TRC20 vs BEP20 vs ERC20: How to Send USDT Without Losing It
In short
- Funding (P2P money) → Spot (buy coins) → Futures (futures only)
- Transfers between your own wallets are free and instant
- Withdraw = send outside — sender and receiver must use the SAME network
- Always paste addresses; send a small test first
Your exchange keeps your money in separate wallets — like different pockets in the same jacket.
Funding — where P2P money arrives. Your receiving pocket.
Spot — used to buy and sell coins.
Futures — used only for futures trading. Keep this one small.
To buy coins with your P2P USDT, you first Transfer it from Funding to Spot. Moving money between your own wallets is free and instant.
Pick the coin (USDT), type the amount — or tap Max — and Confirm. Done in one second.
Withdraw is different: it sends crypto out of the exchange — to a friend, another exchange, or your own wallet.
The most important part is the network. USDT can travel on different roads: TRC20 (Tron), BEP20 (BNB Chain), ERC20 (Ethereum).
The sender and the receiver must use the same road — otherwise the money can be lost forever.
Different roads have different fees. TRC20 and BEP20 are usually cheap (about $1 or less). ERC20 can cost a lot more.
Paste the address — never type it by hand. Check the first 4 and last 4 characters match.
Use this every single time you send crypto:
Safe sending checklist
- Ask the receiver which network they use
- Choose exactly that network
- Paste the address and check the first + last 4 characters
- For big amounts, send a small test first
- Wait for the test to arrive, then send the rest
Your friend gives you a USDT address on TRC20. Which network do you choose?
Answer: TRC20. Always match the receiver’s network.
Practise this lesson interactively in Nunno Academy. More guides: Learn crypto.
Educational content, not financial advice.