Transferring USDT between cryptocurrency exchanges is a common task for traders and investors. Moving funds from OKX to Binance allows you to access different trading pairs, features, or liquidity. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step process to ensure a smooth and secure transfer.
Understanding USDT and Network Selection
USDT, or Tether, is a stablecoin pegged to the US dollar. It is widely used for trading and transferring value across crypto platforms. The most important step in any transfer is selecting the correct blockchain network.
Both OKX and Binance support USDT on multiple networks, including:
- TRC-20: The Tron network. Known for very low (often zero) transaction fees.
- ERC-20: The Ethereum network. Fees (gas) can be high and transaction times can vary.
- BEP-20: The Binance Smart Chain network. Offers lower fees than Ethereum.
Crucial Warning: You must select the same network on both the sending (OKX) and receiving (Binance) exchanges. Sending USDT on the TRC-20 network from OKX to a Binance ERC-20 address will result in the permanent loss of your funds.
Step-by-Step Guide to Transfer USDT from OKX to Binance
Follow these steps carefully to execute a successful transfer.
Step 1: Prepare Your Binance Deposit Address
First, you need to get your unique USDT deposit address from your Binance account.
- Log in to your Binance account.
- Navigate to your Wallet and click on Overview.
- Click Deposit.
- In the search bar, type "USDT" and select Tether (USDT) from the list.
- Binance will now show you a list of available networks. This is a critical step. Select the network you wish to use (e.g., TRC-20, ERC-20, or BEP-20). Your unique deposit address for that specific network will appear, often as a QR code and a string of characters.
- Carefully copy this address. Double-check that the network you selected on Binance matches the network you will select on OKX.
Step 2: Initiate the Withdrawal on OKX
Now, switch to your OKX account to send the USDT.
- Log in to your OKX account.
- Click on Assets at the top of the screen.
- Find USDT in your list of assets and click Withdraw.
- In the withdrawal form, paste the Binance deposit address you copied in the previous step into the "Address" field.
- Select the Network. This must be the exact same network you chose on Binance (e.g., if you selected TRC-20 on Binance, you must select TRC-20 here).
- Enter the amount of USDT you wish to transfer.
- Review all details meticulously: the address, the network, and the amount. Confirm that everything is correct.
Step 3: Confirm and Execute the Transfer
After reviewing, confirm the transaction. OKX may require you to complete security verification steps, such as:
- Entering your fund password.
- Confirming the withdrawal via email.
- Approving the transaction using Google Authenticator (2FA).
Once you confirm, the transaction will be broadcast to the blockchain. You can track its status by looking up the transaction hash (TXID) in a blockchain explorer.
Fees and Transfer Time
- Fees: OKX will charge a withdrawal fee, which varies significantly by network. TRC-20 withdrawals often have the lowest fees (sometimes zero), while ERC-20 fees are typically the highest. This fee is deducted from the amount you are withdrawing.
- Transfer Time: Transfers are usually completed within 5 to 30 minutes, depending on network congestion. During times of extreme congestion, it may take longer.
Security Best Practices
- Always Do a Test Transfer: If you are transferring a large amount, always send a small, test amount first (e.g., $10 worth of USDT) to verify the entire process is working correctly.
- Double-Check Addresses: A single wrong character will send your funds to the wrong wallet, and they will be irrecoverable. Use the copy-paste function to avoid typos.
- Enable All Security Features: Ensure you have two-factor authentication (2FA) enabled on both your OKX and Binance accounts for maximum security.
👉 Track your transaction on a block explorer
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest network to transfer USDT from OKX to Binance?
The TRC-20 network is almost always the cheapest option, frequently offering zero withdrawal fees on OKX. It is the recommended network for most users to minimize transfer costs.
How long does a USDT transfer usually take?
Most transfers are confirmed within 5 to 30 minutes. The time can be longer if the chosen blockchain network is experiencing high traffic or congestion. You can monitor progress using the transaction ID.
What should I do if my USDT transfer is delayed?
First, check the status of your transaction using the TXID on a blockchain explorer. If it shows as confirmed on the blockchain, contact Binance support with the TXID for assistance. If it is still pending on the blockchain, you must wait for network confirmation.
Can I cancel a withdrawal after initiating it on OKX?
Once a withdrawal request is submitted and broadcast to the blockchain, it is impossible to cancel it. You can only cancel it if it is still in a "pending" state within OKX's system before being processed.
Why is it so important to select the correct network?
Cryptocurrency networks are separate and incompatible. Sending tokens on one network to a deposit address designed for another network will result in the loss of your funds, as the receiving exchange will not be able to access them.
Is there a minimum amount for transferring USDT?
Yes, both OKX and Binance have minimum withdrawal and deposit amounts. These minimums vary by network. Always check the specific requirements for your chosen network on each exchange's website before initiating a transfer.