Last reviewed: 2026-06-12. This article is educational only. On-chain transfers are usually irreversible, so always follow the receiving platform's official deposit instructions before sending.
Short Answer: USDT Is Not One Single Route
Many beginners think a USDT address is just a USDT address. In practice, USDT can exist on multiple networks. If the receiving platform shows a TRC-20 deposit address, the sending platform must also send USDT on TRC-20. If the receiving platform shows ERC-20, send ERC-20. Same token, wrong network is still a serious mistake.
The minimum safe workflow:
- Choose USDT on the receiving platform.
- Choose the exact network, such as ERC-20, TRC-20, or BEP-20.
- Copy the deposit address and any Memo, Tag, or Comment.
- On the sending platform, match token, network, address, and Memo or Tag.
- For a new address or network, send a small test amount first.
9-Point Pre-Transfer Check
| Check | Confirm This | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Token | Both sides use USDT, not USDC or another stablecoin | Different tokens may not credit |
| Network | ERC-20, TRC-20, BEP-20, or another network must match exactly | Wrong network is a common irreversible error |
| Address | Copy/paste or scan QR, do not type manually | Typos and clipboard malware are real risks |
| Memo/Tag | Fill it in when required | Without it, exchanges may not know whose account to credit |
| Minimum deposit | Receiving platform minimum must be met | Below-minimum deposits can be delayed or ignored |
| Withdrawal fee | Networks have different fees | A cheaper network is useless if unsupported |
| Confirmations | Platform may require several blocks | Chain success does not always mean platform credit |
| Address allowlist | New addresses may have waiting periods | Security settings can delay withdrawals |
| Scam risk | Address should not come from a stranger or fake platform | Scams often start with a USDT address |
ERC-20, TRC-20, BEP-20: How to Choose
Do not choose only by fee. First check what the receiving platform supports.
- ERC-20: Ethereum-based, widely supported, often higher chain fees.
- TRC-20: Common for USDT transfers, often lower fees, but must be supported by the receiver.
- BEP-20: May be low-cost on BNB Chain, but not universally accepted.
- Other networks: Solana, Polygon, Arbitrum, TON, and others may appear, but support differs by platform.
Wrong example: the receiving platform shows only a USDT ERC-20 address, but you send TRC-20 to save fees. That is not saving money; it is creating a recovery problem.
Related guide: Wrong-network transfer guide.
What Memo, Tag, and Comment Mean
Some exchanges use a shared deposit address and identify user accounts with a Memo, Tag, or Comment. OKX and Kraken both publish deposit instructions explaining that some assets or networks require this extra field. If it is required and you leave it blank, the blockchain transaction may succeed, but your exchange account may not credit automatically.
How to handle it:
- If the receiving platform shows a Memo or Tag, copy it exactly.
- If the sending platform has no Memo or Tag field, stop and ask support.
- A QR code may not include the Memo or Tag, so verify manually.
- If you forgot it, save the TxID, screenshots, address, account information, and contact the receiving platform quickly.
How to Use a Small Test Transfer
A test transfer reduces irreversible risk. Use it when you send to a new platform, new address, or new network:
- Check the minimum deposit and withdrawal fee first.
- Send an amount you can afford to lose, while staying above the minimum deposit.
- Wait until the receiving platform credits the account, not just until the explorer shows success.
- Save the confirmed token, network, address, and Memo or Tag.
- Re-check the address before sending a larger amount.
If the withdrawal fee makes a test feel expensive, compare that cost with the damage of a large wrong-network transfer.
If the Deposit Has Not Arrived
Use a symptom-based workflow:
| Symptom | Check First | Possible Cause | Next Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sender shows processing | Sending platform withdrawal history | Internal review or not broadcast yet | Wait or contact sender support |
| TxID exists, no credit | Explorer and receiver deposit page | Not enough confirmations | Wait for required confirmations |
| Chain success, no credit | Receiver help center and minimums | Below minimum, missing Memo, maintenance | Prepare TxID and contact receiver |
| Wrong network | Withdrawal record and receiver supported networks | Network mismatch | Stop sending more and ask receiver if recovery is available |
| Address changed unexpectedly | Clipboard, browser history, device security | Malware or phishing | Stop transfers, change password, reset 2FA |
Treat Stranger Addresses as High Risk
If someone in an investment group, dating app, private chat, or fake customer support channel gives you a USDT address, slow down. Common scam lines include:
- Send funds here and I will trade for you.
- Pay tax or a verification fee before withdrawal.
- Platform upgrade requires moving assets to a new wallet.
- Your account is frozen and a guarantee deposit will unlock it.
- This arbitrage window expires today.
Real exchanges do not ask you to transfer funds to a private address to unfreeze withdrawals. Save chats, URLs, addresses, TxIDs, and payment records, then contact official anti-fraud or police channels.
Related guide: Crypto scam checklist for Taiwan investors.
Records to Keep
Keep records for tax, support, and account review:
- Sending platform, receiving platform, account ID, or UID.
- Token, amount, network, and fee.
- Receiving address and Memo or Tag.
- TxID, date/time, and block explorer link.
- Platform emails and successful deposit screenshots.
- Trade or conversion records if the transfer relates to buying or selling.
Related guide: Crypto tax records for Taiwan.
Official Sources
- Binance: How to deposit crypto
- OKX: Deposit address and Tag/Memo/Comment
- OKX: Why tags or memos are required
- Kraken: How to deposit cryptocurrencies
- Kraken: Missing cryptocurrency deposit
- BitoPro limitations and fees
- Taiwan 165 Anti-Fraud
FAQ
Q: TRC-20 is cheaper than ERC-20. Should I always use TRC-20?
A: No. Use only a network supported by the receiving platform. A cheap unsupported network can become the most expensive mistake.
Q: The explorer says success. Why has the exchange not credited it?
A: Exchanges may require confirmations, minimum deposit checks, Memo or Tag matching, and risk reviews. Chain success is only one checkpoint.
Q: Is a missing Memo or Tag recoverable?
A: Sometimes, but never guaranteed. Save the TxID, address, amount, time, and screenshots, then contact the receiving platform.
Q: Who can recover a wrong-network transfer?
A: Usually the receiving platform, if recovery is possible at all. Recovery depends on address control, network support, and internal policy.
Language: 繁體中文版本
Sources and Risk Notice
This article is educational only and does not provide financial, legal, or tax advice. Exchange rules, fees, campaigns, and regulations can change; verify official sources before acting.