee information.

rBTC transactions on the Rootstock network are typically confirmed within 30 seconds to a minute, thanks to Rootstock’s faster block times compared to Bitcoin. This makes rBTC ideal for use in DeFi applications where transaction speed is crucial. However, the actual confirmation time may vary depending on network congestion and the fees paid.

rBTC can be used across a wide range of DeFi platforms and dApps within the Rootstock ecosystem . This includes lending, borrowing, staking, and trading on platforms like Sovryn, Money on Chain, and Tropykus. Additionally, you can use rBTC to pay transaction fees and interact with smart contracts.