> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.avantprotocol.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.avantprotocol.com/overview/using-avant-protocol.md).

# Using Avant Protocol

This section provides step-by-step guides for the entire lifecycle of using Avant Protocol. You will find instructions on how to mint `avAssets` (base tokens such as `avUSD`), stake them to receive `savAssets` (staked tokens such as `savUSD`), and boost your returns with `avAssetX` (boosted tokens such as `avUSDx`). These guides are applicable across all of the protocol's supported asset families.

Before you begin, please review the prerequisites below to ensure you have everything you need for a smooth experience.

### Prerequisites

To interact with the [Avant Protocol](https://app.avantprotocol.com/), you'll need a few things set up first. This is standard for most decentralized applications.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Get a Web3 Wallet

A wallet acts as your passport to the decentralized web. It holds your assets and allows you to interact with applications like Avant.

**Recommended Wallets:**[ MetaMask](https://metamask.io/download/) (most popular), [Rabby Wallet](https://rabby.io/) (good user experience).

**Action:** Install your chosen wallet as a browser extension or mobile app and follow its instructions to create your wallet. Remember to **store your seed phrase securely offline** and **never share it with anyone**.

**Security Note:** For enhanced protection, especially if you plan to hold significant value, consider using a hardware wallet. Hardware wallets store your private keys offline, reducing exposure to phishing attacks, malware, and other online threats.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Connect Your Wallet to Avant

To interact with the Avant, you need to connect your wallet.

**Action:** Click **Connect Wallet** on the Avant Platform and choose your preferred wallet.

<figure><img src="/files/GCNlibwoBro38sBuWHSF" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Check for the Correct Network

When you first connect to the Avant app, it will display the chain connected by the chain icon at the top right. If your wallet is connected to an unsupported chain, it will be indicated as "Wrong Network".
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Fund Your Wallet with Native Currency

All transactions on any decentralized network require a small fee, known as a [gas fee](https://www.coinbase.com/learn/crypto-basics/what-are-gas-fees), which is paid in the network's native currency (e.g., ETH on Ethereum, AVAX on Avalanche).

**Action:** Purchase a small amount of the native currency for your chosen network from a centralized exchange (e.g., Coinbase, Binance) and withdraw it to your wallet address on the correct chain. A small amount is typically sufficient for many transactions.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Choose a Product and Funding Asset

Choose the product you want to use. Each product has a **direct native-chain path** and may also have **in-app Swap liquidity** on any supported chain, including its native chain.

<table><thead><tr><th width="151.734375">Avant Token</th><th>Asset Access Paths</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>For <code>avUSD</code></td><td><strong>Direct path (native):</strong> Use <a href="https://snowtrace.io/token/0xB97EF9Ef8734C71904D8002F8b6Bc66Dd9c48a6E">USDC</a> on Avalanche.<br><strong>Unified in-app path (supported chains):</strong> Start from supported tokens and use available buy/swap liquidity to route into <code>avUSD</code>.</td></tr><tr><td>For <code>avBTC</code></td><td><strong>Direct path (native):</strong> Use <a href="https://snowtrace.io/token/0x152b9d0FdC40C096757F570A51E494bd4b943E50">BTC.b</a> on Avalanche.<br><strong>Unified in-app path (supported chains):</strong> Start from supported tokens and use available buy/swap liquidity to route into <code>avBTC</code>.</td></tr><tr><td>For <code>avETH</code></td><td><strong>Direct path (native):</strong> Use ETH or <a href="https://etherscan.io/token/0xc02aaa39b223fe8d0a0e5c4f27ead9083c756cc2">WETH</a> on Ethereum.<br><strong>Unified in-app path (supported chains):</strong> Start from supported tokens and use available buy/swap liquidity to route into <code>avETH</code>.</td></tr><tr><td>For <code>avkBTC</code></td><td><strong>Direct path (native):</strong> Use <a href="https://explorer.inkonchain.com/token/0x73E0C0d45E048D25Fc26Fa3159b0aA04BfA4Db98">kBTC</a> on INK</td></tr></tbody></table>

{% hint style="success" %}

## Open a Product Page

From the [Products](https://app.avantprotocol.com/products) page, open the product you want to use. Each product page makes its available actions visible in one place:

* **Mint or Redeem** for direct protocol entry and exit.
* **Swap** to buy or sell through available in-app liquidity.
* **Earn** to use the Senior or Junior Tranche.
  {% endhint %}

On a token's native chain, use **Mint or Redeem** to mint directly with the required underlying asset. **Swap is available on supported chains, including the native chain, wherever liquidity is available** to buy or sell the product token in-app. Use **Earn** to stake or boost the product token. The interface shows the available route, output, and destination options in the selected flow. Check the [Core Tokens](/overview/core-tokens.md) page for native-chain references.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

Once you have completed these steps, you are ready to use the Avant Protocol!