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Cardano is a proof-of-stake blockchain with a UTXO-based model. This guide covers Cardano-specific features when using Dfns wallets.

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UTXO model

Cardano uses a UTXO model similar to Bitcoin, but with a key difference: a single UTXO can hold multiple assets (ADA and native tokens).

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Multi-asset UTXOs

Each UTXO can contain:
  • Native ADA
  • Multiple native tokens (similar to ERC-20)
  • NFTs
When you receive multiple tokens in a single transaction, they are stored together in one UTXO.

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Minimum UTXO value

Cardano requires a minimum ADA amount in each UTXO. This amount is proportional to the number of assets the UTXO holds.
UTXO contentsApproximate minimum ADA
ADA only~1 ADA
ADA + 1 token~1.5 ADA
ADA + multiple tokensHigher (scales with token count)
Holding many different tokens increases your minimum ADA requirement. Ensure you have enough ADA to cover the holding cost for all your assets.

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Transfers

Use the Transfer Asset endpoint for Cardano transfers:
  • Native ADA: Use kind: Native with amount in lovelace (1 ADA = 1,000,000 lovelace)
  • Native tokens: Use the appropriate token kind with the policy ID and asset name

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Single asset transfers

Dfns transfers one asset at a time. If you need to send multiple assets together, use the Broadcast Transaction endpoint to construct a custom transaction.

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Webhooks

When a UTXO contains multiple assets, Dfns generates one webhook per asset. This means a single transaction may trigger multiple webhook notifications.

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SDK integration

For full transaction control, use the Dfns SDK with MeshSDK. See the MeshSDK integration example.