TRC-20, ERC-20, BEP-20: which network

TRC-20, ERC-20 and BEP-20 are token standards on the Tron, Ethereum and BNB Smart Chain networks. The same USDT exists on each, and the network must match when you send.

How it works

A token standard is a set of rules a token follows on a specific blockchain. ERC-20 is Ethereum's standard, BEP-20 is BNB Smart Chain's, and TRC-20 is Tron's. USDT on TRC-20 and USDT on ERC-20 share a name, but they are records on different blockchains and do not move between them directly.

The networks differ in fees and support. On Ethereum the fee is paid in ETH and depends heavily on how busy the network is. Tron and BNB Smart Chain transfers are usually cheaper, but you still pay the fee in the network's own coin: TRX or BNB. Not every exchange or wallet supports every network.

How to choose: first see which networks the receiver accepts, then pick the cheapest and most reliable one for you among the matching ones. ERC-20 and BEP-20 addresses look the same (they start with 0x), so a wrong network is easy to miss. Tron addresses start with the letter T.

Example with numbers

You withdraw 100 USDT from an exchange to a crypto card. The card only accepts TRC-20. You choose TRC-20, paste an address that starts with T, and the receiver credits 100 USDT minus the network fee. Had you picked ERC-20, the transfer would have gone to a different blockchain and most likely not been credited.

Common mistake

The most common mistake is choosing a network because it is cheap without checking that the receiver accepts it. The money lands on a blockchain the receiver does not watch, and it comes back only through their support, if they agree, or not at all. Find out the receiver's network first, choose exactly that one and send a test amount.

Questions and answers

What are TRC-20, ERC-20 and BEP-20 in simple terms?

They are versions of a token on different blockchains: Tron, Ethereum and BNB Smart Chain. The token name can be the same, but the networks are different.

Which network should I use to send USDT?

The one the receiver supports. If they accept several, choose the cheaper one, but only from those listed on their deposit page.

What happens if I send USDT on the wrong network?

The money goes to a different blockchain. If it is your own wallet with the same key, it can often be recovered. If it is an exchange or service, only their support can return it, and not always.

Withdrawal network USDT (Tether)Network fee (gas)Memo and tag Wallet address

TRC-20, ERC-20, BEP-20: which network

How it works

Questions and answers

Related terms

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