How to Buy Sai (SAI)

If you're looking to buy Sai (SAI), the decentralized stablecoin built on Ethereum, you've come to the right place. SAI is part of the broader MakerDAO ecosystem and represents an early chapter in the story of decentralized finance. Whether you're new to crypto or just new to this token, this guide walks you through everything you need to know. SAI is currently available on exchanges including Gate.io and MEXC, making it accessible to most buyers worldwide.

Last updated: March 12, 2026
Buy SAI on Gate.io →
SAI Price …
Market Cap—
24h Volume—
Rank#687
CoinSai (SAI)
NetworkEthereum
Available On ✗ Binance ✗ Bybit ✓ Gate.io ✓ MEXC
Websitemakerdao.com

How to Buy Sai — Step by Step

Buy SAI on Gate.io

1

Check the market

Confirm the exact token, network and trading pair. Check that the exchange serves your country before registering.

2

Secure your account

Follow the exchange’s identity checks and enable two-factor authentication. Requirements vary by location and account.

3

Choose a funding method

Review the available payment methods and their costs. For crypto deposits, match the receiving network and address exactly.

4

Review your order

Check the live order book, order type, price and fees before submitting. A market order can fill at different prices; a limit order may not fill.

Sign Up on Gate.io & Buy SAI →
Check availability, eligibility and current fees with the exchange.

Buy SAI on MEXC

1

Check the market

Confirm the exact token, network and trading pair. Check that the exchange serves your country before registering.

2

Secure your account

Follow the exchange’s identity checks and enable two-factor authentication. Requirements vary by location and account.

3

Choose a funding method

Review the available payment methods and their costs. For crypto deposits, match the receiving network and address exactly.

4

Review your order

Check the live order book, order type, price and fees before submitting. A market order can fill at different prices; a limit order may not fill.

Sign Up on MEXC & Buy SAI →
Check availability, eligibility and current fees with the exchange.

What Is Sai?

Sai (SAI) is the original single-collateral version of Dai, a decentralized stablecoin built entirely on the Ethereum blockchain. Its core purpose is straightforward: to provide a stable, dollar-pegged asset without relying on any centralized institution. While traditional stablecoins like Tether depend on a company holding real US dollars in a bank, Sai achieves its $1 peg through smart contracts and collateralized debt positions — entirely on-chain and without a central authority that could be shut down or censored. Sai was created by MakerDAO and was the first iteration of the Dai stablecoin, backed solely by Ethereum (ETH) as collateral. When MakerDAO upgraded its system to support multiple collateral types, the original version was renamed Sai to distinguish it from the newer, more flexible multi-collateral Dai. This makes SAI a historically significant token in the DeFi space — it was one of the first live examples of a decentralized, algorithmic stablecoin functioning in the real world. What makes Sai different is its trustless design. There's no company, no bank, and no single point of failure. It operates through transparent smart contracts on Ethereum, meaning anyone can verify how the system works at any time. For those interested in DeFi history and decentralized finance primitives, Sai represents a foundational building block of what the ecosystem has become today.

Best Exchanges to Buy SAI — Fee Comparison

ExchangeMakerTakerCardSignup Bonus
Gate.io 0.20%0.20% 3.5% Up to $10,000 + 50% fee discount Visit →
MEXC 0.00%0.05% 2.0% $8,000 USDT signup bonus Visit →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sai and how does it work?

Sai is the original single-collateral version of Dai, a decentralized stablecoin built on Ethereum that is pegged to $1 USD. Unlike centralized stablecoins backed by a company holding real dollars, Sai maintained its peg through smart contracts and ETH-backed collateral positions — no banks, no middlemen. When MakerDAO upgraded to a multi-collateral system, the original version was rebranded as Sai to distinguish it from the newer Dai. It remains a significant artifact in the history of decentralized finance.

Where is the best place to buy SAI?

SAI is currently available on Gate.io and MEXC, both of which are well-established crypto exchanges with broad token listings. Gate.io is known for its wide selection of altcoins and relatively competitive trading fees, while MEXC is popular for its user-friendly interface and accessibility in multiple regions. The best choice depends on your location, preferred payment method, and fee tolerance — it's worth checking both before deciding.

Is Sai a good investment?

Sai occupies an unusual position in the market — as the original single-collateral Dai, it carries historical significance in DeFi, but it has largely been superseded by the upgraded multi-collateral Dai system. This means its utility as an active stablecoin is limited compared to its successor, which introduces its own set of risks and considerations around liquidity and long-term demand. Like any crypto asset, SAI can be subject to market volatility and shifting ecosystem priorities. We'd encourage you to research the MakerDAO ecosystem thoroughly and consider your own risk tolerance before making any decisions.

Ready to Buy Sai?

Choose your preferred exchange:

Cryptocurrency wallet and keys illustrating secure access and recovery

A little groundwork goes a long way

Before your next purchase or transfer, understand who controls access, where your crypto is going and what the trade will actually cost.

Protect access to your crypto

An exchange account and a self-custody wallet need different safeguards. Protect exchange logins with a unique password and strong two-factor authentication. For self-custody, your recovery backup is what lets you restore access.

Keep recovery words offline and private. A support agent or website asking for them is a reason to stop.

See a recovery example

Your phone breaks. An exchange may help you recover your account after identity checks. A self-custody wallet cannot reset your recovery phrase. Check your wallet’s official backup instructions before relying on it.

Choose the right transfer network

The asset, token version and network must be supported at the destination. A familiar ticker or a matching address format is not enough. Read the receiving platform’s deposit instructions before selecting a withdrawal network.

Check the address, any required memo or tag, fees and minimums. Consider a small test transfer first.

See a network example

Your destination accepts USDC on Ethereum. Selecting a cheaper network at the sending exchange does not make it an Ethereum transfer. Use a network both ends support; an ordinary withdrawal does not bridge tokens.

Understand the price you pay

Trading fees are only part of the cost. The spread, available liquidity and withdrawal charges also matter. A market order prioritizes execution; a limit order controls the price but may remain unfilled or fill only partly.

Check the order preview and the amount you will receive, then compare the full cost of your intended purchase and withdrawal.

Work through a cost example

Hypothetical example: a $200 trade with a 0.1% trading fee costs $0.20 in trading fees. A separate $5 withdrawal fee brings those charges to $5.20. Spread or slippage may add more; these are not quoted exchange rates.