Stellar..
Blockchain as a service providers
Blockchain payment systems
Blockchain platforms
Blockchain software
- Features
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What is Stellar..
Stellar is an open, public blockchain network and protocol designed to issue, transfer, and settle digital assets, including fiat-backed tokens and other tokenized value. It is commonly used for cross-border payments, remittances, on-chain asset issuance, and application development that requires low-cost transfers and built-in asset exchange functionality. The platform includes a native decentralized exchange (DEX) and supports anchors (regulated entities) that connect on-chain assets to off-chain banking rails. Developers typically interact with the network through Horizon APIs, SDKs, and ecosystem infrastructure providers rather than a single vendor-hosted service.
Purpose-built for payments
The protocol focuses on fast settlement and low transaction fees, which fits payment and remittance workflows. It supports issuing and transferring multiple assets on the same network, enabling stablecoin-style use cases. Built-in features like path payments can route conversions across assets without requiring separate smart-contract logic. This makes some payment flows simpler than general-purpose chains that rely heavily on custom contracts.
Native asset issuance model
Stellar supports issuing custom assets directly at the protocol level, including controls such as authorization flags and clawback (when enabled by issuers). This helps organizations model regulated token issuance and distribution policies. The anchor pattern provides a standard way to connect on-chain assets to off-chain custody and banking operations. These primitives reduce the amount of bespoke infrastructure needed for basic issuance and transfer.
Ecosystem APIs and SDKs
Developers can use Horizon API endpoints and official/community SDKs to build wallets, payment apps, and asset services. The ecosystem includes hosted node/API providers and tooling that can reduce the operational burden of running full infrastructure. Compared with self-managed deployments, this can speed up prototyping and integration. The network’s long-running public operation provides a stable target for integration testing and production deployments.
Not a managed BaaS
Stellar itself is a public network and protocol, not a single turnkey managed blockchain service. Teams that need SLAs, dedicated environments, or enterprise support must rely on third-party infrastructure providers or build in-house operations. This can complicate procurement and accountability compared with fully managed offerings. Operational responsibilities (monitoring, key management, node strategy) still sit with the implementing organization.
Different smart contract model
Stellar’s application model differs from general-purpose EVM-style platforms, which can limit portability of existing smart-contract code and developer tooling. While smart contract capabilities exist via Soroban, teams may need new patterns, audits, and engineering skills. Some Web3 libraries and integrations are optimized for other ecosystems, increasing integration effort. This can affect time-to-market for teams migrating from more common contract environments.
Anchor dependency for fiat rails
Many real-world payment and stable-value use cases depend on anchors for on/off-ramps, compliance, and redemption. Coverage varies by geography, currency, and partner risk appetite, which can constrain deployment options. Implementers may need to contract with multiple anchors or build their own regulated entity to reach target markets. This introduces business and compliance dependencies beyond the core protocol.
Plan & Pricing
Pricing model: Pay-as-you-go Free tier/trial: Protocol & software are open-source and free to run; no time-limited commercial trial offered on the official site. Example costs:
- Base operation fee (network minimum): 100 stroops = 0.00001 XLM per operation (network minimum charged when network is not congested).
- Common practical fee (to improve timeliness during congestion): ~100,000 stroops = 0.01 XLM per operation (commonly recommended by Stellar docs/blog).
- Minimum account balance: calculated from base reserve; one base reserve = 0.5 XLM, minimum account balance is two base reserves (1 XLM) plus additional per-subentry reserves.
- Smart-contract/resource fees (selected examples, denominated in stroops):
- 10,000 CPU instructions: 25 stroops
- Read 1 ledger entry from disk: 6,250 stroops
- Write 1 ledger entry: 10,000 stroops
- 1KB transaction size (bandwidth): 1,624 stroops
- 30 days rent for 1 KB of persistent storage: ~427,000 stroops Discount options: Not applicable — fees are protocol-denominated (XLM) and dynamic; no vendor subscription discounts listed on official site.
Notes: Fees are paid in the native token (XLM). Fees are dynamic (surge-pricing auction when ledger limits exceeded) and validators set network minimums. Running Stellar software (Stellar Core/Horizon) is open-source and free but on-ledger activity requires XLM to pay fees and minimum balances.
Seller details
Stellar Development Foundation
San Francisco, CA, USA
2014
Non-profit
https://stellar.org/
https://x.com/StellarOrg
https://www.linkedin.com/company/stellar-development-foundation/
