# TRC20 vs ERC20, BEP20 and TON: what differs

**Short answer.** TRC20, ERC20, BEP20 and TON jettons are token standards on different blockchains: TRON, Ethereum, BNB Chain and TON. A USDT sent on one network does not arrive on another, so the network must match the receiving address. Fees and speed change often; check them live.

## What is the difference?

The name of the standard tells you the blockchain: TRC20 on TRON, ERC20 on Ethereum ([EIP-20](https://eips.ethereum.org/EIPS/eip-20)), BEP20 on BNB Chain, and jettons on TON. The same USDT ticker exists on several of them as different contracts. On TRON the contract is `TR7NHqjeKQxGTCi8q8ZY4pL8otSzgjLj6t` ([Tether](https://tether.to/en/supported-protocols/)).

## What happens if I choose the wrong network?

Addresses can look alike across EVM networks, and the transfer may be lost or need a recovery by the receiver. A TRON address starts with `T` and has 34 characters, which is not valid on Ethereum or BNB Chain.

## Which network should I pick?

It depends on the recipient: use the network they accept. We do not quote fees or speeds here because they change; check them in your wallet before sending. Whatever the network, freeze and sanction risks apply: check the [address](/tools/usdt-trc20-checker/).

## Key facts

| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| TRC20 chain | TRON | [TRON Developer Hub](https://developers.tron.network/re/docs/trc20-protocol-interface) |
| ERC20 chain | Ethereum | [EIP-20](https://eips.ethereum.org/EIPS/eip-20) |
| USDT contract on TRON | TR7NHqjeKQxGTCi8q8ZY4pL8otSzgjLj6t | [Tether supported protocols](https://tether.to/en/supported-protocols/) |
| TRON address format | T… (34 characters) | [Tether supported protocols](https://tether.to/en/supported-protocols/) |

## Check an address now

Paste a TRON address into the [USDT TRC20 checker](/tools/usdt-trc20-checker/) to see Tether blacklist status and OFAC matches. To get alerts on incoming transfers, [start in the Telegram bot](https://t.me/trcbeaconbot).

## Related guides

- [Accepting USDT as a merchant: what to verify](/guides/accept-usdt-payments-merchant/)
- [Incoming USDT TRC20 notifications](/guides/usdt-incoming-transfer-alerts/)
- [How to check if a USDT address is frozen](/guides/how-to-check-if-usdt-address-is-frozen/)

## Frequently asked questions

### Is USDT on all networks the same?

It is the same ticker issued by Tether, but a different contract on each network.

### Can I send TRC20 USDT to an Ethereum address?

No. Use the network the recipient chose.

### Which is cheaper?

Fees change; check them live in your wallet.

### Is a TRON address valid on BNB Chain?

No, the formats differ.