The test transaction habit

Before a large transfer on a route you have not used, send a small one first. It is the cheapest risk control available.

What it actually tests

• The address is correct and belongs to you.
• The network is the one the destination expects.
• The memo or tag, if there is one, is being read.
• The service does what it says, end to end.

Doing it properly

Send enough to clear the minimum but little enough that losing it would not matter. Wait for it to arrive and confirm it is spendable at the other end, not merely visible. Then send the rest.

When to bother

A new destination, a new network, a new service, or an amount that would genuinely hurt. If none of those apply, the habit can rest.

The cost is one network fee. The alternative is discovering a wrong assumption with the whole amount attached.