Binance Halts Network Transfers on Select Altcoins: Is Your Crypto Portfolio at Risk?

Binance just pulled the plug on network transfers for several altcoins—freezing movement in and out of the world's largest exchange. No warning, no timeline. If you're holding one of the affected tokens, your assets just hit a temporary dead end.

Which Chains Got the Axe?

The suspension hits specific blockchain networks, not the tokens themselves. Deposits and withdrawals are frozen, but trading pairs remain active on Binance's internal ledger. It's a network-level quarantine—common during upgrades, security patches, or when chain instability threatens exchange operations. The silence from Binance's comms team speaks volumes; they're likely scrambling behind the scenes.

Why Exchanges Hit the Pause Button

Network halts aren't random. They happen when a blockchain experiences congestion, a potential security flaw, or a hard fork. Exchanges protect user funds by freezing movement until the all-clear. For traders, it's a liquidity headache. For the projects? A credibility hit—especially if the outage drags on. Remember, in crypto, 'temporary' can stretch into weeks.

Your Move: Don't Just Sit There

Check your wallets. If you're mid-transfer, expect delays. Diversify across exchanges—never rely on a single platform for liquidity. And maybe reconsider stashing all your altcoins on centralized exchanges anyway. Not your keys, not your coins—unless you enjoy having your assets held hostage by a 'routine maintenance' notice.

Bottom line: This is crypto's version of a bank holiday, minus the regulator's apology. Stay flexible, stay skeptical, and always have an exit strategy that doesn't depend on a single exchange's goodwill.

Which Altcoin Networks Will Be Discontinued?

The announcement from Binance states that by January 16, 2026, 11:00 AM (TSI), support for deposits and withdrawals over certain networks for two altcoins will be discontinued. Specifically, the Dar Open Network (D) altcoin will no longer support transfers over the ethereum network, and the Streamr (DATA) altcoin will cease to support transfers over the BNB Chain and Polygon networks. Post this date and time, any assets sent via these networks may not be credited, leading to potential permanent losses.

The exchange clarified that these restrictions apply only to transfers made over specific Blockchain networks and not to the altcoins themselves. Users can continue depositing and withdrawing these altcoins through other networks supported by Binance. This ensures that there is no interruption in trading, wallet transfers, or internal exchange transactions.

Binance management emphasized that users should verify their active networks before the changes take effect. It was highlighted that any transfers made with the wrong network configuration could be irrevocable, leading to technically unrecoverable outcomes.

Potential Impact and Warnings for Users

The decision will significantly impact investors who actively use multiple network support. Users transferring Dar Open Network and Streamr coins via Ethereum, BNB Chain, or Polygon will need to switch to alternative network options. Binance reminded users that information on which networks continue to be supported is updated regularly in the wallet interface and official announcement channels.

Such network-based adjustments by Binance typically align with operational reasons like technical maintenance, liquidity management, or ecosystem compatibility. Ensuring the correct network selection before making transfers stands out as the most crucial step to minimize the risk of asset loss.