What is USDT,
and how to buy it.
Almost everyone's first crypto purchase is USDT. Understanding it matters more than picking any coin.
What is USDT?
USDT (Tether) is a stablecoin pegged 1:1 to the US dollar, issued by Tether, which says each token is backed by dollar reserves. Because its price is stable, it works as the “cash” of crypto, and most pairs are priced in USDT.
- Uses: trading pairs, parking funds during drops, cross-border transfers.
- Risks: it depends on the issuer's reserves and has briefly lost its peg before. Addresses can be frozen by the issuer.
- Alternatives: USDC and other regulated dollar stablecoins.
TRC20 vs ERC20
USDT exists on several blockchains. The sender and receiver must use the same network, or funds may not arrive.
| Network | Address | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| TRC20 (Tron) | Starts with T | Low | Fast and widely used |
| ERC20 (Ethereum) | Starts with 0x | Higher, varies with congestion | Most compatible |
| Others | Varies | Usually low | X Layer, Solana and more. Check the receiver supports it |
Send a small test amount first, and always copy and paste addresses.
How to buy USDT on OKX
- Buy Crypto: pay by card or bank transfer where available. This is the simplest option.
- P2P: choose verified merchants with many completed orders and high ratings.
- Pay from your own account: the payer's name must match your verified name.
- Mark as paid: only after you've actually sent the payment. The merchant then releases USDT.
- Appeal if needed: if the merchant doesn't release in time, open an appeal on the order page.
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Selling USDT safely
- Log in to your own bank and confirm the money has actually arrived. Don't trust screenshots.
- Check the payer's name matches the buyer's verified name.
- Refuse third-party payments and appeal instead of releasing.
- Never buy “discounted” USDT from strangers. It's often proceeds of crime.
USDT
FAQ.
01Is USDT safe?
It's the largest stablecoin, but it depends on the issuer's reserves and addresses can be frozen. It isn't a bank deposit.
02What happens if I send USDT on the wrong network?
Funds may not arrive or may need a costly recovery. Always confirm the network before withdrawing.
03Where does my USDT go after buying?
Usually to your funding account. Transfer it to your trading account to trade.
04Why is cheap USDT a red flag?
USDT below market price is often laundered money. Buying it can get your bank account frozen.
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