Native or bridged? Telling stablecoin versions apart before you move them to an exchange
If you use personal wallets and decentralised apps, you may notice two tokens with almost the same name on one network. Often one is issued directly on that network by the stablecoin issuer, and the other was created by a bridge that locked the original on another chain and minted a representation. Both may look like the same dollar stablecoin in your wallet, but an exchange will typically only credit specific contracts that it lists for that network. Sending an unsupported version to your deposit address can leave it uncredited and hard to recover. This guide explains how to tell the versions apart and what to check before depositing.
Look at the token contract, not the name
Names and ticker symbols can be identical, so the reliable identifier is the token contract address. Open the token in your wallet or in the network's explorer and note its contract. Then compare it with the contract the exchange lists for that asset and network, which you can often find in the deposit details or the help centre. If you cannot find the accepted contract stated anywhere, treat that as a reason to pause rather than guess.
Know where your tokens came from
Think about how the tokens reached your wallet. If you withdrew them directly from an exchange on that network, they are likely the version the exchange supports. If you received them through a bridge, a swap on a decentralised app or a payment from someone else, the version is less certain. Keep a short note for each wallet describing how funds arrived, because that history helps you decide what needs checking.
Converting an unsupported version
If you hold a version your exchange does not accept, the usual approach is to swap or bridge it back to a supported version first, using a reputable service you understand, and only then deposit. Each step has its own fees and risks, so start with a small amount and check the result in the explorer. Avoid unknown websites that promise one-click conversion, and never approve unlimited token permissions to sites you do not trust.
Test, then deposit and record
Once you are confident the contract matches, send a small test deposit and wait until it is credited before moving the rest. Record the network, contract address, transaction ID and date in your notes. If a deposit of the wrong version has already been sent, read the help centre's guidance on unsupported deposits and contact support from inside the app, rather than responding to anyone who offers recovery for a fee.
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Scenario checkpoint
- Comparing the token contract address in your wallet with the contract listed by the exchange.
- Noting for each wallet whether funds arrived by withdrawal, bridge, swap or payment.
- Converting unsupported versions in small amounts through a service you understand first.
- Sending a small test deposit and recording network, contract and transaction ID in notes.