Bithumb to Halt POL Deposits and Withdrawals for Network Upgrade on May 21

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Bithumb to Halt POL Deposits and Withdrawals for Network Upgrade on May 21

South Korean cryptocurrency exchange Bithumb has announced a temporary suspension of deposits and withdrawals for the Polygon Ecosystem (POL) token. The measure is scheduled to take effect at 10:00 a.m. UTC on May 21, 2026, to facilitate an upcoming network upgrade.

Why Bithumb Is Suspending POL Services

According to the exchange’s official notice, the halt is necessary to support a planned upgrade to the Polygon Ecosystem network. During this period, users will be unable to deposit or withdraw POL tokens. Trading on the exchange may continue as normal, depending on the specific conditions of the upgrade.

Network upgrades are routine in blockchain ecosystems, often introducing improvements to scalability, security, or functionality. Exchanges typically suspend token services during such events to prevent processing errors or losses from transactions occurring on incompatible chain versions.

Timeline and Impact on Traders

The suspension begins at 10:00 a.m. UTC on May 21. Bithumb has not yet specified an exact end time, but such halts typically last several hours to a full day, depending on the upgrade’s complexity and network stability post-upgrade. Users holding POL on Bithumb are advised to complete any pending deposits or withdrawals before the deadline.

For active traders, this means planning around the halt window. Those who rely on arbitrage or frequent transfers involving POL may need to adjust their strategies temporarily. The suspension applies only to deposit and withdrawal functions; internal transfers or trading between users on the platform may remain unaffected unless Bithumb issues further restrictions.

What This Means for POL Token Holders

POL is the native token of the Polygon Ecosystem, used for staking, governance, and transaction fees. Network upgrades often aim to enhance these functions. While temporary suspensions can cause short-term inconvenience, they are standard practice across major exchanges and are generally seen as a sign of responsible asset management.

Users should monitor Bithumb’s official announcements for updates on when services will resume. It is also advisable to check whether the upgrade introduces any changes that may affect token functionality or wallet compatibility.

Conclusion

Bithumb’s decision to temporarily suspend POL deposits and withdrawals on May 21 is a routine operational measure tied to an upcoming network upgrade. While it may cause brief disruption for some users, it reflects standard exchange protocol to ensure transaction safety during blockchain maintenance. POL holders should plan accordingly and stay informed through official channels.

FAQs

Q1: Will my POL tokens be safe during the suspension?
Yes. Your POL tokens held on Bithumb will remain safe. The suspension only affects the ability to deposit or withdraw tokens; your balance and any open orders should not be impacted.

Q2: Can I still trade POL on Bithumb during the halt?
Typically, trading between users on the platform continues during network upgrades, but Bithumb may impose additional restrictions. Check the exchange’s latest notice for specific details.

Q3: How long will the suspension last?
Bithumb has not provided an exact end time. Network upgrade halts usually last from a few hours to a full day. Bithumb will likely announce resumption once the upgrade is confirmed stable.

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