What is a blockchain network? Fundamentals of Deposit and Withdrawal Selection Chain
When you deposit or withdraw on OKX, the platform asks you to choose a network such as ERC20, TRC20, BEP20, Polygon, or Solana. This is one of the most important details for beginners because using the wrong network can cause a permanent loss of funds.
What is a blockchain network?
A blockchain network is the chain that carries your asset transfer. Even if you are sending the same token, such as USDT, it can exist on different networks with different fee levels, confirmation speeds, and address rules.
The most important rule is simple: the sending network and receiving network must match.
Common networks
Ethereum / ERC20
Ethereum has the broadest ecosystem and is widely supported by wallets and DeFi apps. The tradeoff is that fees can be higher when the network is busy.
TRON / TRC20
TRC20 is commonly used for USDT transfers because fees are low and confirmations are usually fast. It is a common choice for routine transfers.
BSC / BEP20
BEP20 is widely supported and usually cheaper than Ethereum. It is often used by people who want lower costs while staying inside a familiar EVM-style ecosystem.
Polygon and Solana
These networks are also popular for cheaper and faster transfers, but support depends on the specific wallet, exchange, and token involved.
Why does network selection matter so much?
A token may have the same name on multiple chains, but those chains do not automatically interoperate.
For example:
- USDT sent through ERC20 moves on Ethereum
- USDT sent through TRC20 moves on TRON
If the receiver expects TRC20 and you send ERC20 instead, the funds may not arrive correctly and recovery may be difficult or impossible.
How should you choose the correct network?
Use this order of checks:
- Confirm which network the receiving wallet or platform supports.
- Select that exact same network on OKX.
- Double-check the address format and any required memo or tag.
- For a large transfer, send a small test amount first.
Practical examples:
- for low-cost daily USDT transfers, TRC20 is often preferred
- for DeFi use on Ethereum, ERC20 or a compatible Layer 2 may be the better choice
- for an external wallet withdrawal, the wallet’s supported network is the deciding factor
What is gas fee?
Gas fee is the network cost paid to validators or miners for processing a transaction. It is not set by OKX alone. Network congestion can push the fee higher, especially on Ethereum.
That is why the question is not only “which coin am I sending?” but also “which chain am I using?”
Common beginner mistakes
- sending funds without matching address and network
- assuming every
0xaddress uses the same chain - ignoring memo or tag requirements for specific assets
- skipping a test transfer before sending a large amount
Summary
The blockchain network determines which chain your deposit or withdrawal actually uses. Choosing the correct one is essential for a safe transfer. If you want the practical steps, read the OKX withdrawal to external wallet guide together with the OKX USDT deposit and withdrawal guide.
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Deposit & Withdraw
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