$USDC
*USDC (USD Coin)* is a type of cryptocurrency known as a *stablecoin*, which is pegged 1:1 to the U.S. dollar. This means that 1 USDC is designed to always be equal to $1 USD, providing price stability compared to more volatile cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum. It was launched in 2018 by *Circle* in partnership with *Coinbase* and operates on multiple blockchains, including Ethereum, Solana, and Avalanche.
USDC is fully backed by cash and short-term U.S. government bonds, and its reserves are regularly audited by third-party firms to ensure transparency and trust. Because of its stability and regulatory focus, USDC is widely used for *trading*, *saving*, *sending money*, and *DeFi (decentralized finance)* activities.
It's a popular choice for crypto users looking to avoid volatility while still benefiting from blockchain speed and low fees. Users can instantly convert between USDC and U.S. dollars on supported platforms. Businesses also use USDC for payments and payroll, and it's gaining adoption globally in crypto ecosystems. Overall, USDC bridges the gap between traditional finance and the blockchain world by offering a reliable, digital version of the U.S. dollar.
