USDT (Tether) and USDC (USD Coin) are popular stablecoins denominated in US dollars, but they have significant differences that may affect your choice depending on what matters more to you — liquidity, transparency, or decentralization.
Comparison:
•Transparency of reserves is limited, audits are not always published.
•Issuer: Tether Ltd (registered in the British Virgin Islands).
•Regulation: Partially, outside the US.
•Volume and liquidity: The largest stablecoin by volume (~$90 billion).
•Block speed: May not respond immediately to authorities' requests.
•Supported networks: A lot (Ethereum, Tron, BNB, Solana, etc.)
•Centralization: High.
•History of issues: SEC fine, reserve shortfall in 2021.
•Used: Exchanges, trading, DeFi.
•Transparency of reserves: Full reporting, regular audits.
•Issuer: Circle (USA, regulated by FinCEN).
•Regulation: Under US control.
•Volume and liquidity: Good, but slightly less (~$35–40 billion).
•Block speed: Quick response to sanctions.
•Supported networks: Fewer, but the main ones are there.
•Centralization: High, but more transparent.
•History of issues: No serious scandals.
•Used: Banks, fintech, institutional projects.
Conclusion: If maximum transparency, trust, and regulation are important to you — choose USDC.
If liquidity and widespread use on exchanges are important to you — USDT will be a better fit.
Both are centralized and not intended for long-term storage without risk assessment.
● Life hack: Many traders and investors keep part in USDT, part in USDC — in case one of them fails or faces sanctions.
