MEMO FIELD IN CRYPTO TRANSACTIONS: THE COMPLETE GUIDE

Reminder (also known as Tag or Target ID) is a special identifier — a numeric or alphanumeric code required when sending certain digital assets. Its key role is to correctly route funds to the recipient’s account when multiple users may share a common address.

Why is the Memo field critically important?

Some blockchains, including XRP (Ripple), XLM (Stellar), and BNB (Binance Coin), allow platforms to operate with a single wallet address for multiple clients. Without a unique tag, the system cannot determine who the transferred funds belong to. In this case, the Memo field helps by adding an individual marker to the transaction.

Ignoring the requirement to enter a Memo when transferring can lead to serious consequences: the platform will not recognize the recipient, which may result in loss of funds. Recovery attempts will require contacting support and lengthy procedures, although a guarantee of return is not provided.

In which situations is filling out the Memo field necessary?

When performing operations with specific assets on centralized platforms, it is necessary to specify the Memo:

XRP (Ripple): the Memo field is mandatory for any deposits.

XLM (Stellar): the Memo function is required to identify the recipient’s account.

BNB (Binance Coin) on the BNB chain: the Tag must be filled in a designated field.

EOS: uses the Target ID mechanism for payment routing.

How to obtain and use credentials with a Memo?

###Obtaining a Memo on the platform

When you initiate a deposit of XRP, XLM, or BNB, the system will display two critically important parameters:

  • Deposit address — the string of characters where the transfer is sent
  • Memo/Tag — a unique numeric code for your account (example: 12345678)

Example display:

  • Address: rEXAMPLEAddress123456
  • Memo: 12345678

###Using when withdrawing funds

On the withdrawal page, you will find a separate Memo field alongside the destination address field. Both values must be copied exactly and pasted into the respective fields.

###Verification in mobile wallets

Apps like Trust Wallet or Ledger Live will also prompt for confirmation of the need to add a Tag before sending the transaction.

Step-by-step operation example

Scenario: sending XRP from one major platform to another.

  1. On the target platform, open the deposit section and select XRP.
  2. The system will generate two-component credentials: address and memo.
  3. In the withdrawal interface on the sender’s side, enter both values into the required fields.
  4. Confirm the operation.

What are the consequences of forgetting?

If the Memo field is not filled or filled incorrectly:

  • The transfer will go to the address, but the recipient’s identifier will remain unknown.
  • The platform will not associate the funds with any account.
  • Recovery will require laborious interaction with support.
  • Even contacting specialists does not guarantee successful asset recovery.

Conclusion: when working with XRP, XLM, BNB, and EOS, do not forget to copy both the address and the unique Memo field. This is a simple but crucial step for safe crypto operations.

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