Memo and destination tag, the small field that saves your deposit
XRP, Stellar, Cosmos and TON deposits often need an extra code. Leave it out and the coins arrive with no name on them.
Some networks let one address hold the funds of many people. Exchanges love this, because they can give every customer the same address and tell them apart by a short code. That code is the memo, also called a destination tag on XRP or a comment on TON.
Which coins use it
- XRP uses a numeric destination tag.
- Stellar (XLM) uses a memo.
- Cosmos (ATOM) uses a memo.
- TON uses a comment for many exchange deposits.
When you need one
If you receive into your own wallet, you normally do not need a memo. Your wallet has its own address. If you receive into an exchange account, look at the deposit screen. If it shows a tag, memo or comment, you must include it, or the exchange will not know whose deposit it is.
When you swap on SwapPrivate and receive one of these coins, there is a field for the memo right below the address. Fill it in when your receiving service shows one.
When your deposit needs one
It also works the other way. If you send XRP, XLM, ATOM or TON as your deposit, the instructions may include a memo. Copy it exactly. The swap page shows it clearly next to the address, with a copy button.
If it goes wrong
A missing memo rarely means lost coins, but it does mean waiting. Contact the service that received the funds, give them the transaction hash, and they can usually match it by hand. Better to spend ten seconds checking before you send. See the XRP page for more.
Quick answers
Does my own wallet need a memo?
Usually not. A personal wallet has its own address, so no memo is needed. Memos matter when you send to a shared address, like an exchange deposit, where many customers use the same address.
I forgot the memo, are my coins gone?
Usually not. Contact the receiving service with the transaction hash. Most exchanges can credit it manually, though it can take time and some charge a fee.
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