How to Transfer Crypto Between Exchanges: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

Before initiating any transfer, confirm three things:

1. Both exchanges support the same network for the cryptocurrency you're moving. If you want to send USDT from Bybit to MEXC via TRC-20, both exchanges must support the TRC-20 network for USDT. Most major exchanges support TRC-20, ERC-20, and BEP-20 for USDT — but verify this before proceeding.
2. Your destination exchange has no maintenance on the relevant network. Exchanges sometimes pause deposits on specific networks for maintenance. Check the exchange status page before sending.
3. You know the minimum deposit amount. Some exchanges don't credit deposits below a minimum threshold (e.g., 10 USDT). Sending 5 USDT to an exchange with a 10 USDT minimum doesn't necessarily result in lost funds — it often sits unconfirmed until you send more — but it delays your access to the funds.

On the exchange you want to receive funds:

1. Navigate to Assets or Wallet in the main menu
2. Select the cryptocurrency you want to deposit (e.g., USDT)
3. Click Deposit
4. Select the network you want to use (crucial step — covered in detail below)
5. Copy the deposit address that appears

Important: Deposit addresses are long strings of letters and numbers. They look like this: TQn9Y2khEsLJW1ChVWFMSMeRDow5KcbLSE (a TRC-20 address).

Copy the full address using the copy button — do not type it manually. A single incorrect character means your funds are sent to an address that either doesn't exist or belongs to someone else. Both outcomes result in permanent loss.

On some networks (like Ripple/XRP and Stellar/XLM), you also need a destination tag or memo. This is an additional number that identifies your specific account within the exchange's shared deposit system. Missing it can cause significant delays in crediting — contact the exchange's support immediately if this happens.

On the exchange you're sending from:

1. Navigate to Assets → Withdraw (or Wallet → Withdraw)
2. Select the cryptocurrency to withdraw
3. Paste the deposit address from the receiving exchange into the address field
4. Select the exact same network that you selected on the receiving exchange
5. Enter the amount
6. Review the fee shown — this is deducted from your withdrawal amount or balance
7. Confirm with 2FA (authentication code, email code, or SMS)

After submitting, the exchange will process your withdrawal. This typically happens within a few minutes for hot wallet withdrawals. Some exchanges add a review period for large withdrawals for security reasons.

Network selection is where most transfer mistakes happen. Using the wrong network is the most common cause of "lost" crypto transfers — and it can be very difficult or impossible to recover.

The rule: If both exchanges support TRC-20 for USDT transfers, use TRC-20. It's fast, cheap, and universally supported by major exchanges. Only use ERC-20 if there is no alternative.

Most transfers complete in 5–30 minutes. The main variables are:

• Network confirmation requirements: Exchanges require a minimum number of network confirmations before crediting a deposit. Bybit requires 15 confirmations for TRC-20 (about 15 seconds per block = under 5 minutes). Bitcoin requires 1–3 confirmations (10–30 minutes).
• Network congestion: During periods of very high activity (major market moves), Ethereum transactions can take hours. Tron and BNB Chain rarely experience significant delays.
• Exchange processing time: Some exchanges add an additional 10–30 minute internal review after network confirmations complete, especially for large amounts or new withdrawal addresses.

If your transfer hasn't appeared after 1 hour, check the blockchain explorer for the relevant network (Tronscan for TRC-20, Etherscan for ERC-20). Search for your transaction using the transaction hash provided by the sending exchange. If the transaction shows confirmed on-chain but not credited, contact the receiving exchange's support with the transaction hash.

• Wrong network selection: The most dangerous mistake. Always double-check that the network you selected on the receiving exchange matches the network on the sending exchange — before you hit confirm.
• Missing memo/tag for XRP or XLM: Ripple (XRP) and Stellar (XLM) transfers require a destination tag or memo in addition to the address. Sending without the tag may delay credit or require manual recovery by exchange support (which can take weeks).
• Using an outdated deposit address: Most exchanges generate permanent deposit addresses that don't change. However, some legacy systems generate one-time addresses. If you saved an address from a long time ago, verify it's still valid before using it.
• Not accounting for the withdrawal fee: The withdrawal fee is deducted from your balance, not added on top. If you have exactly 100 USDT and try to withdraw 100 USDT, the transaction will often fail or only send 99 USDT (after deducting the 1 USDT fee). Check the fee before specifying the amount.
• Sending to an exchange wallet that's in maintenance: If the destination exchange has paused deposits for the asset or network you're using, funds may arrive on-chain but won't be credited until maintenance ends. Always check the status page first.

If you have flexibility in which asset you move, these are consistently the cheapest options:

• USDT on TRC-20: The standard for moving stablecoins. ~$1 flat fee, 1–3 minutes.
• XRP (Ripple): Under $0.01 per transaction, very fast (~4 seconds). Supported by most major exchanges.
• SOL (Solana): Less than 1 cent per transaction. Fast and widely supported — good for moving SOL or SPL tokens.
• TRX (Tron): Very low fees. Useful if you specifically need Tron network assets.
• Avoid: Ethereum (ERC-20 gas fees), Bitcoin (can be $2–20+ depending on congestion), any ERC-20 token.

The practical recommendation for most users: if you need to move USDT between exchanges, TRC-20 is the right choice in almost all circumstances.