> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.rails.xyz/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.rails.xyz/manage-account/manage-funds/acquiring-usdt.md).

# Acquiring USDT

Rails requires all deposits to be made in a supported stablecoin. For Rails Exchange accounts, all collateral must be deposited in **USDT** on a supported blockchain. 

Rails handles the conversion path as part of the deposit flow using USDT's omni-chain properties. This means you can fund your account without leaving the platform, even if your USDT starts on another supported network.

#### What this means in practice

* Post collateral in USDT when you deposit to Rails.
* Deposits are converted into the required collateral format during the deposit flow.
* Only funds that have been successfully deposited are available as trading collateral.
* Collateral in use for open positions or orders may not be available to withdraw or transfer.

{% hint style="info" %}
Need help funding your account? See [Deposit](/manage-account/manage-funds/deposit.md), [Transfer](/manage-account/manage-funds/transfer.md), and [Bridge](/manage-account/manage-funds/bridge.md).
{% endhint %}

#### Why USDT?

{% columns %}
{% column width="83.33333333333334%" valign="middle" %}
We choose to leverage [Tether's](https://tether.to/en/) USDT token, as 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 between supported networks. Additionally, leveraging a single token enables clearer and more transparent tracking and auditing of funds.
{% endcolumn %}

{% column width="16.666666666666657%" %}

<figure><img src="https://1893902947-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FvoJ4s2ha99AB453yyXn5%2Fuploads%2F89wVOXa8Q7oOwIO7AbBG%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=5ba5de94-527b-455b-a615-2f2e8e6b4e03" alt="" width="128"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}

{% hint style="success" %}
Learn more about USDT & USDT0 on [Tether's website](https://usdt0.to/assets/usdt0).
{% endhint %}

There are a few options to acquire USDT:

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Buy USDT with fiat" %}
This is the most common path if you're starting with fiat (or, traditional currency like USD, EUR, etc.):

1. Create and verify an account on a reputable centralized exchange (for example, Kraken) that supports USDT.
2. Deposit fiat (bank transfer, card, etc.) and purchase **USDT**.
3. Withdraw the USDT to the [wallet you'll link & connect to Rails](/manage-account/manage-funds/wallet-connection.md).
4. Buy and withdraw a small amount of **ETH** on the same network to cover gas.
5. Return to Rails and follow the [Deposit](/manage-account/manage-funds/deposit.md) steps.

{% hint style="info" %}
When withdrawing from the exchange, double-check the **network** and **wallet address** before confirming. Most exchange withdrawals are irreversible.
{% endhint %}
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Swap a token you have" %}
If you already hold another digital asset (e.g. ETH, BTC, or another stablecoin), you can convert it to USDT instead of buying with fiat.

* **On a centralized exchange:** trade your existing asset for USDT, then withdraw on a supported network.
* **In a self-custody wallet:** use your [supported wallet's](/manage-account/manage-funds/wallet-connection.md) built-in swap feature, or a decentralized exchange, to swap to USDT on a supported network. Keep enough of the network's native token (e.g. ETH) to cover swap and transfer gas.

After swapping, you'll still need **ETH on the same network** for gas before you can [deposit](/manage-account/manage-funds/deposit.md).
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Buy USDT inside your wallet" %}
Many self-custody wallets include a built-in fiat **on-ramp** that lets you buy USDT with a card or bank transfer and receive it directly in your wallet.

1. Open the buy/on-ramp feature in your [supported wallet](/manage-account/manage-funds/wallet-connection.md).
2. Select **USDT** and a supported network.
3. Complete the purchase. The USDT lands in the wallet you'll [link to Rails](/manage-account/manage-funds/wallet-connection.md).
   {% endtab %}
   {% endtabs %}