Sending crypto on the right network
Address, network, memo and test transaction: the method to avoid transfer mistakes.
The essentials
The four fields to check
- Asset: BTC, ETH, USDC or another. A fake token can imitate a real one's name; check its source and contract where relevant.
- Network: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Base, Solana, etc. The withdrawal network must match the network the recipient accepts for that asset.
- Address: copy it from the recipient's "Receive" page. Check it after pasting; malware can alter the clipboard.
- Memo/tag: some platforms share one address and use an extra identifier. If the recipient requires one, don't forget it.
Recognizing an address format
Each family of networks has its own address format. Recognizing it helps you spot an obvious mistake before sending.
| Network | What the address looks like | Specifics |
|---|---|---|
| Bitcoin | Starts with bc1, 1 or 3 | Several valid formats |
| Ethereum and EVM networks (Base, Arbitrum, Optimism, BNB Chain, Polygon…) | 0x followed by 40 characters | The same address exists on all these networks |
| Solana | 32 to 44 letters and digits, no prefix | Tokens use the SPL standard |
| Tron | Starts with T | Often offered for USDT (TRC-20) |
| XRP | Starts with r | Platforms often require a Destination Tag |
A correct format doesn't prove it's the right address: it only proves it belongs to the right family of networks.
Why "the same address" can be misleading
EVM-compatible networks often use addresses starting with 0x. Your wallet may show the same address on Ethereum and on Base, but the assets are recorded on separate networks. On a platform, a deposit received on the wrong network may not be credited. Sometimes support can help, sometimes recovery is impossible or expensive; never assume it will be offered.
Choosing the network when several are offered
Platforms often offer the same asset on several networks. Choose in this order:
- What the recipient accepts. This is the only mandatory criterion. Read their deposit page, not a tutorial.
- Fees. Sending USDC on Ethereum usually costs more than on Base, Arbitrum or Solana. Compare the withdrawal fees shown by the platform, which may differ from the actual network fees.
- The token version. On some networks a "native" version and a bridged version, sometimes labeled USDC.e, coexist. They aren't always interchangeable.
If there's no network in common, don't try a transfer "just to see". Use a platform that accepts both, or look into bridges, which add their own risks: see Bridges: moving between chains.
The small test method
On the recipient's side, open the deposit or receive screen, choose the asset and read the list of accepted networks. On the sender's side, choose exactly the same network and reread the net amount after fees. Send a small amount large enough to exceed any minimum deposit. Wait for it to show up in the right place before sending the rest. The test doesn't replace checking the second transfer: verify the address and network again.
USDC example
The recipient shows "USDC deposit — Base network". On the sender's side, don't pick "Ethereum" or "Solana" just because those options also say USDC. Select Base only if the sender offers USDC withdrawals on Base and the recipient accepts exactly that deposit. If either page is ambiguous, stop and check their official documentation.
Traps that lose funds
- Address poisoning: a scammer sends you a tiny amount from an address that looks like a contact's, so you'll copy it from your history. Always copy the address from its source and check all of it.
- Altered clipboard: malware replaces the copied address with the attacker's. Reread the address after pasting it.
- A contract address: sending tokens to the token's own contract address, instead of a wallet, usually makes them unrecoverable.
- An unsupported token: a platform only accepts certain tokens on each network. A token it doesn't list may never be credited.
- The forgotten memo: on XRP, XLM, TON, ATOM and a few others, a deposit to a platform without the requested memo or tag isn't attributed automatically.
Platform to personal wallet: the European rule
Since December 30, 2024, a European regulation on the traceability of transfers applies to crypto platforms. When you withdraw to your own wallet, the platform may ask you to declare that it belongs to you. Above €1,000, it may require proof, such as signing a message with that wallet or making a small verification transfer. This is normal, and it happens inside the official app. See KYC: why you're asked for your ID.
After sending
The platform often provides a transaction identifier, also called a hash or signature. Paste it into an explorer for the right network to check the status, recipient and amount. A transaction confirmed on-chain doesn't always mean an instant credit on a platform: it may wait for more confirmations or run an internal check. To read this information, see Reading a block explorer.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I send on the wrong network?
It depends on the recipient. To a standard EVM-compatible personal wallet, the funds can often be recovered by adding the right network to the wallet. On a platform, a deposit received on an unsupported network may not be credited: some support teams recover it, sometimes for a fee, others don't. Only contact official support.
What is a memo or a tag?
An extra identifier some platforms require to know which customer a deposit belongs to, common for XRP, XLM, ATOM or TON. If it's required and you forget it, the deposit isn't credited automatically.
Which network should I use to send USDC or USDT?
First, a network the recipient accepts for that asset. If several networks are accepted on both sides, a low-fee network (Base, Arbitrum, Solana…) usually costs less than Ethereum. Compare the withdrawal fees shown by the platform, which may differ from network fees.
How long does a crypto transfer take?
From a few seconds to about an hour depending on the network, how busy it is and how many confirmations the platform waits for before crediting. If the transaction is confirmed in an explorer but the deposit doesn't appear, wait, then contact official support with the hash.