How to Retrieve the Balance of an ERC-20 Token in the Shibarium RPC

The Shibarium ecosystem continues to grow, offering developers powerful tools to scale blockchain applications. Key components like the Shibarium explorer and Shibarium RPC Full Node enable seamless integration of ERC-20 tokens. This guide explores two methods to check token balances—using web3.js or the Shibarium RPC Full Node.

What Is a Shibarium ERC-20 Token?

ERC-20 tokens on Shibarium adhere to the same Ethereum token standard but operate on Shibarium’s Layer 2 infrastructure. This ensures lower fees and faster transactions compared to the Ethereum mainnet. While functionally identical to mainnet ERC-20 tokens, Shibarium tokens benefit from enhanced scalability.

Key Features:

Interoperability: Tokens bridged to Shibarium are locked on Ethereum and minted on Shibarium.
Use Cases: Includes governance tokens (e.g., BONE), memecoins (e.g., SHIB), and DeFi assets (e.g., LEASH).
Non-Custodial: Remember, tools like NOWNodes do not hold funds—always verify contract addresses independently.

How to Check Shibarium ERC-20 Token Balances

Method 1: Direct Blockchain Interaction via Web3.js

Prerequisites:

Web3.js library.
Token contract address (find via Shibarium Block Explorer).
Wallet address.

Steps:

Set Up Web3 Instance:

const Web3 = require('web3');
const web3 = new Web3('https://shibarium.nownodes.io/?apikey=YOUR_API_KEY');

Call Token Contract:

const tokenABI = [...]; // Standard ERC-20 ABI
const tokenAddress = '0x...'; // Token contract address
const tokenContract = new web3.eth.Contract(tokenABI, tokenAddress);

Query Balance:

tokenContract.methods.balanceOf('0x...').call()
  .then(balance => console.log('Balance:', balance));

👉 Optimize your workflow with Shibarium RPC Full Node

Method 2: Use Shibarium RPC Full Node API

Steps:

Obtain API Key from NOWNodes.

Send RPC Request:

curl -X POST https://shibarium.nownodes.io/ \
  -H "api-key: YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -d '{"jsonrpc":"2.0","method":"eth_call","params":[{"to":"TOKEN_CONTRACT_ADDRESS","data":"0x70a08231000000000000000000000000WALLET_ADDRESS"},"latest"],"id":1}'

Pro Tip: Encode the balanceOf method signature (0x70a08231) followed by the wallet address (64-character hex).

FAQ

1. Can I bridge any ERC-20 token to Shibarium?

Yes, if the token supports bridging. Check the token’s official documentation for Shibarium compatibility.

2. Why use Shibarium over Ethereum mainnet?

Shibarium offers lower gas fees and faster confirmations for ERC-20 transactions.

3. Is NOWNodes’ API free?

NOWNodes offers a free tier with rate limits. For heavy usage, upgrade to a paid plan.

4. How do I find my token’s contract address?

Use the Shibarium Block Explorer to search by token name.

Conclusion

Shibarium’s ERC-20 ecosystem combines Ethereum’s robustness with Layer 2 efficiency. Whether you’re a developer querying balances via web3.js or a team leveraging RPC APIs, Shibarium provides the tools for seamless integration.

👉 Explore Shibarium RPC documentation for advanced use cases.