One of the easiest ways to get rekt as a beginner is by sending coins on the wrong network. You buy USDT on Binance, try to withdraw it, and boom — it’s stuck forever because you picked the wrong chain.
That’s why you need to understand the basics: ERC-20, BEP-20, and TRC-20. These aren’t coins — they’re token standards that decide which blockchain your assets live on. Let’s break it down.
ERC-20 – Ethereum Standard
- Network: Ethereum (ETH)
- Examples: USDT (ERC-20), SHIB, UNI, LINK
- Why it matters: ERC-20 is the OG token standard. Most DeFi apps, NFTs, and Web3 casinos started here.
Pros:
- Most secure, most trusted
- Huge liquidity
- Supported by almost every CEX and DEX
Cons:
- Gas fees can be brutal (sometimes $20+ per transaction)
- Slower than newer chains
Use case: If you’re aping into DeFi or high-liquidity coins, ERC-20 is the safe choice.
BEP-20 – Binance Smart Chain (BNB Chain)
- Network: BNB Chain
- Examples: USDT (BEP-20), CAKE, BNB memes
- Why it matters: Binance made BEP-20 to copy Ethereum but cheaper and faster.
Pros:
- Low fees (cents instead of dollars)
- Fast transactions
- Easy access via PancakeSwap
Cons:
- More scams and rugs (cheap gas = cheap rugs)
- Centralized (Binance controls the chain)
Use case: Great for memecoins, low-cost trades, and gambling dApps that want cheap fees.
TRC-20 – Tron Network
- Network: Tron (TRX)
- Examples: USDT (TRC-20)
- Why it matters: TRC-20 is mostly used for cheap USDT transfers. It’s huge in Asia, Africa, and LATAM for moving money fast.
Pros:
- Almost free transactions
- Lightning-fast
- Widely supported for stablecoin transfers
Cons:
- Limited ecosystem (not much DeFi or gambling)
- Centralized under Justin Sun’s control
Use case: Perfect for sending USDT cheaply between exchanges or friends.
How to Not Get Rekt
- Always check which network your wallet or exchange supports.
- Example: Sending ERC-20 USDT to a TRC-20-only address = gone forever.
- Match networks exactly: ERC-20 → Ethereum wallet, BEP-20 → BNB wallet, TRC-20 → Tron wallet.
- If unsure, start with a small test transfer before sending big bags.
Real-World Wrecks
- Countless beginners have lost thousands sending coins to the wrong chain.
- Binance even shows warnings, but people still ignore them.
- Some wallets (like Trust Wallet) can recover if you control the keys, but if you send to an exchange on the wrong network, gg.
Final Word
- ERC-20 = secure, expensive, DeFi standard.
- BEP-20 = cheap, fast, degen playground.
- TRC-20 = dirt-cheap stablecoin transfers.
Know the difference, and you’ll save yourself from rookie mistakes. Because nothing feels worse than losing your first bag just because you picked the wrong chain.
Wagmi 🚀
