Crypto networks explained: ERC-20, TRC-20, BEP-20, Solana and more
Why USDT exists on many networks, what ERC-20, TRC-20, BEP-20 and SPL mean, how to choose one on an Indian exchange, and what happens if you pick the wrong one.
- Checked against the rules: Oct 2026
- Sources cited · No buy or sell calls
The common ones
- ERC-20: tokens on Ethereum. Secure and widely supported, but fees can be high.
- Layer 2s (Base, Arbitrum, Optimism): cheaper networks that use Ethereum-style 0x addresses.
- TRC-20: tokens on Tron. Popular for USDT because fees are low.
- BEP-20: tokens on BNB Smart Chain.
- SPL: tokens on Solana.
How to choose
Pick a network that both the sender and the receiver support. For transfers to your own wallet, choose one your wallet supports and where you have a little native token for fees.
Wrong network?
- To your own wallet on an EVM network: add that network to your wallet and the funds usually appear.
- To an exchange deposit address: contact the exchange. Some can recover funds for a fee, some can't.
Check your transfer
Every network has a block explorer. Paste your transaction hash to see it. How to read a block explorer.
Sources
Was this guide helpful?