How to send USDT or USDC abroad
To send USDT or USDC abroad, agree with the recipient on the token and the network (for example Tron or Ethereum), copy their address for that exact network, send a small test amount, and then send the rest. Both sides must use the same network: a transfer sent on one blockchain does not arrive on another. Every transfer also pays a network fee, which depends on the blockchain, not on the amount.
What a "network" is
USDT and USDC are not tied to one blockchain. The same dollar token is issued on several networks, and each one is a separate ledger. Tether says its tokens "exist on multiple blockchains and should be treated equally and interchangeably, i.e. 1 TETHER token on Blockchain X = 1 TETHER token on Blockchain Y" source. Its official list includes Ethereum (ERC20), Tron (TRC20), Solana, TON, Avalanche and several others, and Tether notes that it no longer issues tokens on the Kusama, Bitcoin Cash SLP, Omni Layer, EOS and Algorand blockchains source.
Circle publishes its own list of networks for USDC source. Two details matter for senders. On TRON, Circle supports only redemptions of USDC, effective February 21, 2024, so it no longer issues new USDC there source. And some networks carry a bridged token labeled "USDC.e", which Circle says is "not issued or backed by Circle" source.
Watch for look-alike tokens too: on Tether's page, the BNB Smart Chain section lists a contract only for its gold token XAU₮, not for USD₮ source.
Step by step
- Ask the recipient for three things: the token (USDT or USDC), the network, and the address on that network. A Tron address starts with "T"; Ethereum-style addresses start with "0x".
- Choose the same network in your app. Exchanges and wallets show a network menu on the withdrawal screen. If your app doesn't support the recipient's network, don't pick a "similar" one; ask for another address.
- Copy and paste the address, never type it. Then compare the first and last several characters with what the recipient sent you.
- Check the address. Paste it into Stablecoin scanner ACHIVX to see its balance, its recent transfers and whether the issuer has frozen it.
- Send a small test amount and ask the recipient to confirm it arrived.
- Send the rest and keep the transaction ID (hash) as your receipt.
What the fee depends on
You pay the blockchain's fee on every transfer. Circle's white paper explains that USDC holders must "cover network fees, which may be gas fees on Ethereum, Layer 2s or other EVM-compatible blockchains, and transaction fees on other blockchains" source. The fee depends on the network you choose and how busy it is; exchanges also set their own withdrawal fees, which they show before you confirm.
Why mistakes are costly
A stablecoin transfer can't be called back. Circle's terms say Circle "does not have the ability to reverse or recall any transaction once initiated" and that you "bear all responsibility for any losses that might be incurred as a result of sending USDC to an incorrect or unintended USDC address" source. Tether's terms put it the same way: "Tether Token transactions are not reversible" source.
FAQ
What happens if I send USDT on the wrong network?
Usually the money doesn't reach the recipient. Sometimes an exchange can recover it for a fee, but often it is lost, because nobody can reverse a blockchain transfer.
Which network is cheapest?
It changes with network traffic and with your app's withdrawal fee. Compare the total fee shown on the withdrawal screen for each network both sides support.
Is USDT on Tron the same as USDT on Ethereum?
It is the same Tether token, worth the same, but on a different blockchain. You can't send from one network to an address that only works on the other.
Can I send USDC on Tron?
Circle stopped issuing USDC on TRON in February 2024 and supports only redemptions there, so most recipients will expect USDC on another network.