USDT (Tether) is the most widely used stablecoin, pegged to the US dollar, and your first step into the crypto world. Register on Binance to get started, and Download Binance APP for the best experience.
Why Buy USDT First?
USDT is the most universal quote currency in crypto trading. Nearly every token has a USDT trading pair, meaning you can buy virtually any cryptocurrency once you hold USDT. At the same time, USDT maintains a stable value (~$1), so when you don't want to hold volatile assets, you can convert to USDT as a safe haven.
For Chinese users, USDT also serves as a "bridge" — you can't directly buy BTC or ETH with RMB on an exchange, but you can buy USDT with RMB through C2C, then use USDT to purchase any crypto. Learning to buy USDT is the first and most important step into the crypto market.
Buying USDT via C2C
This is the most common method for Chinese users:
Step 1: Open the Binance app, go to "Trade" > "P2P Trading," select "Buy" > "USDT." If this is your first time using C2C, the system may require you to complete KYC first.
Step 2: Select your payment method (bank card, Alipay, or WeChat). The system displays a list of available sellers with their prices, trade volumes, completion rates, and other details.
Step 3: Choose a reputable seller with a good price and enter your purchase amount. Prioritize sellers with the blue "Verified Merchant" badge — they've been rigorously vetted by Binance. Also look for high transaction counts and completion rates, which indicate reliability.
Step 4: Pay according to the seller's payment details shown in the order. After completing the transfer, tap "I've Paid" to notify the seller. Make sure you actually complete the transfer before tapping the confirmation button — don't tap "I've Paid" prematurely.
Step 5: Once the seller confirms receipt, the USDT is automatically released to your funding account. The whole process typically takes 5–15 minutes. If the seller doesn't release after the timeout, you can file an appeal and Binance support will step in.
After Buying
Purchased USDT goes to your "Funding Account." To trade on the spot market, you need to transfer USDT from your "Funding Account" to your "Spot Account." This transfer is done in the "Wallet" page — it's free and instant.
Specifically: Go to "Wallet" > Tap "Transfer" > Select "From Funding Account to Spot Account" > Choose USDT > Enter the amount > Confirm. Once transferred, you can buy BTC, ETH, SOL, or any other token that interests you on the spot market.
For futures trading, transfer USDT to your "Futures Account." Different trading types use different accounts — Binance designed it this way for risk isolation.
Important Notes
When buying USDT via C2C, choose verified merchants for more stable pricing and better security. Never include crypto-related terms in your transfer memo — words like "USDT," "Bitcoin," or "Binance" could trigger your bank's risk controls.
Consider using a dedicated bank card for C2C trading to reduce risk. Set aside a card you don't use daily specifically for crypto transactions, so even if a freeze occurs, your everyday finances aren't affected.
The name on your payment account must match your Binance KYC name — you can't use someone else's account to pay. After completing each transaction, save the transfer screenshot as evidence in case of disputes.
First Purchase Tips
Your first USDT purchase doesn't need to be large — start with 100–500 RMB to learn the process. Do a few small transactions to build experience, and you'll get more comfortable quickly. Remember, in the crypto market, managing risk is always more important than chasing returns.