Cryptorefills empowers users to spend cryptocurrency on real-world goods and services with ease. One of the supported digital assets is USDT.e, a stablecoin operating on the Avalanche blockchain through the new Avalanche Bridge (AB). This guide walks you through what USDT.e is, why it exists, how to convert deprecated USDT tokens to USDT.e, and how to use them seamlessly at Cryptorefills for fast, low-cost transactions.
Whether you're new to crypto payments or a seasoned user navigating bridge transitions, this article ensures you stay up to date with the latest changes in the Avalanche ecosystem.
Understanding USDT.e and Its Role in the Avalanche Ecosystem
With the deprecation of the Avalanche-Ethereum Bridge (AEB), all assets previously transferred via that bridge—including USDT—are now considered legacy. To improve security, speed, and efficiency, Avalanche launched the Avalanche Bridge (AB) as its official cross-chain solution. As part of this transition, tokens bridged via AB now carry a .e suffix—hence, USDT.e.
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This naming convention helps distinguish between old AEB tokens and the new AB-compatible versions. For example:
- Old:
USDT(AEB version) — deprecated - New:
USDT.e— active and fully supported
The .e stands for "Ethereum-wrapped," indicating these tokens originate from Ethereum but are now optimized for Avalanche’s C-Chain via the updated bridge infrastructure.
Key benefits of using USDT.e include:
- Faster transaction confirmations
- Lower gas fees compared to legacy bridges
- Full compatibility with Avalanche-based dApps and payment platforms like Cryptorefills
Why You Need to Convert Deprecated USDT to USDT.e
If you still hold USDT tokens from the old AEB bridge, they cannot be used on current Avalanche applications. The AEB has been fully deactivated, meaning:
- No new deposits or withdrawals
- No support for transactions involving AEB-issued tokens
To continue using your stablecoins for purchases at Cryptorefills or other Avalanche-integrated platforms, you must migrate your USDT to the new USDT.e format via the Avalanche Bridge.
Failure to do so will result in unusable assets within the modern Avalanche ecosystem.
Step-by-Step Guide: Convert USDT to USDT.e
Migrating your tokens involves two blockchain transactions and requires a Web3 wallet like MetaMask. Follow these steps carefully:
1. Access the Avalanche Bridge Interface
Go to the official Avalanche Bridge website:
👉 Start your token migration securely using a trusted bridge platform.
Connect your MetaMask wallet by selecting the Avalanche network (C-Chain). Ensure your wallet contains the USDT tokens you wish to upgrade.
2. Initiate the Upgrade Process
On the bridge dashboard, click the “Upgrade tokens” button at the top. From the list, select USDT. You’ll be redirected to a dedicated conversion page where your available balance will be displayed.
Verify that the amount shown matches your wallet balance. You can choose to convert all or part of your holdings.
3. Confirm the First Transaction – Approve Upgrade
Click the “Upgrade” button at the bottom of the screen. MetaMask will prompt you to approve Avalanche’s access to your USDT balance for upgrading purposes.
Review the transaction details and gas fee, then click “Confirm” in MetaMask.
⚠️ This first step grants permission—it does not yet transfer or convert your tokens.
4. Confirm the Second Transaction – Execute Conversion
After confirmation, the bridge status will show “Waiting for confirmation.” Shortly after, another MetaMask pop-up will appear asking you to convert the approved tokens into USDT.e.
Check the gas cost and final amount, then click “Confirm” again.
This second transaction performs the actual migration from USDT (AEB) to USDT.e (AB).
5. Add USDT.e to Your Wallet
Once both transactions are complete, a final MetaMask notification will ask if you want to add USDT.e to your wallet.
Click “Add Token” to make it visible in your asset list.
You now hold fully functional USDT.e tokens ready for use on Avalanche-compatible platforms.
How to Use USDT.e for Payments at Cryptorefills
Using USDT.e at Cryptorefills is straightforward and mirrors the process for other ERC20-style tokens on Avalanche.
When checking out:
- Select USDT.e as your payment method
- Choose Avalanche (C-Chain) as the network
- Approve the transaction in MetaMask
Benefits include:
- Near-instant confirmation times
- Minimal transaction fees
- No need for complex setups—just connect your wallet
Cryptorefills supports a wide range of products and services—from gift cards and mobile top-ups to digital subscriptions—making it easy to spend your crypto in everyday life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is USDT.e the same as regular USDT?
No. While both represent Tether’s USD-pegged stablecoin, USDT.e is specifically issued through the Avalanche Bridge (AB) and runs natively on Avalanche’s C-Chain. Regular USDT on AEB is deprecated and no longer functional.
Q: Can I send USDT.e back to Ethereum?
Yes, but only through the Avalanche Bridge. You can "unbridge" your USDT.e back to Ethereum ERC-20 USDT, though this may incur higher fees and longer processing times depending on network congestion.
Q: What happens if I send deprecated USDT to Cryptorefills?
Transactions using deprecated AEB tokens will likely fail or be rejected. Always ensure you're sending USDT.e, not legacy USDT.
Q: Do I need to pay gas in AVAX to use USDT.e?
Yes. Like all transactions on Avalanche’s C-Chain, you need a small amount of AVAX in your wallet to cover gas fees when spending USDT.e.
Q: Is there a fee to convert USDT to USDT.e?
Yes. The conversion requires two transactions, each consuming gas in AVAX. Fees vary based on network activity but are generally low.
Q: Will my USDT.e balance change during conversion?
No. The conversion is 1:1—your total value remains unchanged. Only the token standard and bridge origin are updated.
Final Thoughts: Stay Updated, Keep Spending Crypto
The shift from AEB to AB marks a significant upgrade in cross-chain interoperability and user experience within the Avalanche ecosystem. By converting your deprecated USDT to USDT.e, you ensure uninterrupted access to crypto-powered services like Cryptorefills.
Staying informed about such transitions not only protects your assets but also enhances your ability to use crypto in practical, real-world scenarios.
👉 Learn more about managing stablecoins across blockchain networks with advanced tools.
With faster speeds, lower costs, and broader compatibility, USDT.e represents a smarter way to spend digital dollars—today and beyond.
Keep shopping with crypto, stay secure, and always verify bridge statuses before initiating transfers.