Does this apply to me?
USDT transactions on the Tron network are currently only available for customers verified in Nigeria and South Africa using Luno app version 8.77.0 or higher.
Luno supports sending and receiving USDT using the Ethereum (ERC-20) or Tron (TRC-20) transfer networks. This guide will help you understand the differences between these networks so you can choose the one that best fits your needs.
Warning
Do not send USDT to your Ethereum wallet on Luno. Your Ethereum wallet is not compatible with receiving USDT, and you will lose any USDT you attempt to send to your Ethereum wallet.
How to decide which network to use
Check wallet compatibility
Before sending USDT, ensure the receiving wallet supports the network you choose. For example, confirm whether the wallet you’re sending to is compatible with the Tron network before if you want to send USDT on Tron. Sending USDT to an incompatible wallet can result in the permanent loss of your funds.
Consider Transaction fees
Transaction fees can fluctuate, so it's a good idea to check which network offers the best rates at the time. Luno charges a dynamic send fee for sending USDT on Tron and Ethereum. You'll see the exact fee before you hit 'Send', so you could switch between networks and compare before you confirm your choice.
Assess Your Use Case
Your choice of network may depend on where you are sending USDT or the specific requirements of the transaction.
Tron is ideal if faster confirmations are a priority, while Ethereum is ideal for platforms, wallets, or services that only support USDT on the Ethereum network.
Note
You can only create one Ethereum (ERC-20) address per currency (e.g. one for USDT, one for Chainlink, Uniswap, etc.). If you have an existing wallet, you’ll be prompted to use it or to choose a different network.
Key Differences Between Ethereum (ERC-20) and Tron (TRC-20)
While both networks allow you to send and receive USDT, the best choice depends on your specific needs, such as cost and speed.
| Feature | Ethereum (ERC-20) | Tron (TRC-20) |
| Transaction Fees | Fees go up and down dynamically based on network activity. | Fixed fee of $3 - $12, depending on your region. |
| Minimum send amounts | There’s no minimum send amount, provided you cover the network’s send fee. | You must send a minimum of $10 USDT. |
| Network Speed | Moderate | Faster |
| Network availability | Sending and receiving USDT on Ethereum is always available to Luno customers in all regions where we offer USDT. | Sending and receiving USDT on Tron is currently only available to customers verified in Nigeria and South Africa, and this network may sometimes become temporarily unavailable as we continue to expand support for it. |
How to choose your preferred USDT transfer network
If a cryptocurrency has multi-network support for you, you’ll be prompted to choose which network you want to use when you send cryptocurrency or when you create a receive address.
For detailed steps on sending and receiving USDT, refer to our dedicated how to send cryptocurrency and how to receive cryptocurrency guides.
Warning: Avoid losing crypto
When sending crypto, check that the receiving address supports payments on your chosen network. Likewise, when receiving crypto, check which network your receive address supports. It’s also best practice to test with a small amount first before transferring a large sum of crypto.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I send USDT on the wrong network?
The funds may be permanently lost if USDT is sent using an unsupported network. Always confirm that the receiving wallet supports the chosen network.
Can I change the network after I’ve sent the USDT?
No, the selected network cannot be changed once the transaction is sent. Double-check the network before confirming the transaction.
What are the fees for receiving USDT?
Receiving crypto into a Luno wallet is usually free. Visit our Fees and Limits page to learn more about the fees for receiving cryptocurrency.
What’s the minimum amount of USDT I can send?
On the Tron (TRC-20) network, you need to send a minimum of $10 USDT. On Ethereum, there is no set minimum, provided you send enough to cover fees.
I couldn’t send USDT because the network was unavailable
We’re sorry for the inconvenience. Sending on the Tron network may be temporarily unavailable sometimes, in which case you can try again later or choose the Ethereum network instead.
Can I send USDT to my Ethereum wallet on Luno?
No, Luno's Ethereum wallets do not support receiving USDT. You will lose any USDT you attempt to send to your Ethereum wallet on Luno. Always send USDT to your USDT wallet.