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Avior - Blog : How to Swap Crypto to USDT: ERC20 or Solana, Step by Step

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If you hold BTC, ETH, SOL or another coin and want a dollar-pegged balance, the usual move is to swap crypto to USDT. The swap itself takes a few minutes. The decision that matters more is which network you receive USDT on. This guide explains how to convert BTC to USDT or convert ETH to USDT, compares USDT ERC20 vs Solana on speed, network costs and wallet compatibility, and helps you decide which USDT network to choose before you withdraw.

Why traders swap crypto to USDT

USDT is a stablecoin issued by Tether that tracks the US dollar. Traders use it for a few practical reasons:

  • To step out of a volatile coin without leaving crypto altogether
  • To hold a dollar-denominated balance between trades
  • To move value between wallets and platforms in a unit that is easy to price
  • To have a common quote currency, since many crypto pairs are priced in USDT

Swapping into USDT does not remove all risk. A stablecoin depends on its issuer and on the network it runs on, so it pays to understand both.

One token, several networks

USDT is issued on more than one blockchain. Tether lists its supported protocols on its official website, and each version has its own contract and address format. The two versions covered in this guide are:

  • USDT on Ethereum (ERC20), contract 0xdac17f958d2ee523a2206206994597c13d831ec7
  • USDT on Solana (SPL), mint address Es9vMFrzaCERmJfrF4H2FYD4KCoNkY11McCe8BenwNYB

Both are listed on Tether's supported protocols page. Scam tokens often copy the USDT name and logo, so the contract or mint address is what identifies the real token.

The key point: USDT on Ethereum and USDT on Solana are the same asset economically, but they are not interchangeable on-chain. A deposit address only accepts USDT on the network it was created for.

What about TRC20?

USDT also exists on Tron, known as TRC20, and many platforms support it. AviorSwap does not. On AviorSwap, USDT is available only on two networks: USDT (ERC20) and USDT (Solana). If you are used to TRC20 elsewhere, keep this in mind when choosing a withdrawal network or a receiving address.

USDT ERC20 vs Solana: how to compare the networks

When people ask which USDT network to choose, the answer depends on three things: speed, network costs and wallet compatibility. For a deeper look at one specific route, see our guide to USDT on Solana vs ERC20 (https://aviorswap.com/blog/eth-to-usdt-solana-vs-erc20).

Speed

  • Ethereum: the network is organised into slots of 12 seconds each, according to ethereum.org. A transfer is usually included in a block within a short time, but exchanges and wallets typically wait for several confirmations before crediting a deposit
  • Solana: the network is designed for fast block production, so transfers usually confirm quickly

In both cases, the receiving platform decides how many confirmations it needs. That rule, not just the network, determines when your funds appear.

Network costs

Network fees go to the blockchain's validators, not to the exchange you use. They are paid in the network's native coin.

  • Ethereum: ethereum.org explains that the fee equals the gas used multiplied by the base fee plus a priority fee (tip). The base fee is set by the protocol and moves with demand. A plain ETH transfer uses 21,000 units of gas, and a USDT transfer uses more because it calls a token contract. On busy days the cost of an ERC20 transfer can rise noticeably
  • Solana: according to Solana's documentation, each transaction pays a base fee of 5,000 lamports per signature (a lamport is the smallest unit of SOL), plus an optional prioritization fee. For a standard transfer this is usually a small amount, although it can rise when users compete for priority

In general terms, moving USDT on Solana tends to cost less in network fees than moving it on Ethereum. This is a property of the blockchains themselves, not a price set by any exchange. Exchange rates and any platform withdrawal terms are separate, so always review the full quote.

Wallet and platform compatibility

  • ERC20 USDT is supported by almost every major exchange and every Ethereum-compatible wallet. It also connects to the large Ethereum DeFi ecosystem
  • Solana USDT is supported by many major exchanges and by Solana wallets such as Phantom, Solflare and Backpack, but not by every platform
  • Before you send, check that the receiving side lists the exact network you plan to use, for example "USDT (ERC20)" or "USDT (Solana)"

Address formats

This is the simplest check you can do before every transfer.

  • Ethereum addresses start with 0x followed by 40 hexadecimal characters, 42 characters in total, as described on ethereum.org
  • Solana addresses are base58 strings and do not start with 0x

If the address format does not match the network you selected, stop and check again.

Holding the native coin for later transfers

  • On Ethereum you need ETH to pay network fees when you move ERC20 USDT later
  • On Solana you need a small amount of SOL to move Solana USDT later

Many traders forget this and end up with USDT they cannot move until they top up the native coin.

Which USDT network to choose

Choose USDT on Solana when:

  • The wallet or platform you will send to supports USDT on Solana
  • You plan to move USDT often, where network costs add up
  • You are moving smaller amounts, where an Ethereum network fee would be a larger share of the transfer
  • You want quick settlement, for example to rebalance between platforms

Choose USDT on Ethereum (ERC20) when:

  • The receiving platform only accepts ERC20 USDT
  • You want to use USDT in Ethereum-based DeFi applications
  • You are moving a larger amount in one transfer and the network fee is a small share of the total
  • You already hold ETH and prefer to stay on one network

A simple rule of thumb: let the receiving side decide. The best network is the one your destination supports.

Convert BTC to USDT, ETH to USDT and other coins

The process is similar whichever coin you start with. What changes is the deposit step, because each coin is sent on its own network.

  • Convert BTC to USDT: send BTC on the Bitcoin network to your BTC deposit address, then swap to the USDT network you need
  • Convert ETH to USDT: send ETH on Ethereum to your ETH deposit address. If you later want ERC20 USDT, keep some ETH for future network fees
  • Convert SOL to USDT: send SOL on Solana. If you choose USDT (Solana), consider keeping a little SOL for later transfers
  • Other coins: on AviorSwap you can also swap BNB, XRP, LTC, DOGE and AVAX to USDT

Before you start, check current rates. AviorSwap shows them on the markets page (https://aviorswap.com/markets), so you can see how each coin is priced against USDT before you deposit anything.

Check how much USDT you'll get on AviorSwap — no sign-up needed to see the rate

Open the swap form (https://aviorswap.com/swap), choose the coin you hold, choose USDT (ERC20) or USDT (Solana), and enter any amount in the swap form to see the live rate before you sign up. When you are happy with the quote, follow the steps below.

How to swap crypto to USDT on AviorSwap: step by step

AviorSwap is a crypto exchange that accepts crypto deposits only. There are no card payments, bank transfers or fiat deposits.

Step 1: Check the quote. On the swap page (https://aviorswap.com/swap), select the coin you sell and the USDT network you want to receive. The form shows how much USDT you will get for the amount you enter.

Step 2: Sign up with email. Create an account with your email address and a strong password. Keep your login details private.

Step 3: Deposit crypto. Open your dashboard, choose the coin you want to deposit, and copy the deposit address shown for it. Send the coin from your wallet or another platform on the network shown on the deposit screen. For a first deposit, consider sending a small test amount.

Step 4: Swap to USDT. Go back to the swap page, select your coin as the asset you sell and USDT (ERC20) or USDT (Solana) as the asset you buy. Review the live quote and confirm. The two USDT versions are listed as separate assets, so make sure you picked the one you need.

Before you withdraw: final network check

Most costly mistakes happen at withdrawal, not during the swap. Before you send USDT to an external wallet or another platform:

  • Select the withdrawal network that matches the receiving address: Ethereum for ERC20, Solana for Solana USDT
  • Confirm the receiving platform accepts USDT on that exact network
  • Check the address format: 0x means an Ethereum-style address, no 0x usually means Solana
  • Copy and paste the address, then compare the first and last characters
  • Add a memo or tag only if the receiving platform asks for one
  • Send a small test amount to any new address
  • Make sure the receiving wallet holds some ETH or SOL if you plan to move the USDT again

Blockchain transactions cannot be reversed once confirmed. A transfer sent on the wrong network or to the wrong address may not be recoverable.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Choosing TRC20 out of habit. AviorSwap supports only USDT (ERC20) and USDT (Solana)
  • Sending ERC20 USDT to a Solana address, or the reverse
  • Copying an address from transaction history instead of from the source, which exposes you to address poisoning
  • Forgetting the native coin, leaving USDT stuck until you add ETH or SOL
  • Skipping the test transfer on a new address

FAQ

What is the easiest way to swap crypto to USDT?

Use a crypto exchange that supports your coin and the USDT network you need. Check the quote first, deposit your coin, swap, and withdraw on the network that matches the receiving address.

Which USDT network should I choose, ERC20 or Solana?

Pick the network the receiving wallet or platform supports. If both are supported, Solana usually means faster transfers and lower network costs, while ERC20 offers the widest support and access to Ethereum DeFi.

Can I send USDT from ERC20 to a Solana address?

No. USDT on Ethereum and USDT on Solana are separate on-chain tokens. Sending on one network to an address on another may result in lost funds. Always match the network to the address.

Does AviorSwap support USDT TRC20?

No. AviorSwap supports USDT on ERC20 and USDT on Solana only. Do not send TRC20 USDT to an AviorSwap deposit address.

Can I see how much USDT I'll get before signing up?

Yes. The swap form shows how much USDT you will get for any amount without an account. Rates for all supported coins are also listed on the markets page.

The bottom line

To swap crypto to USDT well, focus on the network as much as the rate. USDT on Solana usually wins on speed and network costs for frequent or smaller transfers, while ERC20 remains the most widely accepted option. Check where your USDT is going, match the network and address format, send a test transfer to new addresses, and keep a little ETH or SOL for later moves.

Ready to start? Check how much USDT you'll get on AviorSwap (https://aviorswap.com/swap) and review your quote before you sign up.

This article is for information only and is not financial advice. Network fees and confirmation times change with network activity, so check current conditions before you transact.