How Can I Tell Which Network My Token Uses?
One of the first things you'll notice in crypto is that the same cryptocurrency appears more than once, and that's completely normal.
Many cryptocurrencies exist on more than one blockchain. They share the same name and ticker, but they are actually different assets. You can often swap them for one another, but you cannot use them interchangeably when sending or receiving funds.
Different blockchains support tokens of a particular standard. Think of them as plugs from different countries. They all deliver electricity, but you can't plug a US cable into a European socket without an adapter. And even if you’ve tried, it’s not going to work out.
Where to Find the Network in Guarda
Guarda creates a separate wallet for every blockchain version of digital assets. For example, you might see USDT (Ethereum), USDT (BNB Smart Chain), and USDT (Tron). They're all USDT, but each one runs on a distinct blockchain and has its own wallet address.
How to recognize the network in Guarda:
- Network logo – displayed on top of the token's icon.
- Network badge – displayed next to the token's name.
- (\:screenshots).
If you don’t see a network badge or network logo, the token runs on its own native blockchain. For example, Bitcoin (BTC) exists on the Bitcoin network exclusively. Therefore, Guarda Wallet doesn't display a network badge (\:screenshots).
Always verify the network in the wallet name when you are sending and receiving your crypto.
To switch between available networks:
- Open the asset.
- Select the available network from the wallet list.
- Choose the wallet that matches the blockchain you want to use.
Why Do I Pay Transaction Fees with Another Cryptocurrency?
Every blockchain uses its native digital currency to perform transactions. Which means you’ll need a little bit of the network’s native token before you can send tokens that run on it. Ethereum uses ETH. That means sending USDT on Ethereum (ERC-20) also requires some ETH to pay the network fee.
If you don't have enough of the native asset, the blockchain won't proceed with your transaction. The table below shows briefly which cryptocurrency pays transaction fees on the most popular networks.
| Network | Asset Used for Transaction Fees |
|---|---|
| Ethereum (ERC20) | ETH |
| BNB Smart Chain (BEP20) | BNB |
| Polygon | POL |
| TRON (TRC20) | TRX |
| Solana | SOL |
| Avalanche C-Chain | AVAX |
| Arbitrum One | ETH |
| Optimism | ETH |
| Base | ETH |
| Aurora | ETH |
| Fantom | FTM |
| Cardano | ADA |
| Algorand | ALGO |
| Sui | SUI |
| TON | GRAM (formerly Toncoin) |
| XRP Ledger | XRP |
| Cronos | CRO |
| Rootstock | RBTC |
| Tezos | XTZ |
| Flare | FLR |
| Internet Computer | ICP |
| HyperEVM | HYPE |
| Monad | MON |
| ADI Network | ADI |
As you can see:
- Sending USDT on Ethereum requires ETH for gas fees.
- Sending USDC on Polygon requires POL.
- Sending USDT on TRON requires TRX (or Tron Energy or USDT if you're using Guarda's gas-free wallet feature).
Can I Tell the Network from the Wallet Address?
Well, sometimes. Wallet addresses often follow patterns that make it easier to recognize a blockchain. However, several different blockchains use the same address format. We’re talking Ethereum, BNB Smart Chain, Polygon, Arbitrum, Optimism, and others. So don't rely on the wallet address alone.
Here are some common examples:
| Network | Address Usually Starts With |
|---|---|
| Ethereum | 0x |
| BNB Smart Chain | 0x |
| Base | 0x |
| Arbitrum One | 0x |
| Optimism | 0x |
| Polygon | 0x |
| Avalanche C-Chain | 0x |
| Fantom | 0x |
| Aurora | 0x |
| Rootstock | 0x |
| TRON | T |
| Bitcoin | 1, 3, or bc1 |
| Solana | Random letters and numbers (usually 32–44 characters) |
| XRP | r |
| Cardano | addr1 |
| Algorand | Long string of uppercase letters and numbers |
| Tezos | tz1, tz2, tz3, or KT1 |
| Sui | 0x |
Always check the network name, badge, or logo shown in Guarda before sending cryptocurrency.
Check the Sender's Network Before Receiving Crypto
Before someone sends you cryptocurrency, match the blockchain network as carefully as you match the wallet address:
- Ask which blockchain the sender is using.
- If they're withdrawing from an exchange, ask the sender to check the selected withdrawal network.
- Make sure it matches the network shown in your Guarda wallet.
For example, exchange withdrawal of USDT (TRC20)—a USDT token that runs on the Tron network.
Receive it into a USDT (Tron) wallet, not a USDT (Ethereum) wallet.
What Happens If the Networks Don't Match?
Blockchain transactions are one-sided and irreversible. If someone sends crypto through the wrong blockchain network, the funds become permanently unavailable. That's why we talk about precautions so much. A few seconds to verify the network will prevent expensive mistakes.
Before confirming any transaction, always verify:
- the cryptocurrency you're sending or receiving;
- the blockchain network;
- the recipient's wallet address.
If you are not sure, stop and double-check first.
Network Matching Checklist:
- Compare the network shown in Guarda with the withdrawal network on the exchange or sender's wallet.
- Look for the network badge and network logo inside Guarda.
- Send a small test transaction before transferring a larger amount.