< path d="M52.6178 31.3114L44.7476 60.6733L74.1095 68.5435L81.9797 39.1816L52.6178 31.3114Z" fill="#F9C32D"/>

Finder is committed to editorial independence. While we receive compensation when you click links to partners, they do not influence our content.

Best wallets and strategies for storing Tether (USDT)

Read our guide to the top wallets for securely holding and managing USDT

Avatar
Tim Falk
Updated
Fact checked

The concept of a “stablecoin,” or a cryptocurrency which has its value pegged to a fiat currency, is mostly thought to be beneficial to traders. Tethers (USDT) are often seen as a safe haven for traders who want to avoid periods of market volatility.

Despite the fact that there is some controversy over whether the issuers of USDT are solvent, there is still strong demand for USDT on global crypto markets. While USDT is often kept on exchanges and used as a tool to trade in and out of cryptocurrency as desired, some holders may also want to store their coins securely away from an exchange.

This is where things become a little more complex. Read on to learn about the different forms of USDT as well as the type of wallet required to safely store the variants of this digital currency.

Learn more Where to buy Tether (USDT)

Disclaimer: This information should not be interpreted as an endorsement of cryptocurrency or any specific provider, service or offering. It is not a recommendation to trade.

Top wallets for USDT

Name Product Wallet Type Supported Cryptocurrencies Price (USD) Disclaimer
Ledger Nano X Wallet
Ledger Nano X Wallet
Hardware wallet
BTC, ETH, XRP, BCH, ADA, LTC, BNB, EOS, XTZ, XLM & 1,350+ more
$149
The Ledger Nano X comes with added Bluetooth functionality, more memory and a higher quality screen than its big brother, the Nano S.
Go to site
More Info
Exodus Wallet
Exodus Wallet
Mobile wallet,Desktop wallet
BTC, BCH, BTG, LTC, ETH, DASH, ETC, FUN, DCR, OMG & 140+ more
Free download
Founded in July 2016, this free desktop wallet offers support for multiple cryptocurrencies including live chart tracking features.
Go to site
More Info
TREZOR Model T Wallet
TREZOR Model T Wallet
Hardware wallet
BTC, ETH, XRP, USDT, BCH, LTC, EOS, XTZ, LINK, XLM & 1380+ more
$280
The next generation of hardware wallet from TREZOR, the Model T includes a host of new features including a touchscreen and improved processing.
Go to site
More Info
Ledger Nano S Wallet
Ledger Nano S Wallet
Hardware wallet
BTC, XRP, ETH, BCH, EOS, XLM, LTC, TRX, ADA, MIOTA & 1,330+ more
$59
Securely store some of the world's leading cryptocurrencies on the Ledger Nano S hardware wallet.
Go to site
More Info
Atomic Wallet
Atomic Wallet
Desktop wallet
BTC, LTC, ETH, TRX, DGB, QTUM, XLM, ZEC, XRP, BCH and 150+ more
Free download
Store, buy and sell 130+ cryptocurrencies using Atomic Wallet's in-built atomic swap exchange.
Go to site
More Info
TREZOR One Wallet
TREZOR One Wallet
Hardware wallet
BTC, ETH, BCH, LTC, LINK, XLM, HT, USDC, DASH & 1280+ more
$77
TREZOR hardware wallet is a secure way to keep your cryptocurrency safe from hackers and malware.
Go to site
More Info
KeepKey Wallet
KeepKey Wallet
Hardware wallet,Web browser wallet
BTC, BCH , DASH, DOGE, ETH, LTC, NMC
$49
Protect your digital assets from hackers with the virus- and malware-proof KeepKey hardware wallet.
Go to site
More Info
Sugi Wallet
Sugi Wallet
Hardware wallet
BTC, ETH, LTC, XRP, BCH, ERC20
$63.30
A NFC cryptocurrency wallet card with a mobile app that supports major cryptos and select ERC20 tokens.
Go to site
More Info
Coinomi Wallet
Coinomi Wallet
Mobile wallet,Desktop wallet
BTC, ETH, ETC, BTG, DOGE, LTC, LCC, BCH, DASH, NBT, PPC, RDD, MONA, DGB, DGC, NEOS, XVG, VTC, BTA, ABN & 100+ more
Free download
A multi-coin crypto wallet designed for storing multiple cryptocurrencies on your mobile, including bitcoin and Ethereum.
More Info
MyEtherWallet
MyEtherWallet
Mobile wallet,Hardware wallet,Web browser wallet
ETH, ETC, EOS & ERC20 tokens
Free download
MyEtherWallet (MEW) is a free, open source tool for creating wallets that work with the Ethereum platform.
More Info
loading

Compare up to 4 providers

The two types of USDT

USDT was originally created using the Omni Layer protocol (using the bitcoin blockchain), but has since launched an additional version as an ERC20 token (using the Ethereum blockchain). This means that there are two different types of USDT, both with different storage methods.

Anyone who wishes to move their USDT to a wallet must first figure out which type of USDT they have as the two types are not compatible with each other. If you deposit the wrong type of USDT into the wrong wallet, you will lose your funds.

The good news is that checking which type of USDT you have is a relatively simple process.

Which type of USDT do I have?

There are several methods to check which type of USDT you have in your account.

  1. Check the withdrawal address
  • ERC20-based USDT will begin with an “0x”
  • Omni Layer-based USDT will begin with a random string of numbers or letters, most often starting with either “1”, “3” or the new SegWit prefix “bc1”.
  1. Check with the exchange
  • Contact the customer support of the exchange you wish to withdraw from and check which type of USDT they host.
  1. Test the wallet with a small amount
  • You should only use this as a last resort since it may result in a loss of funds (albeit a small amount). If you cannot confirm the type of USDT you have, you can always send a very small amount to a USDT wallet to figure out if you have the type that wallet supports. If the funds arrive, then you have the same type of USDT supported by that wallet. If they are lost, then you may assume you have the other type and should perform the same check with the other wallet type to be sure.

What to look for in a Tether wallet

As well as making sure a wallet is compatible with the type of USDT you hold, remember to also look for the following key features:

  • Easy-to-understand interface. Storing and managing crypto coins and tokens can be complicated and confusing, especially if you’re new to digital currencies, so look for a wallet with a simple and straightforward user interface.
  • Security features. Check the list of security features each wallet offers, such as two-factor authentication and advanced encryption. Has it ever experienced any security breaches in the past?
  • Back up and restore. How easy is it to back up your wallet and recover your funds if something goes wrong with your wallet? Do you retain control of your private keys, or do you need to trust a third party?
  • Ongoing development. Research each wallet you’re considering to find out more about the development team behind the product. Is the wallet constantly being upgraded and improved with new features and technology?
  • Customer support. Finally, if you need help with the wallet or you have a problem with a transaction, how easy is it to get in touch with the customer support team?

Check out our comprehensive guide to choosing a crypto wallet.

The following wallets are organised by which version of USDT they support, with some universal options at the end.

ERC20 USDT wallets

MyEtherWallet

  • Security, interface, compatibility, hardware wallet support, allows cold storage
  • A popular target for phishing scams

myetherwallet

Launched in 2015, MyEtherWallet (MEW) is perhaps the most well-known Ethereum wallet on the market. As the platform supports ERC20 tokens, you can use it to store your ERC20 USDT.

MEW is a web-browser wallet which also offers a Chrome extension for ease of use. Due to its highly regarded security and privacy, many hardware wallets, including TREZOR and Ledger products, have integrated MEW into their wallets. This added advantage makes MEW a popular choice among hardware wallet owners.

MEW also offers the option to create a paper wallet or to store your private keys offline in cold storage.

Omni Layer USDT wallets

OmniWallet

  • Security, market access
  • Difficult user interface, complex transactions, no cold storage

omniwallet

OmniWallet is the original wallet for storing USDT. As an online wallet, it has a lower security rating compared to a hardware wallet and other forms of cold storage. That said, it does offer full control of your private keys, which is an important safeguard for your USDT holdings.

The primary advantage of using the OmniWallet is market access. Because USDT trade on the Omni protocol is well established, buying and selling at critical times is easier than with the ERC20 tokens on the Ethereum blockchain.

A key benefit of this wallet is that any OmniWallet address allows you to store bitcoin as well as USDT. However, the main drawback is that OmniWallet’s user interface may not be ideal for beginners. The wallet’s navigation and set-up has drawn criticism from a number of users, with some pointing out that it’s not even immediately clear whether the wallet offers USDT support.

Other USDT wallet options

Tether Wallet

  • Market access, withdrawing US dollars
  • Presently unavailable, security breached in the past

tether wallet

Tether was hacked in late 2017 and funds were stolen from the main Tether wallet. As a result, the currency’s official wallet offering was taken offline and new wallet registrations were suspended.

At the time of writing (May 2018), this is still the case, meaning USDT holders can’t store their USDT in the official Tether wallet. Tether has indicated that the wallet won’t return until it has finished software upgrades, but no time frames have been provided as to when that might be.

Storing USDT in an exchange wallet

USDT is primarily a trader’s token and can function as a hedge against market volatility. If you plan to use USDT for this purpose, liquidity is a must. The option to buy and sell at critical moments is necessary for successful trades using USDT, so storing USDT on an exchange may be more efficient than other methods if quick access to your funds is important to you.

However, this does come at a price. Storing your USDT on an exchange carries the risk of losing all the USDT (and all the other digital assets) deposited in the exchange if the exchange is subject to a security breach. As a result, this storage method can be viewed as the least secure strategy, but the most effective if you need rapid access to your USDT to place a trade.

Find out more about which exchanges offer a USDT pairing.

Tips for securely storing your USDT

Keep the following tips in mind to help maximise the security of your USDT:

  • Consider your storage needs. The storage method you choose may mean accepting a trade-off between market access and security. Fast and convenient access to your funds using online storage generally means reduced security, but choosing the high-level protection of offline storage means your USDT won’t be immediately available when a trading opportunity arises. Consider your needs carefully before choosing a storage option.
  • Keep private keys private. You can’t access your crypto coins and tokens without your private keys, so make sure you store them somewhere safe and secure. Just as importantly, don’t share them with anyone else.
  • Check addresses. Blockchain transactions are irreversible, so make sure you verify that you’ve entered the correct address before sending any funds.
  • Do your own research. Before choosing any wallet, make sure you thoroughly research what a wallet has to offer. What are its features? How easy is it to use? Is it offered by a reputable provider? Has it ever been hacked? Would other users recommend it? Doing a little digging on your own will ensure that you can make an informed decision about which wallet is right for you.

For more tips, check out our comprehensive guide to crypto wallets.

How to buy USDT

How to buy USDT

Learn more about Tether

Learn more about Tether

USDT price prediction

USDT price prediction
Disclaimer: Cryptocurrencies are speculative, complex and involve significant risks – they are highly volatile and sensitive to secondary activity. Performance is unpredictable and past performance is no guarantee of future performance. Consider your own circumstances, and obtain your own advice, before relying on this information. You should also verify the nature of any product or service (including its legal status and relevant regulatory requirements) and consult the relevant Regulators' websites before making any decision. Finder, or the author, may have holdings in the cryptocurrencies discussed.

Images: Shutterstock

Disclosure: At the time of writing, the author holds IOTA and XLM.

More guides on Finder

Ask an Expert

You are about to post a question on finder.com:

  • Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
  • finder.com is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
  • We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
  • Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked

Finder.com provides guides and information on a range of products and services. Because our content is not financial advice, we suggest talking with a professional before you make any decision.

By submitting your comment or question, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms.

Questions and responses on finder.com are not provided, paid for or otherwise endorsed by any bank or brand. These banks and brands are not responsible for ensuring that comments are answered or accurate.
Go to site