Memos and destination tags, the small field that saves a deposit
XRP, Stellar, Cosmos and TON deposits often need an extra code. Skip it and the coins arrive with no name attached.
Some networks let one address hold the funds of many people. Exchanges like that, because they can give every customer the same address and tell them apart with a short code. That code is the memo, called a destination tag on XRP and a comment on TON.
Coins that use one
- 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
Receiving into your own wallet? You normally do not need a memo, because the address is yours alone. Receiving into an exchange account? Look at its deposit screen. If it shows a tag, memo or comment, you have to include it, or the exchange cannot tell whose deposit it is.
When you swap on SwapAnonymously and receive one of these coins, there is a memo field right under the address. Fill it in only when the receiving service shows one.
When your deposit needs one
It works the other way too. 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 next to the address with its own copy button.
If it goes wrong
A missing memo rarely means lost coins, but it does mean waiting. Contact whoever received the funds, give them the transaction hash, and they can usually match it by hand. Ten seconds of checking before you send is the better deal. More on the XRP page.
Quick answers
Does my own wallet need a memo?
Usually not. A personal wallet has its own address, so there is nothing to tell apart. Memos matter when you send to a shared address, like an exchange deposit used by many customers.
I forgot the memo, are the coins lost?
Usually not. Contact the service that received them with the transaction hash. Most exchanges can credit it by hand, though it can take time and some charge a fee.
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