Converting bitcoin into USDT is one of the most common swaps in crypto. People do it to lock in a price, to step out of volatility for a while, or simply because the person they need to pay wants dollars on a stablecoin. The swap itself is quick. The parts that deserve attention are the USDT network you receive on and the Bitcoin fee you pay to send.
Step 1: decide which USDT network you need
USDT is not one token on one chain. The same dollar stablecoin exists on several networks, and they are not interchangeable at the address level. Pick the network that your receiving wallet or exchange actually supports. Here are the main options on LarkSwap, with the approximate payout network cost deducted from what you receive:
| USDT network | Address looks like | Approx. payout cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| TRC20 (Tron) | Starts with T | about $1.50 | Widely accepted by exchanges; sending it later needs TRX for energy |
| BEP20 (BNB Smart Chain) | Starts with 0x | about $0.10 | Cheap; moving it later needs a little BNB for gas |
| Solana (SPL) | Base58, 32 to 44 characters | about $0.10 | Fast and cheap; needs a little SOL to move |
| ERC20 (Ethereum) | Starts with 0x | about $2 | Most expensive to receive and to move again |
These costs are set by LarkSwap and can be adjusted. If you are unsure between the two 0x options, read BEP20 vs ERC20; for Solana, see USDT on Solana.
Step 2: create the order
- Open the BTC to USDT pair and choose the USDT network.
- Enter how much BTC you want to send. The quote already includes the flat 0.4 % fee.
- Paste your USDT receiving address and check the first and last characters.
- Add a refund address for BTC (recommended) and, if you like, an email or Telegram contact.
- Create the order. You get a deposit address, an exact BTC amount and a 30-minute rate lock.
If you already know you want a different network, there are dedicated pages such as BTC to USDT BEP20.
Step 3: send BTC with a sensible fee
Bitcoin miners prioritize transactions by fee rate, measured in satoshis per virtual byte (sat/vB). Your wallet usually offers presets such as slow, normal and fast. For a fixed-rate order, choose normal or fast: a very low fee rate can leave your transaction waiting in the mempool for a long time, at the time of writing anywhere from minutes to hours depending on congestion.
Send the exact amount shown. Its unique decimals identify your order. If you send from an exchange that deducts a withdrawal fee, add that fee so the exact amount arrives at the deposit address.
Step 4: wait for confirmations and track
Bitcoin produces a block roughly every 10 minutes on average, though individual blocks can come much faster or slower. Once your deposit has enough confirmations, the USDT payout is sent, typically within 5 to 30 minutes. BTC is the slowest coin in this respect, so a bit more patience is normal. The tracking page shows each stage, and the payout step includes the transaction hash you can look up on a block explorer.
A worked example of the cost
Suppose you send BTC worth 1,000 USD and choose USDT on TRC20. Using round numbers:
- Service fee: 0.4 % of 1,000 = 4 USDT (already inside the quote).
- Payout network cost for USDT TRC20: about 1.5 USDT.
- Estimated amount received: 1,000 minus 4 minus 1.5 = about 994.5 USDT.
On BEP20 the payout cost would be about 0.1 USDT, giving roughly 995.9 USDT. On top of this you pay your own Bitcoin network fee when sending, which goes to miners and depends on congestion. The exact numbers for your order are shown on the quote before you confirm.
Checklist before you send
- The USDT network on the order matches the network your receiving wallet supports.
- The receiving address was pasted, not typed, and its first and last characters match.
- You are sending the exact BTC amount shown, plus any exchange withdrawal fee.
- The fee rate is normal or fast, not the cheapest option.
- You have saved the order link and added a refund address.
What to do with your USDT next
Once the stablecoin is in your wallet, you can hold it, send it, or swap it back later on the USDT to BTC pair. Some people also spend it directly; for example, you can buy gift cards with crypto for everyday stores. If you plan to move TRC20 USDT again, remember that you will need a little TRX; the guide why do I need TRX to send USDT explains why.
Frequently asked questions
Which USDT network is cheapest to receive from a BTC swap?
On LarkSwap, USDT on BEP20, Solana, Arbitrum and Polygon have the lowest payout costs, roughly $0.05 to $0.10. TRC20 is about $1.50 and ERC20 about $2. Always choose a network your receiving wallet supports.
How long does a BTC to USDT swap take?
It depends mostly on Bitcoin confirmations. Blocks arrive roughly every 10 minutes on average, and after enough confirmations the payout is typically sent within 5 to 30 minutes. A low fee rate can add delay.
What is the minimum amount of BTC I can convert?
The minimum order is roughly 20 USD equivalent. For small amounts, keep in mind that your own Bitcoin network fee and the payout cost are fixed-ish amounts, so they weigh more on a small swap.