Does this apply to me?
USDT transactions on the Tron network are currently only available for customers verified in Nigeria using Luno app version 8.77.0 or higher. You may need to update your app to access this feature.
Luno now supports USDT transactions on two networks: Ethereum (ERC-20) and Tron (TRC-20). This guide will help you understand the differences between these networks so you can choose the one that best fits your needs.
How to decide which network to use
Check wallet compatibility
Before sending USDT, ensure the receiving wallet supports the network you choose. Confirm whether the wallet you’re sending to is compatible with the Ethereum (ERC-20) network or the Tron (TRC-20) network. 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 flat fee of $0.90 for sending USDT on Tron, so you might want to pick that option if the Ethereum’s network’s send fees are higher. On the other hand, the Ethereum network remains a reliable option, especially for wallets where it is the default network, even if transaction costs can vary.
Asses 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. |
Luno charges a flat fee of $0.90 to send USDT on Tron. |
|
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 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-netork 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
The funds may be permanently lost if USDT is sent using an unsupported network. Always confirm that the receiving wallet supports the chosen network.
No, the selected network cannot be changed once the transaction is sent. Double-check the network before confirming the transaction.
When you send on Tron, you’ll pay a flat fee of $0.90 per send.
There’s a dynamic fee when you send on Ethereum, which is based on the blockchain network activity at that time. We’ll display it to you before you confirm the send transaction.
Receiving crypto into a Luno wallet is usually free. Visit our Fees and Limits page to learn more about the fees for receiving cryptocurrency.
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.
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.