A dry run for your first exchange deposit before sending real money
The first deposit is where many new exchange users run into trouble. The payment comes from an account in a different name, a required reference is left out, or the instructions followed were from an old video. Each of these can delay funds for days or send them back. A short dry run, going through every step without sending money, catches most of these problems. This guide walks new users of Binance, OKX, Bybit or Bitget through that preparation: confirming the method, checking names and references, planning a small first amount and knowing how to raise a ticket if needed.
Confirm the method is offered to you
Open the deposit page in the official app after completing verification and see which methods are listed for your account. Read the help article for the method you plan to use, including processing times and limits. Do not rely on a method someone else uses, since availability depends on region and can change.
Check names and references
Make sure the paying account is in your own name and matches your verified profile. Note whether a reference code or memo is required and where it must go. Prepare the payment in your banking app but stop before sending, and compare every field with the exchange instructions shown at that moment.
Start with a small amount
For the first real deposit, send a modest amount and wait until it is credited before sending more. This confirms the route works for you and shows how long processing actually takes. Keep the bank confirmation with date, amount, recipient and reference until the deposit appears in your exchange history.
Know where to go if it stalls
If the deposit is not credited within the stated time, open a ticket from the official app and attach your proof of payment. Do not post account details in public groups and ignore anyone who contacts you first offering help. Genuine support will never ask for your password, verification codes or a fee to release a deposit. Once the first deposit has worked, write down the exact steps you followed so the next one is quicker and less stressful.
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Scenario checkpoint
- Check which deposit methods are listed for your account in the official app
- Read the help article for your chosen method including times and limits
- Confirm the paying account is in your own name and matches your verified profile
- Send a modest first amount and wait for it to be credited before sending more
- Raise a ticket from the official app with proof of payment if a deposit stalls