How to send crypto

Before you send: what you need to know

Before making any transaction, understand these key concepts:

• Wallet address: A unique string of letters and numbers (like a bank account number) that identifies where the crypto should be sent. Example: bc1qar0srrr7xfkvy5l643lydnw9re59gtzzwf5mdq
• Network fees (Gas fees): Every transaction on a blockchain requires a small fee paid to the network validators. Fees vary depending on network congestion.
• Confirmation time: Transactions need to be confirmed by the blockchain network. Bitcoin takes about 10–60 minutes; Ethereum can take seconds to minutes.
• Network compatibility: You must send assets on the correct network. Sending Ethereum on the Bitcoin network (or vice versa) will result in permanent loss of funds.

Step-by-step: how to send crypto

Here's how to send cryptocurrency from a software wallet (such as Coinbase Wallet, Trust Wallet, or MetaMask):

1. Open your wallet app and navigate to the "Send" section. This is usually represented by an arrow icon pointing up or outward.
2. Select the cryptocurrency you want to send (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum). Make sure you have enough to cover both the amount and the network fee.
3. Enter the recipient's wallet address. You can type it manually, paste it from the clipboard, or scan their QR code. Double-check every character — even a single wrong character will send the funds to a different (or non-existent) address.
4. Enter the amount you want to send. Most wallets let you toggle between the crypto amount and the equivalent in your local currency.
5. Choose the network fee (if your wallet allows). Higher fees mean faster confirmation. During low-traffic periods, a standard fee is usually fine.
6. Review the transaction details carefully. Check: recipient address, amount, and fee. Make sure everything is correct.
7. Confirm the transaction. Depending on your wallet, you may need to enter a PIN, use biometrics, or confirm via 2FA.
8. Wait for confirmation. Once sent, the transaction will appear as "pending." Once confirmed by the blockchain, it will show as "complete" in both wallets.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Sending to the wrong address: Always verify the full address, especially the first and last few characters. Malware can swap clipboard addresses.
• Sending on the wrong network: If sending USDT, make sure you and the recipient are both using the same network (e.g., Ethereum ERC-20 vs. Tron TRC-20).
• Not accounting for fees: If you want to send your entire balance, remember that the fee will also be deducted. Many wallets have a "Send Max" option that accounts for this.
• Sending to an exchange deposit address of the wrong coin: E.g., sending Bitcoin to an Ethereum deposit address on an exchange will likely result in permanent loss.
• Ignoring the memo/tag field: Some assets (like XRP and XLM) require a "memo" or "tag" in addition to the wallet address when sending to an exchange. Missing this can cause your funds to be lost.

How to track your transaction

Every blockchain transaction has a unique ID called a Transaction Hash (TxID). You can use this to track your transaction in real time:

1. Find the TxID in your wallet's transaction history (usually clickable).
2. Copy the TxID and paste it into a blockchain explorer:
   • Bitcoin: blockstream.info
   • Ethereum: etherscan.io
   • Solana: solscan.io
3. The explorer will show you the status (pending / confirmed), the number of confirmations, and the exact time of the transaction.