If you’ve ever tried to transfer crypto — or for example buy USDT — you’ve probably seen options like ERC-20, TRC-20, BSC, Arbitrum or Optimism. These aren’t different coins; they’re blockchain networks that determine how your crypto is transferred, what fees you pay, and where your funds can be received.
At first, these network names may seem technical or irrelevant. But choosing the wrong network can result in failed transactions, lost assets, or extra fees. Understanding how networks work — and how to pick the right one — is essential for anyone using crypto in 2025.
What Are Crypto Networks, and Why So Many?
A crypto network is the blockchain infrastructure that supports a digital asset. While some cryptocurrencies are native to a specific network (like ETH on Ethereum or SOL on Solana), others — especially popular stablecoins like USDT — exist on multiple networks.
This multi-network approach gives users more flexibility. It allows them to choose between lower fees, faster transaction speeds, and better compatibility with wallets or platforms.
Today, USDT and other tokens are available across various chains, including Ethereum (ERC-20), Tron (TRC-20), BNB Smart Chain (BSC), Polygon, Solana, Arbitrum, and more.
How Do Networks Compare?
Each network has unique characteristics: fee levels, transaction speed, address format, and typical use cases. Here’s a quick comparison of the most widely used networks:
| Network | Address Format | Fees | Speed | Typical Use Case |
| ERC-20 | 0x… | High ($5–25) | Slower (1–5 min) | Ethereum ecosystem, DeFi |
| TRC-20 | T… | Very low | Very fast | Cheap transfers, stablecoins |
| BSC | 0x… | Low | Fast | Binance ecosystem |
| Polygon | 0x… | Low | Fast | DeFi, games, low-cost transfers |
| Solana | Long alphanumeric | Very low | Instant | Fast payments, trading apps |
| Arbitrum | 0x… | Low | Fast | Ethereum scaling solutions |
Why Network Choice Matters
Imagine you’re buying USDT and want to send it to your personal wallet. The platform offers several options: USDT on ERC-20, TRC-20, or BSC. They all represent the same value, but they are not interchangeable.
If you accidentally select a network your wallet doesn’t support, the funds may never arrive. Worse, they could be lost entirely unless the platform or wallet provides a complex recovery option — often at an additional cost.
That’s why it’s crucial to understand what network your wallet or recipient supports before confirming a transaction. Address format can help: TRC-20 addresses start with “T,” ERC-20 and BSC both use “0x,” while Solana addresses are long, random strings with no prefix.
Fees and Speed: Choosing the Right Network for Your Needs
Beyond compatibility, networks differ significantly in transaction fees and confirmation times.
| Network | Average Fee | Confirmation Time |
| TRC-20 | <$0.10 | Seconds |
| BSC | <$0.50 | <1 minute |
| ERC-20 | $5–$25+ | 1–5 minutes or longer |
| Solana | <$0.01 | ~1 second |
| Polygon | <$0.10 | <1 minute |
If you’re moving small amounts or want speed, TRC-20, Solana, or Polygon are often better choices. If you’re interacting with Ethereum-based DeFi apps, ERC-20 may be required — but it’s slower and more expensive.
Whether you’re sending tokens to a friend or planning to buy crypto on your favorite platform, your choice of network can make a big difference.
To avoid issues:
- Confirm which networks your wallet or destination supports.
- Pay attention to address format.
- Choose a network that balances cost, speed, and compatibility with your use case.
Understanding crypto networks doesn’t have to be complicated — and once you get the hang of it, you’ll move your funds faster, safer, and smarter.
