Introduction to USDT
USDT (Tether) serves as the backbone of the cryptocurrency market, often referred to as the "mother coin." It pairs with nearly all major cryptocurrencies (e.g., BTC/USDT, ETH/USDT), functioning as a stable digital dollar equivalent. As a 1:1 USD-pegged stablecoin, USDT provides price stability for trading across exchanges.
Key Features of USDT:
- Stability: Pegged to the US dollar
- Liquidity: Accepted by all major exchanges
- Utility: Used for trading, transfers, and decentralized finance (DeFi)
Part 1: Registering a USDT Account
To start trading USDT, follow these steps:
- Choose a Reputable Exchange: We recommend OKX for its low fees and robust security.
Registration Process:
- Select your country of residence (match your legal documents)
- Complete identity verification (KYC)
- Use invitation code 41322075 for 20% permanent fee discount
👉 Register now on OKX to enjoy reduced trading fees.
Part 2: Buying and Selling USDT
Buying USDT via C2C:
- Navigate to C2C Trading on OKX
Set filters:
- Amount (e.g., $1,000)
- Payment method (Alipay/WeChat recommended for beginners)
Select a verified merchant:
- Check registration date (6+ months preferred)
- Verify transaction volume (>90% completion rate)
- Complete payment and wait for USDT deposit (typically <5 minutes)
Selling USDT:
- Switch to Sell tab in C2C Trading
- Follow similar merchant verification steps
- Important: Release USDT only after receiving fiat payment
Pro Tip: Always use small test transactions first when dealing with new merchants.
Part 3: Managing Your USDT Wallet
Exchange Wallet vs. Web3 Wallet:
| Feature | Exchange Wallet | Web3 Wallet |
|---|---|---|
| Control | Custodial | Non-custodial |
| Security | 2FA protected | Mnemonic phrase |
| Fees | Lower | Network gas fees |
Transferring USDT:
Deposits:
- Select correct network (TRC20/ERC20)
- Share wallet address with sender
Withdrawals:
- Pay attention to network fees (~1.5 USDT flat rate)
- Double-check recipient addresses
Critical Note: Mismatched networks will result in permanent loss of funds.
Part 4: USDT vs. USDC – Key Differences
| Factor | USDT | USDC |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | Tether | Circle |
| Transparency | Limited audits | Regular attestations |
| Market Share | 68% of stablecoin volume | 22% of stablecoin volume |
| Chain Support | 14+ networks | 8+ networks |
While USDC offers greater transparency, USDT remains the preferred choice for traders due to higher liquidity across trading pairs.
FAQ Section
Q1: Is USDT safer than holding cash in exchanges?
A: Yes. USDT provides faster transfer capability between exchanges compared to fiat withdrawals.
Q2: What's the minimum USDT purchase amount?
A: Most C2C platforms allow purchases as small as $10 equivalent.
Q3: Why do merchants require identity verification?
A: Compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations prevents fraudulent transactions.
Q4: Can I earn interest on USDT?
A: Yes! Many exchanges offer staking products with 3-10% APY.
Q5: How long do USDT transfers take?
A: Network-dependent: TRC20 (2-5 min), ERC20 (5-15 min).
Q6: What happens if I send USDT to the wrong network?
A: Funds may be permanently lost unless the recipient controls both wallets.
👉 Start trading USDT today with OKX's secure platform and low fees.
Conclusion
Mastering USDT transactions opens doors to cryptocurrency trading and DeFi participation. Remember to:
- Always verify merchant profiles
- Triple-check network selections
- Secure your Web3 wallet mnemonics
- Monitor market conditions for optimal trading
For further assistance, explore OKX's educational resources or consult their 24/7 customer support.