USDT is a stablecoin that always aims to be worth one US dollar. What many people do not know is that it exists on several networks, and each one behaves differently. Understanding them takes five minutes and can save you from losing money.
What is a network?
A network (or blockchain) is the system that carries your transfer from one wallet to another. USDT is issued separately on each network, so USDT on one network is not the same thing as USDT on another, even though the name is identical.
The common ones
- TRC-20 (Tron) — popular for payments because transfers are fast and the network fee is usually low.
- ERC-20 (Ethereum) — the most widely supported network, but the fee is usually the highest, especially when the network is busy.
- BEP-20 (BNB Chain) — fast with low fees, common among users of large exchanges.
- Polygon, Base and Arbitrum — newer networks built for low fees.
The golden rule: the networks must match
The network you send on must be the same network the receiving address expects. If a customer sends USDT on the wrong network, the funds can be lost for good. This is why the InzoPay payment page shows the exact network next to the address and warns the customer to send on that network only.
How to choose as a merchant
- Think about where your customers hold their money. Most exchanges support several networks, so ask or check which one they use.
- For small and frequent payments, prefer a network with low fees, so the network fee does not eat the payment.
- Add a wallet for each network you want to accept, and customers choose on the payment page.
A short checklist for customers
- Read the network name on the payment page.
- Choose the same network when you withdraw from your exchange or wallet.
- Copy the whole address, do not retype it.
- Send the exact amount shown.
If the exchange deducts its own withdrawal fee from the amount, you can still confirm the payment with your transaction ID. See the help article Paid a different amount?.