Why it is important to check memo tags when translating

In a number of networks, the addresses of wallets at exchanges and services are common - one address serves thousands of users. To understand who to credit the incoming transfer to, the system requires an additional identifier: Memo, Destination Tag, Payment ID, Note, Message, etc. Missed this field or entered incorrectly - the payment comes to the general "pool," but is not associated with your account. The result is that money "freezes" and requires manual analysis of support. This can almost always be avoided by a short checklist.

1) What is Memo/Tag/Payment ID in simple words

The address is the "street and house" of the service.

Memo/Tag - "apartment/office" inside this house, according to which the system understands which account to credit the payment.

The format is digital or string; the field can be called Destination Tag/Memo/Payment ID/Memo ID/Message.

2) Where memo tags are critical (incomplete but practical list)

XRP (Ripple) - Destination Tag is required for deposits on exchanges/custodial wallets.

XLM (Stellar) - Memo (Text/ID/Hash) is required by providers.

BNB Beacon Chain (BEP2) - Memo is required almost always.

EOS - Memo is required for deposits on exchanges.

Cosmos ecosystem (ATOM, OSMO, KAVA, etc.) - often used by Memo for deposits.

HBAR (Hedera), NANO and some other networks - providers may need an additional field.

Monero (XMR) - historically Payment ID (often replaced by "integrated addresses," but exchanges still use identifiers).

💡 In EVM networks (ETH, BSC/BEP-20, Arbitrum, Polygon, etc.), memo is usually not needed: addresses are unique. But always see the requirements of a particular site.

3) Why ignoring a memo tag is expensive

Unidentified deposit. Funds come to the "pool" wallet without being tied to your account.

Manual disassembly. Support asks for a hash, amount, time, screenshots - and this can last from hours to days.

"Manual return" fees. Some exchanges charge a flat recovery fee.

Risk of no return. Support may fail for data mismatches or internal policies.

4) How to properly check memo before sending (basic routine)

1. Generate details anew before each deposit: address + memo from personal account/application, and not from old correspondence.

2. Check the address + memo pair: they must belong to the same network and the same asset (for example, XRP to XRP network with Destination Tag).

3. Check the memo format: number/text/hash - enter without unnecessary spaces and characters.

4. Test payment $5- $20: Make sure the small amount is credited correctly and visible in history.

5. Screen/log details: fix the address, memo, time and tx-hash before sending the full amount.

5) Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Memo was forgotten altogether.

Solution: start a rule - do not send if the memo/Tag field is empty when the exchange interface shows it. Do a test deposit.

Mixed up the format. (For example, you entered text instead of numbers.)

Solution: copy through the "Copy" button in the application, make sure that the field is inserted completely.

They took a memo from the old ticket/screen.

Solution: always re-generate props; exchanges change address pools and IDs.

Sent on the wrong network.

Solution: On the deposit screen, check the network name. The address may look "similar," but the network is different.

Autocorrect/clipboard styler.

Solution: check the first/last characters of the address and the entire memo; if possible, scan QR from the office, not copy from chats.

6) Mini check list before sending with memo/Tag

The address and asset match the deposit screen.
Correct network specified (XRP/XLM/EOS/BEP2/ATOM family, etc.).
Memo/Tag is full and exactly matches the format (digits/text).
Test deposit made and enrollment confirmed.
Saved screenshots/logs: address, memo, time, amount, tx-hash.

7) Emergency plan: What to do if you forget the memo

1. Don't panic. The transaction came to the service - they have your payment in the pool.

2. Immediately create a ticket in support: specify the tx-hash, amount, time, network, destination address, attach screenshots.

3. Confirm account ownership (KYC/2FA), answer support questions.

4. Prepare for waiting and possible recovery fees.

5. Clarify the exchange's policy for the future: where to look memo, when it is required, whether there are "integrated addresses."

8) Practical tips for an "unmistakable" routine

Address Book. Save verified address + network + memo pairs as contacts with friendly names.

Two-stage translations. For amounts above your threshold (for example, $200) - always through a test.

Hardware confirmation. For important shipments, check the data on the hardware wallet screen.

Address whitelist. On exchanges, include whitelisting and add latency - this reduces the risk of phishing.

Four-eye procedure. In the company/team, double check the address and memo before large transfers.

9) Mini-FAQ

Why don't EVM networks ask for a memo? Addresses are unique to the user, the service does not need an additional identifier.

Can the incorrect memo be corrected "after sending"? Only through recipient support is a manual process.

If the service did not show the memo field, then it is not necessary? True: if the field is not specified in the cabinet at the time the address is generated, it is usually not required.

Can the same memo be used many times? Yes, if the service is so arranged - but each time check the details again.

Memo/Tag is a small field that decides who will receive your transfer at a common address. His absence or mistake turns an instant deposit into a long correspondence with a support - sometimes with additional costs. Enter a simple routine: generate "here and now" details, verify the address + network + memo, make a test payment and store logs. These steps almost completely remove the risk of "missing" funds in networks with mandatory memo tags.