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, minimums and withdrawal fees 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 balance 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. If the two don't match, the transfer may never arrive, and getting such funds back isn't always possible. 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 |
| Withdrawal fee | from 3 USDT | from 0.5 USDT | from 0.15 USDT |
These are default values from the service settings, and the app shows the exact numbers for your operation before you confirm. The withdrawal fee is the network cost plus a 25% margin and never drops below the minimum shown. The real amount can be higher, especially on Ethereum, where the cost of a transfer follows network congestion.
TeleCard doesn't charge a fee for crypto deposits. You pay the network fee for sending 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, and when you pay, choose the asset and network the amount will be debited from. The app shows the final debit before you confirm, and the whole flow is described in how to pay a Russian 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 recognised 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.
A transfer without a memo, or with someone else's, isn't credited automatically and goes to manual review by an operator. 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 contact support: there's a chat in the app and the bot @itelecard_bot.
A refund can't be promised in advance: the outcome depends on the route, the address and what the services involved can do. An address can't be “fixed” either, 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, not access to your account, so never share 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: the shared name USDT doesn't guarantee compatibility. The addresses differ too: 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 recognised 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.
