> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.subwallet.app/main/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.subwallet.app/main/web-dashboard-user-guide/receive-and-transfer-assets/transfer-tokens/understand-existential-deposit.md).

# Understand existential deposit

The existential deposit (ED) refers to the **minimum amount** of native tokens required to keep an address or account active on Polkadot and most Substrate-based networks. 

If an account's balance falls below this value, the account is reaped (or "deactivated"), and any remaining funds are permanently lost. 

{% hint style="info" %}
The address can be reactivated anytime by depositing an amount greater than the ED, but the lost funds **can't be recovered**.
{% endhint %}

The ED exists so that accounts with very small balances or completely empty do not "bloat" the state of the blockchain. This limit allows the network to maintain high performance and reduce fees.

Here's the information about the existential deposit for native tokens on popular networks:

| Network          | Native token | Existential deposit |
| ---------------- | ------------ | ------------------- |
| Polkadot         | DOT          | 1 DOT               |
| Kusama Asset Hub | KSM          | 0.0000333333 KSM    |
| Hydration        | HDX          | 1 HDX               |
| Vara             | VARA         | 1 VARA              |
| Acala            | ACA          | 0.1 ACA             |
| Bifrost Polkadot | BNC          | 0.01 BNC            |
| Bittensor        | TAO          | 0.0000005 TAO       |


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.subwallet.app/main/web-dashboard-user-guide/receive-and-transfer-assets/transfer-tokens/understand-existential-deposit.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.