# Deposits

All deposits must be made in [USDT0 on the Ink network](#why-are-deposits-restricted-to-usdt-usdt0), but **users need only to have USDT on a** [**supported blockchain**](#what-networks-are-supported-for-deposits)**.** Thanks to USDT's omni-channel properties, we've integrated the [bridging](#what-is-bridging-and-why-is-it-needed) process directly into the deposit flow so users don't have to leave the platform to obtain the required collateral.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Before you continue:**

Confirm you have the following before you attempt to deposit:

* [USDT](#why-are-deposits-restricted-to-usdt-usdt0) on a [supported network](#what-networks-are-supported-for-deposits) 
* ETH on a [supported network](#what-networks-are-supported-for-deposits) for [gas and network costs](#what-are-gas-and-network-costs)
* Ensure you're signed into Rails on desktop, as deposits are not supported on mobile.
* Deposits are currently only available on your Main account.  Learn more about how Rails sub-accounts work [here](https://help.rails.xyz/general/navigating-the-platform/main-and-sub-accounts).
  {% endhint %}

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th align="center"></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td align="center"><strong>How to Deposit USDT</strong></td><td><a href="#how-to-deposit-usdt">#how-to-deposit-usdt</a></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions</strong></td><td><a href="#frequently-asked-questions">#frequently-asked-questions</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

### How to Deposit USDT:

{% hint style="info" %}
First time depositing?  Start [here](https://help.rails.xyz/deposits-and-withdrawals/deposits) instead.

The easiest way to fix a lot of deposit issues is to clear your browser cache, log in and back out of Rails.
{% endhint %}

1. Log in to your [Rails](https://trade.rails.xyz/trade/BTC-USD) account on *desktop*.&#x20;

{% columns %}
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2\) Click **Deposit** in the top right corner of your Rails account.
{% endcolumn %}

{% column %}

<figure><img src="https://1893902947-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FvoJ4s2ha99AB453yyXn5%2Fuploads%2FLm5xORP2Vbo7HFmugt9k%2Fnew%20deposit%201.png?alt=media&#x26;token=8ef2b8e1-a156-4288-9974-a1c782332b86" alt="" width="372"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}

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3\. If your wallet is not connected, you will be asked to connect your Ink supported wallet.
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<figure><img src="https://1893902947-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FvoJ4s2ha99AB453yyXn5%2Fuploads%2F9Grn45a5o4fC7mSMz76e%2FCB%20Wallet%201.png?alt=media&#x26;token=1b2b0362-85b7-4c25-ae33-b06c0dd8e4aa" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endcolumn %}
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{% columns %}
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4\. Use the drop-down to show any available USDT balance, and select the network you wish to deposit from.

{% hint style="warning" %}
You'll need to have both:

* USDT for your deposit
* ETH for [gas fees](#what-are-gas-and-network-costs)
  {% endhint %}

{% endcolumn %}

{% column %}

<figure><img src="https://1893902947-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FvoJ4s2ha99AB453yyXn5%2Fuploads%2F2acfyx8bktb7YtThHDbQ%2Fpd0.png?alt=media&#x26;token=6a1ab15b-2ca6-4ace-a795-658d9c06368f" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}

{% columns %}
{% column width="50%" %}
5\. Enter the **Amount** of USDT you wish to deposit and click **Deposit** (if depositing from Ink) or **Bridge and Deposit** (if depositing from any other network).

{% hint style="info" %}
Deposits from Ink are the most efficient and cost effective, learn why [here](#what-is-a-layer-1-vs-layer-2-network).  If you are depositing from Ink, go to Step 8.
{% endhint %}

Deposits from networks other than Ink will require you to first authorize the [bridging transaction](#what-is-bridging-and-why-is-it-needed) in later steps.  Your wallet may ask you to confirm [switching](https://app.gitbook.com/o/QHxiZmAG0U822WuXdCGG/s/voJ4s2ha99AB453yyXn5/~/changes/390/deposits-and-withdrawals/why-does-coinbase-wallet-ask-me-to-confirm-switching-to-ink) to the Ink network here.
{% endcolumn %}

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<figure><img src="https://1893902947-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FvoJ4s2ha99AB453yyXn5%2Fuploads%2FjWVTamyerXudaibbniwh%2FPD1.png?alt=media&#x26;token=a80fa473-14e4-4c59-a3a3-04423c2773db" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}

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6\. Approve the [spending cap](#what-is-a-spending-cap) limit for the bridging transaction if prompted in your wallet.&#x20;
{% endcolumn %}

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<figure><img src="https://1893902947-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FvoJ4s2ha99AB453yyXn5%2Fuploads%2FwKcHCe0R35zAhF50NzMX%2FPD2.png?alt=media&#x26;token=af9b8235-d3bf-4f6c-9350-71d140ad4cf9" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}

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7\. Approve the bridging [transaction](#what-is-bridging-and-why-is-it-needed) as directed in your wallet.

{% hint style="info" %}
Bridging can take up to 15 minutes depending on which network you are bridging from. \
\
You will see *Bridging in Progress* while the transaction is pending:

<img src="https://1893902947-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FvoJ4s2ha99AB453yyXn5%2Fuploads%2FFmbm3kO7S6EI1FKITeri%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=e4f6a862-086e-45fb-97de-869b9d980b15" alt="" data-size="original">\
\
You may close the deposit screen while bridging is in progress.

{% endhint %}

{% endcolumn %}

{% column %}

<figure><img src="https://1893902947-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FvoJ4s2ha99AB453yyXn5%2Fuploads%2FZKLaiXHajwlrC6n1x6mn%2Fpd3.png?alt=media&#x26;token=f3df8781-a331-49f6-83be-69265fa890cd" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}

{% columns %}
{% column width="50%" %}
8\. Click **Ready to Deposit** when the transaction is completed.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note:** If your screen is stuck at ready to deposit, try clearing your browser cache, and then log out and back into Rails.
{% endhint %}
{% endcolumn %}

{% column width="50%" %}

<figure><img src="https://1893902947-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FvoJ4s2ha99AB453yyXn5%2Fuploads%2FXe1qwEwB8Alv5qUfioDC%2Fpd%205.png?alt=media&#x26;token=8eb521ee-0706-4060-bb7f-3fea6c45e9bf" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}

{% columns %}
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9\. Click **Deposit.**
{% endcolumn %}

{% column %}

<figure><img src="https://1893902947-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FvoJ4s2ha99AB453yyXn5%2Fuploads%2FDo47debcOkD04h1kbUy8%2Fpro%20dep%2013.png?alt=media&#x26;token=f1f47a61-3de8-4c63-9dbd-53cddf285db8" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}

{% columns %}
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10\. Approve the [spending cap](#what-is-a-spending-cap) for the deposit transaction if prompted in your wallet.&#x20;
{% endcolumn %}

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<figure><img src="https://1893902947-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FvoJ4s2ha99AB453yyXn5%2Fuploads%2FG0EFWDnK4cstHjwofXM9%2Fpd7.png?alt=media&#x26;token=7acf0f45-cda4-4d92-bcdb-93fb2e4490c0" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}

{% columns %}
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11\. Approve the deposit transaction as directed in your wallet to finalize the deposit request.
{% endcolumn %}

{% column %}

<figure><img src="https://1893902947-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FvoJ4s2ha99AB453yyXn5%2Fuploads%2FxY9wW68y27Gq7rBbWvYc%2Fpd10.png?alt=media&#x26;token=30a91583-9848-4f84-8566-04d76632e840" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}

{% columns %}
{% column %}
The transaction may take up to 1 minute to post on the blockchain, during which time you'll see a pending network confirmation status.

{% endcolumn %}

{% column %}

<figure><img src="https://1893902947-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FvoJ4s2ha99AB453yyXn5%2Fuploads%2FepOA0Kg7OMwVQNHsdKAx%2Fpd8.png?alt=media&#x26;token=b2f82894-c579-4bef-9584-d62c4e3e25ee" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}

{% columns %}
{% column %}
You'll see a deposit notice to let you know when your funds have been successfully deposited.

If you don't see the success screen shown on the right, please check out our [troubleshooting tips](https://help.rails.xyz/support/troubleshooting-tips#wallets-deposits-and-withdrawals) and our [FAQ](#frequently-asked-questions), or contact Support for further assistance.
{% endcolumn %}

{% column %}

<figure><img src="https://1893902947-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FvoJ4s2ha99AB453yyXn5%2Fuploads%2Fa4Pl81RUxorrssSuHodq%2Fdep%20new%208.png?alt=media&#x26;token=7bba74fe-86a9-4dc2-b12e-29e2fc3e9ea5" alt="" width="353"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}

{% hint style="info" %}
To view your deposit history, check out the [Transfers tab](https://help.rails.xyz/general/navigating-the-platform/portfolio-page-overview#transfers) in the Portfolio page.
{% endhint %}

## Frequently Asked Questions

<details>

<summary>Why are deposits restricted to USDT/USDT0?</summary>

Through our partnership with [Kraken](https://www.kraken.com/), we've chosen to leverage USDT0 on Ink for deposits. Ink is Kraken's own Layer 2 blockchain network, and USDT0 is the omnichain deployment of [Tether's](https://tether.to/en/) USDT token.&#x20;

This approach offers several key advantages to users:

* [Layer 2 networks](#what-is-a-layer-1-vs-layer-2-network) offer faster and cheaper transactions.
* USDT is the most widely accepted stablecoin in the world and has a [cross-chain transfer service](https://usdt0.to/transfer) which makes it easy, fast and low cost to bridge other USDT tokens to the Ink network.
* Leveraging a single token and single network for deposits enables clearer and more transparent tracking and auditing of funds.&#x20;

</details>

<details>

<summary>Why does my wallet ask me to confirm switching to Ink</summary>

Ink is a new Layer 2 blockchain developed by the team at Kraken. Since it’s still early in its rollout, some wallets—like Coinbase Wallet—may show a warning when connecting or switching to the Ink network. This is a standard precaution many wallets take with newer or less widely recognized networks. Despite the warning, Ink is a legitimate network backed by a trusted exchange, and the message should become less common as broader wallet support is rolled out.

</details>

<details>

<summary>What is a spending cap?</summary>

The spending cap is the maximum amount of USDT that you authorize Rails to access from your wallet for deposit transactions. It's a standard part of the transaction approval process for most wallets, which help users set limits for future deposits.&#x20;

Rails will automatically set your spending cap to *`unlimited`* during your first deposit to expedite future deposits, but you can change this limit during that step (Step 5 in [How to Deposit USDT](#how-to-deposit-usdt)).&#x20;

{% hint style="info" %}
An unlimited spending cap doesn’t give Rails direct access to your tokens. You must initiate each deposit, and the cap only controls when your wallet asks for additional approvals.&#x20;
{% endhint %}

To edit your spending cap, click on the pencil icon to edit your spending cap, enter your preferred spending cap and click **Save** as shown below.&#x20;

<figure><img src="https://1893902947-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FvoJ4s2ha99AB453yyXn5%2Fuploads%2FzHy6oieOwNBVMb2bIt93%2Fspend%20cap%204.png?alt=media&#x26;token=18ebf647-5b1f-4ce6-9f02-e8317a11dae2" alt="" width="362"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://1893902947-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FvoJ4s2ha99AB453yyXn5%2Fuploads%2FlHDvYKm1dFmlmcqDtQRn%2Fspend%20cap%202.png?alt=media&#x26;token=5132be0a-1304-4678-94bd-7336f9406d72" alt="" width="342"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

</details>

<details>

<summary>What are gas and network costs?</summary>

Rails does not charge any fees for deposits, but there are some gas and network costs associated with processing transactions on the blockchain which are passed on to end users. &#x20;

{% hint style="success" %}
Deposit USDT directly from the Ink network to avoid gas and network fees associated with [bridging](#what-is-bridging-and-why-is-it-needed).&#x20;
{% endhint %}

<table><thead><tr><th width="205.7265625">Network Cost</th><th width="481.4368896484375">What is it?</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Gas on Destination (Ink)</td><td>This in itself is not actually a fee, but a transfer of ETH from the source network (where you're depositing from) to Ink. If you already have ETH on Ink, this will be 0. </td></tr><tr><td>Bridging Cost</td><td>This covers the messaging costs (i.e. delivery and gas costs) for moving tokens between blockchain networks (e.g. Ethereum to Ink). </td></tr><tr><td>Estimated Source Gas</td><td>This is the cost of gas charged by the network you're depositing from to initiate the transaction.</td></tr></tbody></table>

</details>

<details>

<summary>What is bridging and why is it needed?</summary>

Bridging is the process of moving assets (like USDT) or data between blockchains. Since networks like Ethereum and Ink operate independently and can’t communicate directly, a bridge enables them to transfer tokens or information across chains.

To deposit on Rails, you need USDT0 on Ink. If you hold USDT on another network, it must first be bridged to Ink. We’ve built a seamless bridging experience for [supported networks](#what-networks-are-supported-for-deposits) directly into the platform. If your network isn’t supported, you’re welcome to use an external bridge of your choice.

{% hint style="info" %}
Bridging USDT from [Layer 2 networks](#what-is-a-layer-1-vs-layer-2-network) to Ink is the most efficient with speed and fees. \
\
Bridging from busy Layer 1 networks like ETH Mainnet costs more and takes longer to process.
{% endhint %}

</details>

<details>

<summary>What networks are supported for deposits? </summary>

Blockchain networks using [LayerZero's OFT (omnichain Fungible Token) standard](https://layerzero.network/blog/explaining-the-oft-standard?utm_source=chatgpt.com) are supported.  This list will grow as support for this new technology expands:

{% hint style="info" %}
Deposits from [Layer 2 networks](#what-is-a-layer-1-vs-layer-2-network) will have lower gas and network fees. If you need to deposit from popular Layer 1 networks like Ethereum, you can avoid high fees by waiting until network congestion is lower.
{% endhint %}

If you don't already have USDT on one of these networks, you will need to bridge and/or swap existing tokens to one of these networks.

| Supported Layer 1 Networks | Supported Layer 2 Networks |
| -------------------------- | -------------------------- |
| Ethereum                   | Arbitrum                   |
| Berachain                  | Optimisim                  |
| Sei                        | Ink                        |
| Flare                      | Unichain                   |
|                            | Corn                       |
|                            |                            |

</details>

<details>

<summary>What is a Layer 1 vs Layer 2 network?</summary>

Layer 1 is the main blockchain network, like Ethereum or Bitcoin, where transactions and data are stored directly on the chain. Layer 1 is secure and decentralized but can be slower and more expensive as more people use it.

Layer 2 is built on top of Layer 1 to make things faster and cheaper. It processes transactions off the main chain and then sends a summary back to Layer 1. This helps reduce fees and speeds up transactions while still using the security of the main blockchain.

These benefits are why deposits and withdrawals leverage USDT0 on Ink, a Layer 2 blockchain.&#x20;

</details>


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