How to Transfer Cryptocurrency: A Beginner’s Guide

In crypto, everything revolves around one thing — how to quickly and safely transfer your coins. If you want to stay in the game, learn to transfer cryptocurrency like a pro. It’s not just a skill — it’s your armor against mistakes, losses, and money drain. While some lose assets due to a single digit in the address, you are already executing everything precisely and securely. Understanding how transfers work is control, confidence, and freedom. No unnecessary panic or questions like “where has my Bitcoin gone?”

Cryptocurrency Transfer: What It Is

A cryptocurrency transfer is the process of sending digital assets from one address to another. Each address acts as a unique identifier in the blockchain network. When you initiate a transfer, the transaction is recorded on the blockchain — a decentralized and immutable database. This ensures transparency and security in transactions. For example, when sending Bitcoin from your wallet to a friend’s address, information about the transaction becomes accessible on the blockchain, allowing anyone to check its status and details.

Transferring Cryptocurrency to Another Person

1. Receiving the Recipient’s Address
   
   First, request the recipient’s exact wallet address. It consists of a string of letters and numbers. For instance, a Bitcoin address might look like this: 1A1zP1eP5QGefi2DMPTfTL5SLmv7DivfNa. It’s essential to copy the address entirely and without changes to avoid mistakes. 
2. Choosing the Right Network
   
   Some cryptocurrencies support multiple networks. For example, USDT (Tether) can operate on ERC-20 (Ethereum), TRC-20 (Tron), and BEP-20 (Binance Smart Chain) networks. The choice of network affects transaction fees and speed. Before sending, clarify with the recipient which network they prefer and ensure their wallet supports the chosen network. 

Checking Fees and Confirming the Transaction

Before sending funds, familiarize yourself with the current fees in the chosen network. Fees may vary depending on network congestion. Some wallets allow you to manually set the fee amount: a higher fee can expedite transaction processing. After entering all the data, carefully check it and confirm the sending. It is recommended to start with a small amount for testing, especially if you are sending funds to this address for the first time.

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Transferring Cryptocurrency from One Exchange to Another

1. Withdrawing Funds from the First Exchange
   
   Log into your account on the first exchange. Navigate to the “Withdraw” section. Select the cryptocurrency you want to transfer. Enter the withdrawal amount and the recipient’s address — this will be the deposit address on the second exchange. 
2. Using the Deposit Address of the Second Exchange
   
   On the second exchange, go to the “Deposit” section. Choose the same cryptocurrency you plan to transfer. Copy the provided deposit address. Make sure that the deposit network matches the network chosen during the withdrawal on the first exchange. 
3. Checking the Status of the Transaction
   
   After sending funds from the first exchange, you can track the status of the transaction using the blockchain explorer of the corresponding network. For instance, use etherscan.io for Ethereum, and blockchain.com for Bitcoin. Enter the transaction ID (TXID) to see its status and confirmations. After a sufficient number of confirmations, the funds will appear in your account on the second exchange. 

How to Transfer Cryptocurrency from an Exchange to a Wallet

1. Creating a Wallet
   
   If you don’t already have a personal wallet, choose a suitable option. There are “hot” wallets (online applications like MetaMask or Trust Wallet) and “cold” wallets (hardware devices like Ledger or Trezor). “Hot” wallets are convenient for frequent transactions but less secure. “Cold” wallets provide a high level of security as they store private keys offline. 
2. Receiving the Wallet Address
   
   In your wallet, find the “Receive” section. Copy the provided address to receive cryptocurrency. Ensure that the address corresponds to the chosen network. For example, to receive Ethereum, use the ERC-20 network address. 
3. Sending Funds from the Exchange to This Address
   
   On the exchange, go to the “Withdraw” section. Select the cryptocurrency and enter your wallet address. Make sure the chosen network matches your wallet’s network. Enter the withdrawal amount, check the fee, and confirm the transaction. Funds will arrive in your wallet after the required number of confirmations in the network. 

Transferring Cryptocurrency from Wallet to Wallet

Transferring between two personal wallets is similar to the processes described above. It’s important to:

• Check the Recipient’s Address. Be very careful to ensure the accuracy of the entered address. An error in a single character can lead to the loss of funds. 
• Choose the Right Network. Both wallets must support the same network for the selected cryptocurrency. For example, when transferring USDT, ensure that both the sender and receiver are using either the TRC-20 or ERC-20 network. 
• Set an Adequate Fee. Some wallets allow you to adjust the fee size. A higher fee can accelerate the transaction but will increase its cost. 

How to Transfer USDT to Another Wallet

USDT (Tether) is a popular stablecoin pegged to the US dollar. It operates on several blockchains, including Ethereum (ERC-20), Tron (TRC-20), and Binance Smart Chain (BEP-20). When transferring USDT:

1. Choosing a Network. Coordinate with the recipient on which network to use. For example, the TRC-20 network is often used due to low fees (averaging $0.1 in March 2025), while ERC-20 can cost $3–5 during peak network times. BEP-20 on Binance Smart Chain offers a balance between speed and cost.

1. Checking the Address. Ensure that the recipient’s address matches the chosen network. For example, TRC-20 addresses always start with “T,” while ERC-20 and BEP-20 start with “0x.” If the address and network don’t align, you will lose your tokens forever.
2. Sending USDT. Go to your wallet or exchange. Select “Withdraw” or “Send.” Specify the address, amount, and network. Check the fees and confirm the transfer. Within a few minutes (usually up to 5 in TRC-20), USDT will arrive at the recipient. 

How to Convert Regular Money to Cryptocurrency

Today, converting regular money to crypto is straightforward. Even if you only have a bank card, you can already purchase any coin. This can be done in two main ways:

1. Through Centralized Exchanges. The most convenient ones are Binance, Bybit, OKX. You register, go through KYC (identity verification), reload your balance with a card or transfer. Then you buy cryptocurrency — for instance, Bitcoin or USDT — at the current rate. In March 2025, Binance still supports rubles and tenge through P2P and direct card deposits. 
2. Through P2P Platforms. Here you buy cryptocurrency directly from other users. The platform acts as a deal guarantor. You send money to the seller’s card, and the crypto arrives in your wallet. This is often more profitable than through an exchange. However, diligence is key — choose sellers with good reputations and high ratings. 

Aggregators like BestChange and crypto exchanges are also available, where you can buy crypto using QIWI, Sberbank, or other services. The main thing is to check the rates and fees. And never transfer money without confirming the transaction on the platform.

How to Convert Money to Bitcoins

1. Creating an Account on an Exchange. The most convenient platforms in 2025 are Binance, Bitget, OKX, and Bybit. Register, provide your email or phone number. Make sure to enable two-factor authentication. 
2. Funding Your Account. In the “Fiat” section, choose a funding method: bank card, P2P, payment system (for instance, AdvCash). Specify the amount and confirm the transfer. 
3. Buying Bitcoin. Go to the “Trading” section and select the BTC/USDT, BTC/RUB, or BTC/UAH pair — depending on the currency. Enter the purchase amount and confirm. Bitcoins will be credited to your exchange wallet. 
4. Transferring to an External Wallet (Optional). If you want to store Bitcoins more securely — transfer them from the exchange to a personal wallet. This could be a Trust Wallet application, MetaMask (with BTC support), or a cold wallet like Trezor. 

The Bitcoin network in 2025 is still quite overloaded. Fees are around $5–10 during peak hours, but you can set your own and wait if it’s not urgent.

How to Withdraw Money from a Crypto Wallet

Want to get cash or withdraw money to your card? Here’s how:

1. Sending Cryptocurrency to an Exchange. First, transfer the cryptocurrency from your wallet to the exchange. For example, from Trust Wallet to Binance. Check the network (for USDT — TRC-20, if you want to save on fees). 
2. Exchanging for Fiat. When the funds arrive at the exchange, sell them in the “Trading” section. For example, exchange USDT for rubles or dollars at the current rate. 
3. Withdrawing to a Card or Account. Go to the “Withdraw” section. Enter the card details, account, or e-wallet. Withdrawals take from a few minutes up to a day, depending on the method and country. 

You can also use P2P services. You place an ad or find a buyer, and they transfer money to your account while you send them the crypto. The exchange keeps the crypto in “escrow” until you confirm payment.

Common Mistakes When Transferring Cryptocurrency

1. Choosing the Wrong Network. One of the most common mistakes is sending funds over the wrong network. For example, you transfer USDT via the ERC-20 network (Ethereum), while the recipient expected a transfer over the TRC-20 network (Tron). In this case, the funds may end up in the wrong place or not arrive at all.

In the best case, the recipient can manually recover the funds, but this requires technical knowledge and time.
In the worst case, the cryptocurrency will be lost forever.

Tip: always ask the recipient which network they are using, and double-check it in your wallet before sending.

2. Incorrect Recipient Address. Unlike bank transfers, a transaction cannot be canceled in the blockchain. If you mistyped the address — the funds will be lost forever. Even one incorrect letter or number renders the address invalid or leads to loss of funds.

Tip: use the copy function and always verify the first and last 4 characters of the address.

3. Malware that Alters Addresses. There are viruses that automatically replace the copied crypto address in the clipboard with an attacker’s address. Visually, you may not notice the alteration and send funds to the wrong place.

Tip: always compare the beginning and end of the address before sending — this helps detect the alteration.

4. Errors in Calculating Amounts with Fees. Some networks (like Ethereum) charge fees separately, but there are cases when the fee is deducted from the total transfer amount. If you send the entire amount without leaving a reserve for the fee — the recipient may receive less, or the transaction may not go through.

Tip: check how fees are calculated in the chosen network and your wallet. Sometimes it’s better to leave part of the amount in the balance.

5. Haste When Using P2P Services. In P2P trading, it’s important to follow the process: first, get confirmation from the seller, and only then make payment. Some users rush and transfer money before the deal is confirmed — and may encounter fraud.

Tip: never send funds before confirming the deal on the platform. Use only reputable P2P services with an arbitration system.

6. Transferring the Wrong Cryptocurrency. for instance, you wanted to send USDT but mistakenly chose ETH. If the recipient’s wallet does not support ETH — they will not receive anything. It’s even worse if you send a token to an address not intended for it.

Tip: always check the name and ticker of the token before sending.

Tips for Safely Transferring Cryptocurrency

1. Check the address manually — not just once, but two or three times. Don’t rely solely on copy-paste. Visually compare the beginning and end of the address. This simple step can save your money.
2. Don’t trust strangers on Telegram, Discord, and forums. Scammers can appear convincing: with fake reviews, bots, and phony screenshots. Never send them funds, even “for testing.”
3. Use multi-signature and cold wallets for storing large amounts. Cold wallets (hardware wallets) are the most reliable. Multi-signature adds an extra layer of protection against hacks and mistakes.
4. Avoid transfers over public Wi-Fi networks. In cafes, airports, and other places with open access, attackers can intercept data. It’s better to use mobile internet or a secure home network.
5. Don’t keep all assets in one wallet. Segregate funds: “for everyday use” in one, “for storage” in another. This reduces the risk of total loss in case of a hack.
6. Store seed phrases offline. Preferably on paper, in a safe place. Never save them on your phone, in screenshots, the cloud, or emails.
7. Set withdrawal limits in security settings. Many exchanges and wallets allow you to restrict daily withdrawals. This will help buy time if the account is compromised.
8. Make a test transfer. Before a large transfer, first send a small amount — $1–2. Ensure that the address is correct, then send the rest.

The Future of Cryptocurrency Transfers

As of March 2025, cryptocurrency transfers have come a long way from the days when you had to wait 30 minutes and pay $20 for a transaction. Everything is moving toward maximum simplicity, speed, and minimal fees — and this is not just hype, but real progress.

Layer 2 Technologies Make Transfers Faster and Cheaper

Second-layer networks (Layer 2), such as Arbitrum, Optimism, and zkSync, are actively capturing the market. They are built on top of major networks like Ethereum and allow transferring the same tokens, but:

• for pennies (from $0.01), 
• almost instantly, 
• without congestion. 

More exchanges (Binance, Bybit, OKX) and wallets now support these solutions. You don’t need to be a geek — just select the network with one click.

Cross-Chain Protocols Simplify Transfers Between Different Blockchains

Previously, you had to use “bridges” and DEX exchanges to move assets between, say, Ethereum and Polygon. Now there are new generation cross-chain protocols — such as Stargate and Wormhole. With their help, you can transfer crypto between different networks in literally a couple of clicks, without fearing for your assets in the process.

Confidential Transfers Are Advancing to a New Level

Solutions based on zk technology (Zero Knowledge) are emerging, allowing transactions to be confirmed without disclosing data. This is already being implemented in wallets like zkMoney and Iron Fish. In the future, such transfers will become the standard for confidential payments.

Interfaces Are Becoming Friendlier

Modern wallets are turning into “superapps.” In 2025, you might have one MetaMask supporting 20+ networks, NFTs, staking, and P2P. This is convenient and secure.

Transfers by Username and QR Codes

Instead of long addresses, you can already send crypto to a username. For example, in WalletConnect 2.0 or Unstoppable Domains. QR codes have also become standard — especially for mobile transfers.

Summary: the future of transfers is ease, security, and the absence of technical headaches. In a couple of years, transferring crypto will become easier than sending via SBP. For now, let’s keep our eyes to the wind and watch the technologies carefully.

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