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How to send crypto safely

Guide

Crypto practical5 min

How to send crypto safely

To send crypto safely: confirm the receiving network matches the sending network, paste (never type) the address, verify the first and last characters, send a small test amount first, and only then send the full balance.

The network is the number one mistake

The same token often exists on several networks. USDT on Ethereum, Tron and BNB Chain are different assets from the wallet's point of view. Sending on the wrong network is the most common way funds are lost, and in many cases they cannot be recovered at all.

Always read the network label on the receiving side first, then select the identical network on the sending side. Never assume the default is right.

Address hygiene

  • Copy and paste — never retype an address by hand
  • Check the first four and last four characters after pasting
  • Watch for clipboard-hijacking malware that swaps the address
  • Save frequently used addresses to an allow-list where supported
Example

Send $10 first. Wait for it to arrive and be credited. Only then send the rest. A $2 network fee is cheap insurance against a five-figure mistake.

Fees, memos and minimums

Some networks require a memo or destination tag alongside the address — exchanges use it to credit the right account. Omitting it usually means a support ticket, sometimes a permanent loss.

Check the receiving platform's minimum deposit too. Sending less than the minimum can mean the funds are never credited.

Before you press send

  • Network matches on both sides
  • Address verified character by character at both ends
  • Memo or tag included if required
  • Amount is above the receiving minimum
  • Test transaction confirmed and credited
DCA calculator

Plan the transfers before you make them.

FAQ

Common questions

Can a crypto transaction be reversed?

No. Once a transaction is confirmed on-chain it is final. There is no chargeback mechanism and no central authority that can undo it.

What happens if I use the wrong network?

Sometimes the receiving exchange can recover funds manually for a fee, but often they are unrecoverable. Treat the network selection as irreversible.

Is a test transaction always worth it?

For any new address, yes. The fee is trivial compared with the size of the mistake it prevents.

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