What is a memo/tag and when you need it
A memo, tag or destination tag is an extra identifier used on networks like TON, XRP, Stellar and Cosmos. When it is needed and what happens without it.
On some networks a transfer can carry an extra identifier besides the address. Depending on the network it is called memo, tag, destination tag or comment. Exchanges use it to tell which customer a deposit belongs to: many customers share one deposit address, and the memo/tag points to the account.
Where it is used
Typical networks: TON, XRP Ledger, Stellar, Cosmos and some others. On Bitcoin, Ethereum or TRON a memo/tag is not used for ordinary transfers.
When you receive coins
To an exchange account
The deposit page usually shows both an address and a memo/tag. Enter both: without the memo/tag the exchange may not be able to credit your deposit automatically.
To a personal wallet
A memo/tag is usually not needed. In Changezilla you can confirm that the recipient does not need one.
When you send coins to your exchange
If your exchange in Changezilla shows a memo/tag next to the deposit address, include it in your transfer. A transfer without the required memo/tag may not arrive, and the funds may be impossible to recover.
Copy the memo/tag exactly, without spaces. If your wallet has a field called “comment” or “memo”, that is where it goes.
Example directions where this matters: USDT TRC20 → TON, BTC → XRP.
Terms in this guide
Memo / tag
An extra identifier of a transfer used on networks such as TON, XRP Ledger, Stellar and Cosmos. Exchanges use it to credit deposits to the right account. If your exchange shows a memo/tag, the transfer must include it.
Deposit address
The address issued for your exchange to which you send the funds. Send exactly the coin and the network shown in your exchange, and do not use the address for new transfers after the exchange is finished.
Custodial and own wallet
On a custodial wallet or exchange account the service holds the keys and processes withdrawals. In your own (non-custodial) wallet only you hold the keys. Changezilla does not hold your funds: you receive the result at your own address.