Intermediate

What Is an RPC Endpoint?

By DappAtlas editors ·

On this page

An RPC endpoint is a URL that lets a wallet or app send requests to a blockchain node, for example to read a balance or broadcast a transaction, using the JSON-RPC protocol.

Key takeaways

  • Wallets and dApps read and write blockchain data through RPC endpoints.
  • Public endpoints are free but rate-limited and shared.
  • The endpoint operator can see your IP address and requests.
  • Each network has its own endpoints and a unique chain ID.

Not to be confused with: chain id — the number that identifies the network itself, not the server you connect to.

How an RPC endpoint works

Your wallet sends a JSON-RPC request such as eth_getBalance or eth_sendRawTransaction to the endpoint URL. The node behind it answers from its copy of the chain or passes the signed transaction to the network.[1]

Public vs private endpoints

Public endpoints are free and shared by many users, with unpublished rate limits and no uptime guarantee. Providers sell private endpoints with API keys, higher limits and support.

Privacy and risks

An endpoint cannot move your funds, but it sees your IP address and which addresses you query. A dishonest endpoint could also return wrong data, which is why many wallets let you switch endpoints.

The Bottom Line

An RPC endpoint is your wallet’s connection to the chain. For everyday use a public one is fine; for apps, use a dedicated endpoint.

Educational content, not financial advice.

Chain IDThe number that identifies an EVM network.Gas feeWhat you pay the network to process a transaction.Self-custodyHolding your own keys instead of trusting an exchange.TestnetA practice blockchain where tokens have no value.
Pros
  • Lets apps use a chain without running a node
  • Public endpoints are free
Cons
  • Public endpoints are rate-limited
  • The operator can see your IP and requests
Sources (1)
  1. [1] ethereum.org. “JSON-RPC API.” Accessed Sep 26, 2026.
DevelopersInfrastructure

RPC endpoint FAQ

Where can I find public RPC endpoints?

Our RPC directory lists public endpoints for each network with latency checked every 5 minutes.

Can an RPC endpoint steal my crypto?

No. It never sees your private key. It can see your requests and IP address, and a faulty one can return wrong data.

How this page works

Sources: ethereum.org. Data as of Sep 26, 2026.

How we review

Not affiliated with any project listed. Educational content, not financial advice.