Choosing the Best USDT Network for Bybit: Optimism vs Polygon PoS vs BEP20

As a crypto user and P2P trader, every transaction fee matters — especially when you’re doing frequent USDT deposits or withdrawals on exchanges like Bybit.

In this post, I’ll break down the similarities, advantages, fees, and my personal network preference between Optimism, Polygon PoS, and BEP20 (Binance Smart Chain).

---

Similarities Between Optimism and Polygon PoS

• Both are Ethereum Layer-2 scaling solutions focused on faster, low-fee transactions.

• USDT deposits via these networks show up on Bybit within minutes.

• Unlocking delay occurs on both:

• Optimism shows ~1800 hash countdown.

• Polygon PoS, from my experience, also has a similar unlocking range between 300–800 hashes before USDT becomes usable.

^{screenshot from bybit: polygon pos}

---

---

Advantages of Polygon PoS Over Optimism

Slightly faster unlocking, although not instant.

Broader DeFi compatibility (for those using the network beyond exchanges).

No 7-day challenge delay for withdrawals to Ethereum mainnet (relevant for bridging, not for Bybit users).

---

---

Network Fees

---

---

My Personal Experience as a P2P Trader

---

I personally prefer BEP20 for most of my USDT transactions on Bybit. Why?

Speed: Funds arrive within 1–3 minutes.

Zero fee: No cost as long as I’m transacting 10 USDT or more.

Efficiency: Perfect for P2P trades where every cent counts.

But when I’m dealing with smaller amounts, like less than 10 USDT, BEP20 isn’t available. That’s where I switch to:

Optimism, if I’m sending as little as 0.03 USDT upwards.

Polygon PoS, if the amount is at least 4 USDT.

Now that I’ve tried Polygon PoS myself, I noticed it also has a similar unlocking phase like Optimism — around 300 to 800 hashes before funds are fully available.

So at this point, the choice between Optimism and Polygon PoS mostly depends on how much I’m sending.

---

---

Speed Comparison Table

^{created using GTP:}

note: information is from transaction between Binance to Bybit

---

---

Summary & Conclusion

Use BEP20 for transactions above 10 USDT — it's the fastest and totally fee-free on Bybit.

For smaller amounts, choose based on limits:

Optimism accepts very low withdrawals (0.03 USDT).

Polygon PoS needs at least 4 USDT and has a similar unlocking period.

As a trader, it’s crucial to understand these dynamics. With the right choice of network, you can save on fees, time, and frustration.