Transferring cryptocurrencies between wallets and exchanges is a routine task for investors and traders. While moving funds from exchanges like Coinbase or Binance to secure hardware wallets such as Ledger and Trezor is widely understood, the reverse process—sending Ethereum from hardware wallets to exchanges—can be less familiar to some users.
This comprehensive guide walks you through the exact steps to safely transfer Ethereum (ETH) from both Ledger and Trezor devices to major exchanges including Coinbase, Binance, and Kraken. Whether you're preparing to sell, trade, or use your ETH in DeFi applications, this tutorial ensures clarity, security, and efficiency.
Why Transfer Ethereum From Hardware Wallets to Exchanges?
Hardware wallets like Ledger and Trezor are considered the gold standard for securing digital assets. They store private keys offline, protecting them from online threats. However, there are valid reasons to move ETH back to exchanges:
- Selling ETH for fiat currency
- Trading for other cryptocurrencies
- Participating in token launches or staking programs available only on exchanges
- Using exchange-based lending or borrowing services
Understanding how to do this securely is essential to avoid mistakes that could result in lost funds.
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Transferring Ethereum From Ledger to Coinbase
Follow these steps to send ETH from your Ledger device to your Coinbase account:
- Connect your Ledger to your computer using a USB cable and enter your PIN.
- Open the Ledger Live app and wait for your device to sync.
- On the Ledger Live dashboard, select the Ethereum app.
- Log in to your Coinbase account, navigate to Portfolio, and select your ETH wallet.
- Click “Receive” to generate a deposit address. Copy it carefully.
- Return to Ledger Live, click “Send”, and paste the Coinbase address.
- Enter the amount of ETH you wish to send.
- Review the transaction details: recipient address, amount, and network fee.
- Confirm the transaction on your Ledger device screen by navigating through the prompts.
- Finalize by selecting “Accept and Send”.
The transaction will be broadcasted to the Ethereum network. Depending on gas fees, it may take a few minutes to confirm.
Sending ETH From Ledger to Binance
To transfer Ethereum from Ledger Nano X or S to Binance:
- Connect your Ledger and open Ledger Live.
- Launch the Ethereum application on your device.
- Log in to your Binance account, go to Wallet > Spot, and select Deposit.
- Choose Ethereum (ETH) and copy the provided deposit address.
- In Ledger Live, click “Send”, paste the Binance address, and proceed.
- Enter the ETH amount and review all details.
- Confirm the transaction on your Ledger device by checking the address and amount.
- Approve with “Accept and Send”.
Once confirmed on-chain, funds typically appear in your Binance account within minutes.
Moving Ethereum From Ledger to Kraken
Kraken supports direct Ethereum deposits with ease:
- Plug in your Ledger, unlock it with your PIN.
- Open Ledger Live and select Ethereum.
- Log in to Kraken, go to Funding > Deposit > Ethereum.
- Copy the generated ETH address.
- In Ledger Live, choose “Send”, paste the Kraken address.
- Input the transfer amount and continue.
- Verify all details on your Ledger hardware screen.
- Confirm with “Accept and Send”.
Kraken usually credits deposits quickly after blockchain confirmation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I lose my Ethereum during transfer?
If you double-check the recipient address and confirm all details on your hardware wallet screen, the risk is minimal. Never share your recovery phrase or approve transactions with mismatched addresses.
How long does it take to transfer ETH from Ledger or Trezor?
Most transfers settle within 1–5 minutes, depending on Ethereum network congestion and gas fees paid.
Why does my exchange show “pending” after I sent ETH?
This means the transaction is confirmed on-chain but still being processed by the exchange. Wait a few more minutes; most platforms auto-update.
Do I need to pay gas fees when sending from Trezor or Ledger?
Yes. Gas fees are paid to miners/validators on the Ethereum network and are required regardless of wallet type.
What happens if I send ETH to a wrong address?
Transactions on blockchain are irreversible. Always verify addresses carefully before confirming.
Can I use any network (ERC-20, BEP-20) when sending ETH?
No. Ensure you’re sending ETH via the Ethereum (ERC-20) network only when depositing to exchanges like Coinbase, Binance, or Kraken unless otherwise specified.
Transferring Ethereum From Trezor to Coinbase
Using Trezor Model T or Trezor One? Here’s how to send ETH to Coinbase:
- Visit trezor.io and connect your device via USB.
- Enter your PIN on the device.
- In the Trezor Suite interface, select Ethereum (ETH).
- Click “Send” and prepare to enter the recipient address.
- Log in to Coinbase, go to Accounts > ETH Wallet > Receive, and copy the address.
- Back in Trezor Suite, paste the address into the recipient field.
- Specify the amount of ETH and adjust transaction fees if needed (higher = faster).
- Click “Send” and confirm all details on your Trezor device screen.
- Finalize by pressing “Confirm” on both device and browser.
Your ETH is now en route to Coinbase.
Sending ETH From Trezor to Binance
- Connect your Trezor and open Trezor Suite at trezor.io.
- Select Ethereum, then click “Send”.
- Log in to Binance, navigate to Wallet > Deposit > ETH, and copy the address.
- Paste it into Trezor Suite’s recipient field.
- Enter amount and set preferred fee level.
- Review transaction summary and click “Send”.
- Confirm address and amount directly on your Trezor device.
- Press “Confirm” on screen once verified.
Transferring Ethereum From Trezor to Kraken
- Go to trezor.io and connect your device.
- Unlock with PIN.
- Choose Ethereum in Trezor Suite and click “Send”.
- Log in to Kraken, go to Funding > Deposit > Ethereum, copy the address.
- Paste into Trezor’s recipient field.
- Enter ETH amount and adjust fees based on desired speed.
- Initiate send; confirm details on your Trezor screen.
- Finalize by clicking “Confirm” in the browser.
Transaction complete.
Best Practices for Secure Transfers
- Always verify recipient addresses character-by-character.
- Start with a small test transaction when using a new address.
- Use official websites: ledger.com, trezor.io, coinbase.com, binance.com, kraken.com.
- Keep firmware updated on both Ledger and Trezor devices.
- Never enter your seed phrase into any website or software.
By following these detailed instructions, you can confidently move Ethereum from cold storage on Ledger or Trezor devices to active trading accounts on leading exchanges—without compromising security or speed.
Whether you're cashing out profits or reallocating investments, mastering these transfers empowers greater control over your crypto journey.