> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://support.ellipal.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://support.ellipal.com/docs/troubleshooting-and-support/why-does-the-app-say-insufficient-balance-when-i-send-erc20-tokens.md).
# Why Does the App Say "Insufficient Balance" When I Send ERC20 Tokens?
ERC20 tokens such as USDT run on the Ethereum network, so sending one is actually processed as an Ethereum transaction. That transaction needs a gas fee paid in ETH, not in the token you're sending. If your wallet holds enough USDT but not enough ETH, the app shows "Insufficient balance" because it can't cover the gas.
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### Fix insufficient balance for ERC20 transfers
1. Check your ETH balance in the ELLIPAL App alongside your token balance. Even a large USDT balance won't help if there's no ETH to pay the gas fee.
2. Add ETH to your wallet. You'll only need a small amount, since gas fees are typically a fraction of an ETH.
3. Try the transaction again once ETH is in your wallet.
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### FAQ
Why do I need ETH to send USDT or other ERC20 tokens?
ERC20 tokens are built on the Ethereum blockchain, so every transfer runs as an Ethereum transaction under the hood. Ethereum transactions always require a gas fee paid in ETH, regardless of which token you're actually sending. The same principle applies on other networks: a token on Polygon needs POL for gas, and a token on BNB Smart Chain needs BNB, even if the token itself isn't POL or BNB.
How much ETH do I need to cover gas fees?
The exact amount depends on current network activity, but a typical ERC20 transfer uses about 65,000 gas, which usually costs somewhere between 0.0005 and 0.002 ETH. During periods of high network congestion, this can run higher. Keeping a small ETH balance, enough to cover a few transfers, ensures you can always cover the fee.