What Is a Memo or Destination Tag (and When Do You Need One)?

Some coins use one shared address for many users. A memo, also called a destination tag or payment ID, tells the receiver which deposit belongs to whom. Forget it and your funds can arrive without anyone knowing they are yours.

Which coins use memos?

Common examples include XRP (destination tag), Stellar XLM (memo), TON (comment), Cosmos ATOM (memo) and BNB on BNB Beacon Chain. Bitcoin, Ethereum and most ERC20 tokens do not use them.

When is it required?

If the deposit screen shows a memo or tag, it is required. Copy it into the matching field in your wallet, usually labelled memo, tag, comment or note.

What if I forget it?

The transaction still reaches the address, but it cannot be matched to your swap automatically. Contact support with your swap ID and transaction hash. Recovery may be possible but takes longer.

Receiving coins that need a memo

If you are receiving XRP or XLM to an exchange account, that exchange will give you a tag too. Enter it with your receiving address, or your payout may be delayed at the exchange.

Quick checklist

• Look for a memo or tag on every deposit screen.
• Copy it with the copy button, never retype it.
• Double-check it before you press send.

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