Cryptocurrencies have long been an important part of the global financial system, with Ukraine standing out as having the highest percentage of cryptocurrency owners in the world. Among the variety of cryptocurrencies, Tether (USDT), a stablecoin that has found widespread use in the field of digital assets, is particularly notable. A lesser-known fact is the existence of several versions of Tether, including a version based on the Tron blockchain known as TRC20.
Stablecoins play a key role in the cryptocurrency market, representing a unique combination of the properties of cryptocurrencies and traditional fiat money. They serve as a bridge between the two worlds of finance, providing stability and reliability. Tether (USDT), issued by Tether Limited, is one of the most popular stablecoins and holds leading positions in terms of capitalization among similar assets.
What USDT TRC20 is and the history of its appearance
USDT TRC20 is a customized version of the Tether stablecoin that runs on the TRON blockchain. This means that, like the original Tether, TRC20 is pegged to the U.S. dollar, but utilizes the technology and infrastructure of the TRON blockchain to power its transactions.
The USDT story begins in 2014 with the Realcoin project, which was renamed Tether Limited by the time the asset was launched in March 2015. The initial issue of 250 thousand USDT was backed by the US dollar at a 1:1 ratio, offering the market a stable cryptocurrency combining the advantages of digital assets with the reliability of traditional fiat currencies.
As the project evolved, Tether began expanding to various blockchains including Ethereum (ERC20), TRON (TRC20), and Binance (BEP-2 and BEP-20), providing users with flexible options for storage and transactions. Despite attempts to launch on other networks, USDT has gained the most popularity on the Ethereum and TRON networks.
By December 2022, Tether’s total issuance reached $66.2 billion, making it the third cryptocurrency by capitalization. The stability of USDT is ensured by the issuing company maintaining an adequate reserve of US dollars and securities, although questions about the transparency and sufficiency of these reserves are occasionally raised by the public and regulators.
Creating and Using a USDT TRC20 Wallet
To store USDT TRC20, you need a wallet that supports this format. You can create such a wallet on many cryptocurrency platforms, including centralized exchanges and official TRON Foundation wallets. Once the wallet is created, it will allow you to conduct Tether transactions such as receiving, sending, and storing tokens.
Differences in Tether Formats: ERC20, TRC20, BEP2
The key difference between the different versions of Tether is the blockchain used: ERC20 runs on Ethereum, TRC20 runs on TRON, and BEP2 runs on the Binance Chain. The format you choose depends on your needs, with TRON standing out due to its low transaction fees.
Popular USDT TRC20 Pairs in the World and Ukraine
There are many USDT TRC20 trading pairs available on international exchanges, including USDT/BTC, USDT/ETH, and exchanges between different versions of USDT. In Ukraine, USDT pairs with Monobank and Privat 24 are popular, as well as exchanges for cash dollars. The preference for cash dollars is due to their stability and widespread use for savings and large purchases.
Benefits of Using USDT TRC20 on the TRON Network
The TRON blockchain is known for its high performance, capable of processing up to 2,000 transactions per second, making it one of the fastest in the world. Transaction fees on this network are paid with the TRX token, which adds convenience for users.
The launch of USDT in TRC20 format on the TRON platform in 2019 is a significant development. Until then, Bitcoin and Ethereum blockchains faced scalability issues expressed in terms of latency and high transaction costs, especially affecting Omni and ERC20-formatted stablecoin transfers. In contrast, the TRON network offered a solution to these problems, highlighting the USDT TRC20 thanks to:
- High transaction speeds
- Low fees
- Ease of use in decentralized TRON Dapps
These factors have contributed not only to the increased popularity of the TRON blockchain itself but also to the improved functionality of Tether, making it more attractive for transactions. The introduction of USDT TRC20 allowed to optimization of mutual settlements in cryptocurrencies, facilitating the use of stablecoin for transfers of smaller amounts, which was especially relevant in the context of high volatility and transaction costs in other networks.
Thus, USDT TRC20 quickly found use both inside and outside the cryptocurrency community due to its improved performance and lower transaction costs.
Using USDT TRC20: A Guide for Beginners and Professionals
The Importance of Understanding Token Standards
When dealing with the Tether stablecoin, it is important to keep in mind the difference in token standards. Unlike most cryptocurrencies where the choice of wallet is unlimited, Tether requires compliance with specific standards for secure transactions and storage. USDT TRC20 is exclusively for wallets that support TRON TRC20 tokens. Similarly, USDT ERC20 requires Ethereum-based wallets, and the BEP-2 and BEP-20 versions require corresponding BNB Chain wallets.
Platforms and Wallets for USDT TRC20
Choosing a platform or wallet for USDT TRC20 affects the usability and management capabilities of your assets. Options include:
- Desktop wallets: Offer convenient access from a computer.
- Mobile apps: Provide asset management on the go.
- Hardware wallets: Guarantee a high level of security through physical isolation.
- Online accounts: Allow easy access via the internet without the need to install additional software.
When choosing a wallet, it is important to make sure it supports TRX for paying commissions and is compatible with TRC20 tokens to avoid losing funds.
Paying Fees and Recommended Wallets
TRC20 transaction fees can be charged in TRX tokens. There are both non-custodial wallets, where the user has full control over the keys and commissions are paid in TRX and custodial services that provide the option to pay commissions in USDT.
Among the recommended wallets are:
- TronLink: A browser extension that makes it easy to work with tokens in the TRON blockchain.
- Trust Wallet: A multi-currency wallet from Binance that supports multiple blockchains and assets.
- imToken: A mobile app for managing cryptocurrencies on different blockchains.
- Ledger Wallet: A hardware wallet to maximize the secure storage of cryptocurrencies.
These tools not only provide safe storage of USDT TRC20 but also simplify interaction with decentralized applications, expanding the possibilities of using stablecoin in various fields.
Protecting Your TRC20 Wallet: Basic Security Measures
Safely storing cryptocurrencies, including USDT TRC20, requires strict precautions, especially in light of increasing incidents of cyberattacks and theft. Here are a few key recommendations to keep your assets safe:
Personal Keys Under Robust Protection
Private keys are a fundamental element of your wallet’s security, providing access to your funds. They should be kept in a safe place, protected from prying eyes. Never share them with third parties or enter them on questionable sites to prevent the risk of theft.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Activating two-factor authentication, if such a feature is available in your wallet, is an effective security measure. 2FA requires login confirmation through an additional channel, such as SMS or a specialized application, which significantly reduces the likelihood of unauthorized access.
Caution when handling the Wallet
Be careful when entering personal data and keys, especially when using online platforms and centralized exchanges such as Binance or WhiteBit. Make sure you use official apps and websites and avoid suspicious links and offers.
By following these tips, you can significantly improve the security of your cryptocurrency assets and protect them from potential threats. Remember, forewarned is forearmed, and your vigilance is the key to the safe use of cryptocurrencies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a TRC20 wallet plays a key role in managing and safely storing USDT, one of the most popular stablecoins operating on the fast-growing TRON blockchain. Choosing the right wallet that supports the TRC20 standard provides users with not only high transaction speeds and low fees but also flexibility in making transfers and integrating with various decentralized applications. However, security remains the most important aspect when working with cryptocurrencies. Following the recommendations for protecting private keys, using two-factor authentication, and being vigilant when handling the wallet and entering personal data will help avoid losses and ensure the safe storage of assets. Understanding the features and proper use of the TRC20 wallet will allow users to maximize the potential of USDT on the TRON platform, making their cryptocurrency experience more efficient and secure.
