If you’re just stepping into the world of cryptocurrency, one of the first things you’ll want to learn is how to send crypto safely. Whether it’s Bitcoin, Ethereum, or another coin, sending digital money might feel intimidating at first. Don’t worry—you’re not alone.
Think of crypto like digital cash: if you hand someone a $20 bill, you can’t take it back. The same goes for crypto—once you hit “send,” the transaction is final. That’s why learning the right process, double-checking addresses, and understanding fees are crucial.
In this guide, we’ll break everything down step by step. By the end, you’ll know how to send Bitcoin or any cryptocurrency using popular platforms like Coinbase, Kraken, Crypto.com, Binance, Ledger, and more. We’ll also cover special cases like sending crypto as a gift, common mistakes, and how to fix them.
Ready? Let’s go.
Basics You Need Before Sending Crypto
Before we jump into step-by-step tutorials, let’s make sure you have the foundations covered.
Wallets Explained: Custodial vs. Non-Custodial
- Custodial wallets (like Coinbase or Kraken) are managed by exchanges. They store your crypto for you—like keeping money in a bank.
- Non-custodial wallets (like Ledger Nano S, MetaMask, or Trust Wallet) give you full control. You own your private keys, which means you’re your own bank.
Rule of thumb: “Not your keys, not your coins.” If you don’t own the private key, you’re trusting someone else with your crypto.
Addresses Are Like Bank Account Numbers
When you send crypto, you’ll need the receiver’s wallet address.
- Example: Bitcoin addresses often start with
1,3, orbc1. - Think of this like an IBAN or bank account number—it’s unique to each wallet.
Transaction Fees
Crypto networks charge fees for every transfer. Fees depend on:
- The blockchain (BTC, ETH, etc.)
- Network congestion (how busy it is)
- Speed (higher fees = faster confirmations)
Safety Checks Before Sending
- Double-check the wallet address. One typo = lost funds.
- Make sure you’re sending the right coin on the right network.
- Always test with a small amount first if it’s your first time.
Step-by-Step Guide to Sending Bitcoin & Other Crypto
How to Send Bitcoin to Another Wallet
Sending Bitcoin is like mailing a package—you just need the right address.
Steps:
- Open your wallet or exchange app.
- Select Send or Withdraw.
- Paste the recipient’s Bitcoin address.
- Enter the amount of BTC you want to send.
- Review network fees.
- Confirm and send.
💡 Tip: Always copy-paste the address or scan a QR code. Never type it manually.
How to Send Bitcoin on Coinbase
Coinbase is one of the most popular U.S. exchanges, so let’s cover it first.
Steps on Coinbase app:
- Open Coinbase app → tap Send/Receive.
- Select Send Crypto.
- Choose the coin (e.g., Bitcoin).
- Paste the recipient’s wallet address.
- Enter the amount.
- Confirm with your password/2FA.
Table: Coinbase Fees & Sending Limits
| Transaction Type | Fee Type | Typical Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sending BTC internally | Free | $0 | To another Coinbase user |
| Sending BTC externally | Network fee (variable) | $1–$15+ | Depends on BTC congestion |
| Daily send limit (USA) | Up to $25,000 (verified acc) | – | Limits increase with KYC |
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re sending to another Coinbase user, it’s free and instant.
How to Send Bitcoin from Coinbase to Another Wallet
Let’s say you want to move your BTC to a Ledger hardware wallet.
- Open Coinbase.
- Go to Send/Receive → Send.
- Enter your Ledger’s BTC receiving address.
- Paste and double-check.
- Confirm with 2FA.
Table: Coinbase Sending Limits (U.S. Users)
| Account Type | Daily Limit | Monthly Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $5,000 | $50,000 |
| Verified | $25,000 | $500,000 |
| Institutional | Custom | Higher limits |
How to Send Crypto from Kraken to Another Wallet
Kraken is known for lower fees compared to Coinbase.
Steps:
- Log in to Kraken.
- Navigate to Funding → Withdraw.
- Select the crypto you want to send.
- Add the withdrawal address.
- Enter the amount.
- Confirm via email/2FA.
Table: Kraken Withdrawal Fees (Sample)
| Crypto | Withdrawal Fee | Min Withdrawal |
|---|---|---|
| BTC | 0.00015 BTC | 0.001 BTC |
| ETH | 0.0035 ETH | 0.01 ETH |
| USDT | 20 USDT (ERC20) | 10 USDT |
Sending Crypto from Crypto.com
Crypto.com is mobile-focused and has an intuitive app.
Steps:
- Open the Crypto.com app.
- Go to Transfer → Withdraw → External Wallet.
- Add a new wallet address (requires email confirmation).
- Enter amount → confirm with biometric/2FA.
💡 Important: Enable Address Whitelisting. Once activated, withdrawals can only go to pre-approved addresses. This protects you from hacks.
Sending Crypto to Binance
Binance supports multiple networks (ERC20, BEP20, etc.). Choosing the wrong one is the #1 mistake beginners make.
Steps:
- Open Binance app/web.
- Go to Wallet → Deposit (to receive) or Withdraw (to send).
- Select the correct coin and network.
- Enter the address → confirm.
Table: Binance Supported Networks (BTC & ETH)
| Coin | Networks Available | Recommended for Beginners |
|---|---|---|
| BTC | BTC (native), BEP20 | BTC (native) |
| ETH | ERC20, BEP20, Arbitrum | ERC20 (most common) |
Sending Crypto from Ledger Nano S
Ledger is a hardware wallet—meaning your private keys are stored offline.
Steps:
- Plug in your Ledger.
- Open Ledger Live app.
- Go to Send → select crypto.
- Enter recipient address.
- Confirm transaction on Ledger device screen.
Sending Crypto to Ledger Nano S
To receive:
- Open Ledger Live.
- Click Receive.
- Select the coin (BTC, ETH, etc.).
- Copy address or scan QR code.
- Paste it when withdrawing from your exchange.
💡 Always confirm the address on your Ledger device screen, not just on your computer.
How to Send Crypto from Bitvavo
Bitvavo is popular in Europe but also used by some U.S. traders.
Steps are similar:
- Open Bitvavo app.
- Select Withdraw.
- Enter recipient address.
- Confirm via 2FA.
Special Use Cases
Sending Crypto as a Gift
Yes, you can gift Bitcoin instead of socks! 🎁
Ways to do it:
- Paper wallet: Print the private/public keys.
- Hardware wallet: Buy a Ledger, preload it with crypto.
- Gift cards: Some services offer Bitcoin gift cards.
💡 U.S. law: If you gift more than $18,000 in crypto in 2025, you may trigger gift tax reporting.
Sending Bitcoin to Someone Online
If your friend texts you “send me Bitcoin,” you can:
- Ask for their BTC address → send normally.
- Use QR code if meeting in person.
- Use platforms like Coinbase Pay (if both are on Coinbase).
Fees, Speed, and Networks
Understanding Transaction Fees
| Network | Avg Fee | Confirmation Time |
|---|---|---|
| Bitcoin (BTC) | $1–$15 | 10–60 minutes |
| Ethereum (ETH) | $5–$50 | 1–5 minutes |
| Binance Smart Chain (BNB) | <$1 | ~5 seconds |
| Solana (SOL) | <$0.01 | <1 second |
How Long Does Sending Crypto Take?
- Bitcoin: around 10 minutes per block.
- Ethereum: ~1–5 minutes.
- Solana: seconds.
- USDT (depends on network): fast on Tron, slower on Ethereum.
Beginner Safety Tips
- Double-check addresses: Use QR codes when possible.
- Always enable 2FA: Adds a strong extra layer of security.
- Keep transaction IDs (TXIDs): They help track transfers.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
- Sent to wrong address? Unfortunately, crypto transfers are irreversible.
- Wrong network (e.g., sent ETH ERC20 to BEP20)? Some exchanges let you recover, but it’s tricky.
- Stuck transaction? Increase the gas fee (ETH) or use “Replace-By-Fee” (BTC).
Conclusion & Quick Recap
Sending crypto isn’t scary once you know the basics. Always:
- Copy/paste addresses carefully.
- Choose the right network.
- Double-check before hitting “Send.”
With a little practice, you’ll be moving Bitcoin and other cryptos like a pro.
