The integration of USDC into Stripe's payment infrastructure marks a significant step in the development of stablecoins as the foundation of global payments. USDC, issued by Circle, demonstrates impressive growth and strengthening market positions.
Growth and current position of USDC
Market capitalization: As of April 2025, the market capitalization of USDC reached a record $60.2 billion, doubling from $30 billion in March 2024.
Trading volume: In 2024, the weekly trading volume of USDC increased to $23 billion, compared to $9 billion in 2023 and $5 billion in 2022.
Comparison with USDT: Although USDC lags behind Tether (USDT) in market capitalization (USDT is about $150 billion), USDC leads in transaction volume, especially in North America.
The significance of integration with Stripe
The integration of USDC into Stripe allows businesses in more than 100 countries to make payments in stablecoins, which:
Facilitates cross-border transactions: Reduces reliance on traditional banking infrastructure, especially in regions with unstable currencies.
Increases accessibility: Businesses and freelancers can receive payments faster and cheaper, bypassing banking fees and delays.
Increases trust: Collaboration with major fintech companies like Stripe strengthens USDC's reputation as a reliable and regulated stablecoin.
Prospects and challenges
USDC continues to strengthen its position in the stablecoin market, offering transparency and regulatory compliance. However, competition with other stablecoins, such as USDT and new players, remains relevant. Integration with major payment systems and support from institutional investors will be key factors in the further growth of USDC.