Private Internet Access 1 year: ERC20 vs TRC20 — Which is Cheaper?

Why USDT Payments Matter for PIA

If you're buying a Private Internet Access 1-year plan without a credit card or KYC, USDT is your best bet. The catch is picking the right network: ERC20 or TRC20. Both work, but one will cost you less in fees.

PIA 1-Year Plan: Real Pricing in USDT

As of 2026, Private Internet Access charges $39.95 for a 1-year subscription. That's roughly 39.95 USDT. You'll need to add network fees on top. Let's break down the two options.

ERC20 vs TRC20: Fees and Speed

### ERC20 (Ethereum) - Network fee: ~2-5 USDT (varies with gas) - Confirmation time: 5-20 minutes - Total cost: ~42-45 USDT - Risk: Higher fees, slower, but widely supported.

### TRC20 (Tron) - Network fee: ~0.5-1 USDT (fixed, low) - Confirmation time: 1-3 minutes - Total cost: ~40.45-41 USDT - Risk: Very low fees, fast, but some wallets may not support it.

Which Is Cheaper for PIA?

TRC20 is clearly cheaper. You save 2-4 USDT per transaction. Over a year, that's a free coffee. Always ask the merchant to accept TRC20 if possible. Most USDT payment gateways for VPNs do.

How to Pay for PIA with USDT

1. Buy USDT on an exchange like Binance or KuCoin.
2. Withdraw to your wallet using TRC20 (or ERC20 if TRC20 isn't accepted).
3. Go to PIA's payment page, select USDT, and copy the address.
4. Send exact amount + estimated network fee.
5. Wait for confirmation. Your VPN activates automatically.

Final Tip

Check PIA's current USDT payment partner. Some may charge a small processing fee (0.5-1%). Still, TRC20 wins. No KYC, no card, just privacy.