Today is October 20, 2025, and I’ve been actively using the USDT functionality on the TON blockchain for almost two years now. I initially got involved because I was looking for faster and cheaper ways to move stablecoins, and everything I read pointed towards TON being a promising solution. I have to say, my experience has been overwhelmingly positive, and I wanted to share my insights.

Why I Started Using USDT on TON

For a long time, I relied heavily on Ethereum for my USDT transactions. However, the gas fees were often prohibitive, especially for smaller amounts. I found myself delaying transactions or simply avoiding them altogether because the cost outweighed the benefit. I’m called Amelia Stone, by the way, and I’m a freelance graphic designer who frequently deals with international clients. Sending and receiving payments quickly and affordably is crucial for my business.

When I first heard about the integration of USDT with TON, particularly through Telegram, I was skeptical. It sounded almost too good to be true – crypto as easy as texting! But I decided to investigate. The promise of low-cost transactions and the backing of Tether and the TON Foundation were compelling. I remember reading about the initial announcement in early 2024 and thinking, “This could be a game-changer.”

Setting Up and My First Transactions

Setting up a TON wallet was surprisingly straightforward; I used the TON Space wallet, which I found to be user-friendly and secure. I then bridged some USDT from Ethereum to TON; Initially, I was a bit hesitant about using a bridge, but the process was smooth and relatively quick. I did my research and chose a reputable bridge, ensuring I understood the associated risks.

My first transaction was a small test transfer to a friend, David Miller, who was also curious about TON. I was amazed by how quickly the transaction confirmed and the incredibly low fees – fractions of a cent compared to the several dollars I was used to paying on Ethereum. It was a real “aha!” moment. I immediately saw the potential for streamlining my business payments.

The Speed and Cost Benefits

Over the past two years, I’ve processed hundreds of transactions using USDT on TON. The speed is consistently impressive. Transfers typically confirm within seconds, which is a huge advantage when dealing with time-sensitive payments. The fees remain remarkably low, even during periods of high network activity. I’ve calculated that I’ve saved over $500 in transaction fees by switching to TON for my USDT transactions.

I also appreciate the added functionality of TON, like TON Storage for secure data storage and TON DNS for simplified website access within the TON network. While I haven’t used these features extensively, knowing they’re available adds to the overall value proposition.

The Growth I’ve Witnessed

I’ve observed a significant increase in the amount of USDT on the TON blockchain over the past year. I remember reading reports in May 2024 that the total value of USDT on TON was only around $130 million. Now, it’s well over $1.5 billion! This growth is a clear indication that more and more people are recognizing the benefits of using TON for their stablecoin transactions.

The discontinuation of the jUSDT bridge was a smart move, in my opinion. It helped to stabilize the price of USDT on TON and prevent arbitrage opportunities that could have undermined the network’s stability.

Limitations and Considerations

While my experience has been largely positive, there are a few limitations to be aware of. Currently, Coinbase only supports USDT on the Ethereum blockchain, which means I can’t directly transfer USDT from TON to my Coinbase account. I have to bridge it back to Ethereum first, which adds an extra step and a small fee.

Also, not all wallets support the TON blockchain. I tried using Phantom wallet, but it doesn’t recognize TON, so I had to stick with TON Space for my TON-based assets.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I’m incredibly impressed with USDT on the TON blockchain. It’s a fast, affordable, and secure way to transact with stablecoins. I believe TON has the potential to become a major player in the stablecoin ecosystem, and I’m excited to see what the future holds. If you’re looking for an alternative to Ethereum for your USDT transactions, I highly recommend giving TON a try. It has certainly revolutionized the way I manage my finances as a freelancer.