What are USDT and BEP20? A beginner's guide
USDT is a stablecoin that follows the US dollar; BEP20 is the token standard of BNB Smart Chain. Here is how they work, why the network matters and what the rules are in Indonesia.
Published 04 October 2026 2 min read
USDT is one of the most used digital assets in the world, and BEP20 is one of the networks it runs on. If you are new to them, this guide explains the basics in plain words.
What is USDT?
USDT (Tether) is a stablecoin: a digital token designed to keep a stable value of about 1 US dollar. Unlike Bitcoin, its price is not meant to go up or down, which makes it practical for sending value across borders.
What is BEP20?
USDT does not live on one blockchain only. It exists on several networks, and each has its own token standard:
BEP20 is the token standard of BNB Smart Chain. It is popular because network fees are low and transfers are confirmed quickly. PAYWISE accepts and pays out USDT on BEP20.
Why the network matters
The same USDT on a different network is a different "road". If a customer sends USDT on the wrong network, the payment may never be credited. Watch out: BEP20 and ERC20 addresses look the same (both start with 0x), so always check the network, not only the address.
How a USDT payment works with PAYWISE
- You create a payment for the amount you want to receive.
- The customer gets a BEP20 address and the exact amount to send (
pay_amount), which includes the network fee. - The payment is confirmed on the blockchain and your system receives a webhook.
Details are in Accepting USDT payments on BNB Smart Chain.
USDT and the rules in Indonesia
- In Indonesia, crypto assets are regulated and supervised by OJK (since 10 January 2025, previously Bappebti) as digital financial assets.
- Crypto is not legal tender in Indonesia: under Law No. 7 of 2011 on Currency, payments in Indonesia must use rupiah, and Bank Indonesia does not allow crypto as a means of payment.
That is why, for customers in Indonesia, QRIS in rupiah is the right choice, while USDT suits customers abroad who pay in stablecoins. Check the rules of the countries where you and your customers are before accepting crypto.
Summary
- USDT: a stablecoin of about 1 USD.
- BEP20: the token standard on BNB Smart Chain, with low fees.
- Always send and receive on the same network.
