> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://asteroid-shiba.gitbook.io/asteroid-shiba-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://asteroid-shiba.gitbook.io/asteroid-shiba-docs/payments/overview.md).

# Payments & Withdrawals

Asteroid Shiba runs on two currencies, kept cleanly separate: **USDT** for paying, **ASTRO** for playing.

## What you pay with — USDT (BEP20)

Scanner upgrades are bought **directly with USDT on BNB Smart Chain (BEP20)**. There's no balance to top up and manage — you pay for an upgrade, you get it. Simple.

## What you earn — ASTRO

Everything you earn inside the game is **ASTRO** — from discovering asteroids and from your portfolio's daily mining. ASTRO is the in-game currency: spend it on [Research](/asteroid-shiba-docs/research/overview.md) to grow your income, or withdraw it.

## Withdrawing your earnings

When you're ready to cash out, your **ASTRO is converted to USDT (BEP20)** at a set rate and sent to your BSC wallet — once you reach the minimum withdrawal amount. Payouts are reviewed and processed **within 48 hours** of your request.

{% hint style="info" %}
The exact conversion rate, minimum withdrawal, and fees are still being finalized and will be published here. *(Reference scale: 1 ASTRO = $0.001.)*
{% endhint %}

## In short

* **Pay** in USDT (BEP20) — for Scanner upgrades.
* **Earn** ASTRO — inside the game.
* **Withdraw** — convert ASTRO → USDT (BEP20) to your wallet, within 48 hours.


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