Deposit network (chain selection)
Also called: withdrawal network · transfer network · chain selection
Definition
A deposit network is the blockchain you choose to move a coin or token over when you deposit to or withdraw from an exchange, and the sending and receiving sides must use the same one.
How deposit network works
Many assets exist on several blockchains. USDT, for example, is issued on Tron (TRC-20), Ethereum (ERC-20), BNB Smart Chain, Solana, TON and others. These are separate ledgers. A token sent over one network does not appear on another by itself.
When you withdraw, the exchange asks you to pick a network and shows the fee and minimum amount for each. When you deposit, the exchange shows an address for the network you select. Fees, speed and the number of confirmations required differ by network and by exchange.
If you send over a network that the receiver does not support, the funds may still exist on-chain but not be credited. Some exchanges can recover them for a fee, others cannot. Always match the network on both sides before sending.
Example
Suppose you move 500 USDT from Exchange A to Exchange B. Exchange B lists deposits on TRC-20 and ERC-20. Exchange A shows a withdrawal fee of 1 USDT on TRC-20 and 4 USDT on ERC-20, as illustrative figures. You choose TRC-20 on both sides, paste the address starting with T, and receive 499 USDT. Had you chosen BNB Smart Chain on Exchange A, the tokens could have been sent to a network Exchange B does not credit.
Common mistakes
- Assuming that because both addresses start with 0x, any EVM network will work.
- Picking the cheapest network without checking that the receiving side supports it.
- Ignoring the minimum deposit amount, which can leave a small transfer uncredited.
Learn and practise
FAQ
What happens if I choose the wrong network?
The transfer usually completes on-chain but the receiver does not see it. Contact the receiving platform's support with the transaction hash; recovery is not guaranteed.
Is TRC-20 the same as ERC-20?
No. TRC-20 is a token standard on Tron and ERC-20 is a token standard on Ethereum. They are different blockchains with different fees and addresses.