USDC (USD Coin) is a stablecoin, meaning its value is pegged 1:1 to the U.S. dollar. Issued by Circle in partnership with Coinbase through the Centre consortium, USDC is widely used in the crypto ecosystem for trading, payments, and decentralized finance (DeFi). Each USDC is backed by a mix of cash and short-term U.S. government bonds, with reserves audited regularly to ensure transparency and trust.
USDC runs on multiple blockchains including Ethereum, Solana, and Avalanche, enabling fast and low-cost transfers. It offers a stable alternative to volatile cryptocurrencies and is commonly used to enter or exit crypto positions, earn interest, or facilitate cross-border payments.
Compared to other stablecoins like Tether (USDT), USDC is considered more transparent and regulatory-compliant. Its growing adoption in both retail and institutional markets highlights its importance as a bridge between traditional finance and the digital asset world.