Ask the sender for the exact address they will pay from, confirm the network (TRC-20, ERC-20 or BEP-20), and run that address through an AML checker before you share your own address or release goods. Decline or ask questions if the report shows sanctions, scams, stolen funds or mixers.
Why check before, not after
Once USDT lands in your wallet, its history comes with it. If part of it traces back to a flagged source, an exchange may hold your deposit and ask where the funds came from — OKX, for example, says deposits can be suspended for a compliance check and may be held until sender information is provided.[1] Tether can also restrict USDT at specific addresses linked to illicit activity.[2] Checking first lets you refuse the coins while that is still easy.
Step by step
- Get the sender’s address. Ask for the address they will send from. On P2P platforms, ask before you share payment details.
- Confirm the network. A TRON address starts with T; Ethereum and BNB Chain both use 0x addresses, so ask which one. The same 0x string can have a different history on each network.
- Double-check the address. Compare the first and last characters with what the sender gave you — a typo or a wrong-network address wastes a paid check.
- Run the AML check. Use a service that supports the network — see USDT TRC-20 or USDT ERC-20 for the list and prices.
- Read the breakdown, not just the score. A small share of “P2P without KYC” is common; any share of sanctions or stolen funds is not.
- Decide and keep records. Save the report and your chat with the counterparty. If an exchange asks later, records help.
How to read the result
| What you see | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| Mostly regulated exchanges, low score | Typical clean history. Still not a guarantee. |
| Some P2P or high-risk exchange exposure | Common. Ask where the funds came from for large amounts. |
| Any sanctions, terrorism financing or stolen funds | Decline. These are the categories most likely to trigger freezes. |
| No data on a brand-new address | Unknown, not clean. Ask why the address is new. |
Check the freeze status too
An AML score looks at where funds came from. A separate question is whether Tether has already frozen the address. Some services, such as USDTBanList, show the live blacklist status from the USDT contract alongside the score.
Never paste a seed phrase or connect your wallet to “check” USDT. A real check needs only a public address. See fake AML checkers.
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Rules differ by country and change; check the linked sources.
FAQ
Should I check my own address or the sender’s?
The sender’s, before you receive. Checking your own address afterwards shows what you already accepted.
How much does a USDT check cost?
From free (basic checks at PublicAML or USDTBanList) to around $0.35–$1 per check at paid services that publish prices. See the price comparison.
Sources
- OKX (exchange help centre) — Why is my deposit locked? (11 Aug 2026). Checked 4 Nov 2026.
- Tether (issuer's own newsroom) — Tether Supports Freeze of More Than $344 Million in USDT in Coordination with OFAC and U.S. Law Enforcement (23 Apr 2026). Checked 4 Nov 2026.