USDT BEP20 vs ERC20: same address, different networks
USDT on BNB Smart Chain and on Ethereum use identical 0x addresses. Why that is a trap, how fees differ and how to send to the right network.
USDT BEP20 runs on BNB Smart Chain, USDT ERC20 — on Ethereum. Both networks use the same address format: 0x and 42 characters. That is why one of the most common mistakes is to send USDT on one of these networks to an address meant for the other.
| Network | BNB Smart Chain | Ethereum |
|---|---|---|
| Address | 0x… (42 characters) | 0x… (42 characters) |
| Network fee paid in | BNB | ETH |
The same 0x address does not mean the same network: check the network before sending.
What is the same and what is different
- The same: the address format. The same 0x address can exist on Ethereum, BNB Smart Chain, Arbitrum, Polygon, Base and other compatible networks.
- Different: the network itself. USDT BEP20 and USDT ERC20 are separate assets; a transfer on one network does not appear on the other.
- Different: the fee coin. On BNB Smart Chain your wallet pays the fee in BNB, on Ethereum — in ETH.
Do not confuse BEP20 with BEP2
BEP2 was the token format of the old BNB Beacon Chain, which is no longer used. If a service mentions BEP2 or an address starting with bnb1, it is not BNB Smart Chain.
How to send to the right network
- Check which network the receiving wallet or exchange accepts for USDT.
- In Changezilla choose USDT on exactly that network.
- In your sending wallet or exchange choose the same network as in your exchange.
Directions: USDT BEP20 → USDT TRC20, USDT ERC20 → USDT TRC20, BTC → USDT BEP20. If a mistake has already happened, see Sent crypto on the wrong network.
Terms in this guide
Blockchain network
A blockchain on which coins and tokens are transferred, for example Bitcoin, Ethereum, TRON, Solana or TON. A transfer exists only inside its own network: coins sent on one network do not appear on another.
Token standard (TRC20, ERC20, BEP20)
The rules a token follows on a particular network: TRC20 on TRON, ERC20 on Ethereum, BEP20 on BNB Smart Chain, SPL on Solana, jettons on TON. USDT TRC20 and USDT ERC20 have the same name but are different assets.
Network fee
A fee paid to the network for processing a transfer, in the native coin of the network: TRX, ETH, BNB, SOL, TON and others. The network fee for your own transfer is charged by your wallet or exchange and is not included in the estimate.