What the different USDT networks are, how to avoid sending a transfer to the wrong one and what a memo is on TON. Compare TRC20, ERC20 and TON by speed and minimums in TeleCard.
Why “USDT” doesn't tell you the network
USDT is a token issued by Tether on many blockchains at the same time. In a wallet it looks like one and the same coin, but technically these are separate entries in separate ledgers: TRC20 lives on Tron, ERC20 on Ethereum, and USDT on TON on the TON blockchain. A transfer on one network can't turn up on another by itself.
So a “network” is really a route. The sender picks the route when sending, and the recipient is waiting for the funds on a particular route. When the two match, the transfer arrives quickly. If a transfer has gone quiet, our guide on a crypto deposit that hasn't arrived explains what to check.
USDT on TRC20, ERC20 and TON in TeleCard, compared
TeleCard accepts and sends USDT on three networks. The differences that matter to you are in the table below.
| Parameter | USDT · TRC20 | USDT · ERC20 | USDT · TON |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blockchain | Tron | Ethereum | TON |
| Address | Starts with T | Starts with 0x | Shared address plus a memo |
| Typical credit time | ≈ 1 min | ≈ 5 min | ≈ 1 min |
| Confirmations | 19 blocks | 12 blocks | After the transfer is finalized |
| Minimum deposit | 1 USDT | 5 USDT | 1 USDT |
| Minimum withdrawal | 10 USDT | 5 USDT | 2 USDT |
These are default values from the service settings, and the app shows the exact numbers for your transaction before you confirm. The network fee for a withdrawal is calculated for the network and shown on the confirmation screen before you withdraw; on Ethereum it follows network congestion most of all.
You pay the network fee for sending a transfer in the wallet or on the exchange you send from.
How to choose the network in your situation
The order is simple: compatibility first, then price and speed. The lowest fee is no use if the other side doesn't accept that network.
You are sending USDT to TeleCard
Look at which networks your wallet or exchange offers for withdrawals, and pick one that TeleCard also supports. If several fit, compare the sending fee and the speed: transfers on Tron and TON are usually cheaper and quicker than on Ethereum.
You are withdrawing USDT from TeleCard
Start with the recipient. Find out which network their address or exchange accepts, then choose it in TeleCard. Don't reuse an address from an old chat if the network isn't named there: ask the recipient to generate the details again.
You are paying an SBP QR code
Top up in a network your wallet supports: USDT in TeleCard is one balance, so you don't pick a network when you pay. The app shows the final debit before you confirm, and the whole flow is described in how to pay an SBP QR code with crypto.
What a memo is on TON
For Gram (formerly Toncoin) and for USDT on TON, the deposit address is shared by all users. Your transfer is recognized by the comment attached to the payment, the memo shown in the app. You need to paste it into the comment field when you send, exactly as it appears.
With the right memo, your transfer is credited automatically; without it, or with someone else's, an operator has to check it by hand. So on TON, check the memo as carefully as the address.
A checklist before you send
- Open the deposit screen in TeleCard, choose USDT and the network, and get the address for exactly that combination.
- In your external wallet or exchange, select the same network before you paste the address.
- After pasting, compare the beginning and the end of the address with the TeleCard screen. For TON, add the memo.
- Make sure the amount is not below the minimum deposit for that network: a smaller transfer isn't credited automatically.
- Check that the wallet has enough of the network's main coin for the fee: for many wallets that is TRX on Tron, ETH on Ethereum and Gram on TON.
- For a large amount, send a small trial transfer first and wait until it is credited.
If you sent to the wrong network
Don't repeat the transfer. Save the transaction ID (TXID), the network, the address and the amount, look the transaction up in the explorer of the network you actually used, and message support in the app or the bot @itelecard_bot.
Support will look into what can be done: the outcome depends on the route, the address and the services involved. Editing an address won't help, because changing a few characters doesn't turn an address on one network into an address on another. Support needs the technical details of the transfer, never your PIN or Telegram codes.
Frequently asked questions
Can I send USDT ERC20 to a USDT TRC20 address?
No, they are different networks. Choose the same network on both sides, and the transfer goes through quickly. The networks are easy to tell apart: a TRC20 address starts with T, an ERC20 address with 0x.
Which USDT network is cheapest: TRC20, ERC20 or TON?
Transfers on Tron and TON are usually cheaper than on Ethereum, where the fee follows network congestion. But both sides must support the network first. TeleCard shows the withdrawal fee before you confirm.
Do I need a memo for USDT on TON?
Yes. The deposit address is shared, and your transfer is recognized by the memo from the app. Without it, or with someone else's, the credit goes to manual review.
What if my wallet doesn't have the network I need?
Choose another network that both your wallet and TeleCard support: the list is on the Wallet page. Don't try to work around the mismatch by editing the address.
