Every blockchain transaction requires gas fees. Whether you’re claiming free tokens, swapping coins, or sending funds, you need the blockchain’s native token—ETH for Ethereum, BNB for BNB Smart Chain, SOL for Solana, or MATIC for Polygon.
Without gas, you can’t claim your airdrop. And since many airdrops have a limited claim window, not having gas could mean missing out. Luckily, you can borrow gas temporarily, claim your tokens, and repay later.
Below is a beginner’s guide with step-by-step instructions for using lending protocols like Aave, Venus, or even centralized exchanges to get just enough gas to claim your airdrops.
Risks to Watch Out For
By planning ahead and using trusted platforms, you’ll always be prepared for airdrops without worrying about being stuck with zero gas.
Below is a beginner’s guide with step-by-step instructions for using lending protocols like Aave, Venus, or even centralized exchanges to get just enough gas to claim your airdrops.
Step 1: Set Up Your Wallet
Before borrowing gas, make sure you have a wallet that supports the blockchain where the airdrop is happening.- For Ethereum / Polygon / Arbitrum / Optimism → Use MetaMask
- For BNB Smart Chain → Use Trust Wallet or MetaMask configured for BSC
- For Solana → Use Phantom Wallet
Step 2: Check the Network of Your Airdrop
Look at the project’s official site or announcement to know where the tokens are being distributed.- If the airdrop is on Ethereum, you need ETH.
- If it’s on BNB Smart Chain, you need BNB.
- If it’s on Solana, you need SOL.
Step 3: Borrow Gas from a DeFi Protocol
Option A: Borrow ETH with Aave (for Ethereum, Polygon, Arbitrum, Optimism)
- Go to Aave.
- Connect your wallet.
- Deposit a small collateral (like USDC or USDT).
- Borrow a tiny amount of ETH (enough for gas, usually $5–$10 worth).
- Confirm the transaction.
Option B: Borrow BNB with Venus Protocol (for BNB Smart Chain)
- Visit Venus Protocol.
- Connect your wallet (switch to BSC in MetaMask).
- Deposit USDT/USDC as collateral.
- Borrow a small amount of BNB.
- Confirm the transaction and wait for BNB to appear in your wallet.
Option C: Borrow SOL with Jet Protocol (for Solana)
- Install Phantom Wallet.
- Go to Jet Protocol.
- Deposit USDC or other tokens as collateral.
- Borrow SOL for gas.
Step 4: Claim Your Airdrop
Now that you have enough gas, head to the official claim site and initiate the transaction.- Confirm in your wallet (MetaMask, Trust Wallet, or Phantom).
- Pay the gas fee using the borrowed tokens.
- Wait until the transaction confirms and the airdrop tokens appear in your wallet.
Step 5: Repay Your Borrowed Gas
Once you’ve received your airdrop tokens, you can swap a small portion of them into the native token you borrowed (ETH, BNB, or SOL). Then go back to the lending protocol and repay.- Open a decentralized exchange like Uniswap (Ethereum/Polygon), PancakeSwap (BNB Smart Chain), or Raydium (Solana).
- Swap some airdrop tokens into ETH/BNB/SOL.
- Repay your loan on Aave, Venus, or Jet Protocol.
Alternative Ways to Borrow Gas
Borrow from Centralized Exchanges
If you don’t want to use DeFi protocols, you can move a small balance from centralized exchanges like Binance, KuCoin, or OKX. Withdraw just enough ETH, BNB, or SOL to your wallet, claim the airdrop, and later deposit back after swapping your tokens.Peer-to-Peer Gas Lending
Some Telegram and Discord groups offer gas loans. Be careful with this method—scams are common. Only use trusted communities and always test with small amounts.Gasless Transactions
Some dApps integrate Biconomy or similar services that let you claim tokens without paying gas directly. The project covers the cost, and you either repay later or enjoy free sponsored claims.Risks to Watch Out For
- Liquidation: If your collateral loses value, your loan could be liquidated.
- Scams: Avoid suspicious peer-to-peer gas loans. Stick to trusted platforms.
- Technical Mistakes: Flash loans and advanced DeFi methods require skill. A wrong step could cause a failed transaction.
Final Thoughts
Borrowing gas fees is a smart way to make sure you never miss out on claiming valuable airdrops. Whether through Aave, Venus, Jet Protocol, or centralized exchanges, the process is straightforward: deposit collateral, borrow a small amount of gas token, claim your airdrop, and repay with part of your rewards.By planning ahead and using trusted platforms, you’ll always be prepared for airdrops without worrying about being stuck with zero gas.
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