USDC (USDC) Price Today
USDC, also known as USD Coin, is a U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoin issued by Circle. USDC is designed to maintain a value of approximately 1 U.S. dollar per token, allowing users to move dollar-denominated value across blockchain networks.
Unlike cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, which can experience substantial price fluctuations, USDC is designed to maintain a stable value relative to the U.S. dollar. Circle states that USDC is backed 100% by highly liquid cash and cash-equivalent assets and is redeemable 1:1 for U.S. dollars, subject to applicable terms and eligibility.
USDC was launched in September 2018 by Circle and the CENTRE consortium. It was introduced as a regulated, fully reserved digital representation of the U.S. dollar that could operate on public blockchains.
USDC Price Chart
USDC is designed to trade close to $1.00, although its market price can move slightly above or below the dollar peg.
These small deviations can occur because of market demand, liquidity, exchange conditions, trading activity and temporary differences between the price of USDC and the U.S. dollar.
The live price display on this page provides current USDC market information, including the latest price and price movement.
For a stablecoin such as USDC, the most important feature of the price chart is generally how closely the token remains to its $1 target rather than whether it experiences large long-term price appreciation.
USDC Market Statistics
| Metric | USDC |
|---|---|
| Name | USDC |
| Full Name | USD Coin |
| Symbol | USDC |
| Asset Type | Stablecoin |
| Peg | U.S. Dollar |
| Target Value | $1.00 |
| Issuer | Circle |
| Launch Date | September 2018 |
| Blockchain | Multi-chain |
| Maximum Supply | No fixed maximum |
| Mining | No |
| All-Time High | Approximately $2.35 |
| All-Time Low | Approximately $0.8774 |
USDC’s circulating supply changes according to demand. When users acquire USDC through Circle’s issuance mechanism, new USDC can enter circulation. When USDC is redeemed, the corresponding tokens can be removed from circulation.
What Is USDC?
USDC is a stablecoin, meaning it is a cryptocurrency designed to maintain a relatively stable value against another asset.
In USDC’s case, the reference asset is the U.S. dollar.
Circle describes USDC as a digital dollar that combines the value characteristics of the U.S. dollar with blockchain-based transfer capabilities. USDC can be held in compatible wallets, transferred between blockchain addresses and used by applications that support the token.
The main objective of USDC is therefore different from that of Bitcoin.
Bitcoin is primarily known as a scarce digital asset and decentralized monetary network, while USDC is designed to provide users with a digital representation of U.S. dollar value.
Who Issues USDC?
USDC is issued by Circle, a financial technology company that operates the USDC stablecoin infrastructure.
USDC was originally launched in 2018 by Circle and the CENTRE open-source consortium. Circle was the first commercial issuer of USDC.
USDC’s current structure includes regulated Circle entities in different jurisdictions. Circle’s MiCA documentation states that Circle SAS became a second issuer of USDC for the European Economic Area in July 2024, with USDC issued by Circle SAS remaining fungible with USDC issued by Circle LLC.
How Does USDC Maintain Its $1 Value?
USDC is designed around a 1:1 redemption model.
For each USDC in circulation, Circle states that corresponding U.S. dollar assets or equivalent U.S.-dollar-denominated reserve assets are held as backing.
Circle’s current transparency information states that USDC is backed by highly liquid cash and cash-equivalent assets and is designed to remain redeemable 1:1 for U.S. dollars.
The reserve structure can include:
- Cash
- Short-dated U.S. Treasury securities
- Overnight U.S. Treasury repurchase agreements
- Deposits held with financial institutions
- Assets held through the Circle Reserve Fund
Circle states that the majority of the USDC reserve is held in the Circle Reserve Fund, which is an SEC-registered 2a-7 government money market fund managed by BlackRock.
Is USDC Really Backed by U.S. Dollars?
USDC is described by Circle as being backed 100% by highly liquid cash and cash-equivalent assets.
However, “backed by dollars” does not necessarily mean that every USDC exists against a physical U.S. dollar sitting in a bank account.
The reserves can consist of cash and short-duration U.S. government-related assets that are intended to provide liquidity and support redemption.
Circle publishes reserve information and states that independent third-party reporting is available for its reserve portfolio.
USDC Reserve Transparency
Reserve transparency is a major part of USDC’s operating model.
Circle maintains a dedicated transparency page showing information about USDC circulation and reserves.
As of August 31, 2026, Circle’s transparency information describes USDC as fully backed and redeemable 1:1 for U.S. dollars. The reserve structure includes cash, deposits, overnight reverse Treasury repos and short-term U.S. Treasury securities.
This transparency is intended to allow users and market participants to monitor the relationship between USDC in circulation and the assets backing it.
USDC Supply
Unlike Bitcoin, USDC does not have a fixed maximum supply such as 21 million BTC.
The amount of USDC in circulation can increase or decrease according to demand.
When new USDC is issued, the corresponding reserve assets are held according to Circle’s reserve framework. When USDC is redeemed, the corresponding tokens can leave circulation.
This means USDC’s circulating supply is dynamic.
A growing USDC supply can indicate increased demand for dollar-denominated digital assets, while a declining supply can occur when users redeem USDC or move capital into other assets.
USDC Market Capitalization
USDC’s market capitalization is calculated by multiplying the token price by the circulating supply.
The formula is:
USDC Market Cap = USDC Price × Circulating Supply
Because USDC is intended to remain close to $1, its market capitalization is generally driven much more by changes in circulating supply than by large changes in token price.
For example, if 50 billion USDC were circulating at approximately $1 each, the market capitalization would be approximately $50 billion.
Why Does USDC Price Move Above or Below $1?
Although USDC is designed to maintain a $1 value, its exchange price is not guaranteed to remain exactly $1 on every market at every moment.
USDC can temporarily trade above $1 when demand for the token is unusually strong.
It can also trade below $1 when market participants are selling heavily or when liquidity conditions create temporary pricing pressure.
The difference between USDC’s market price and its $1 target is often called a depeg when the deviation becomes significant.
Small movements such as $0.999 or $1.001 can occur during normal market trading and do not necessarily represent a major loss of the dollar peg.
USDC Historical Price Data
USDC was launched in 2018 and has generally remained close to its $1 target throughout its market history.
The token has nevertheless experienced periods in which its market price moved materially away from $1.
For a stablecoin, historical price data should therefore be interpreted differently from Bitcoin or Ethereum price history.
| Period | USDC Price Behavior | Main Market Context |
|---|---|---|
| September 2018 | Around $1 | USDC launch |
| 2019 | Generally near $1 | Stablecoin adoption expanded |
| 2020 | Generally near $1 | Growth in cryptocurrency markets and DeFi |
| 2021 | Generally near $1 | Strong expansion of stablecoin usage |
| 2022 | Mostly near $1 | Major cryptocurrency market downturn |
| March 2023 | Significant temporary deviation | Silicon Valley Bank-related market stress |
| 2023 | Returned toward $1 | Peg stabilization |
| 2024 | Generally near $1 | Continued institutional and blockchain adoption |
| 2025 | Generally near $1 | Continued growth of digital-dollar usage |
| 2026 | Generally near $1 | Ongoing multi-chain stablecoin usage |
The most important historical event for USDC’s price was the March 2023 depeg.
USDC March 2023 Depeg
USDC experienced a major temporary loss of its $1 peg in March 2023.
The event occurred after Circle disclosed that approximately $3.3 billion of USDC’s reserves were held at Silicon Valley Bank, which was taken over by U.S. regulators.
USDC’s market price fell significantly below $1 as users became concerned about the portion of reserves associated with the failed bank.
The situation was subsequently resolved after U.S. authorities announced measures supporting depositors.
USDC returned toward its $1 target after confidence in the reserve position was restored.
This event is an important part of USDC’s history because it demonstrates that even a fully reserved stablecoin can experience temporary market stress.
USDC Historical Data by Year
Because USDC is a stablecoin, yearly price performance is less meaningful than it is for volatile cryptocurrencies.
| Year | General Price Range | Main Observation |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Around $1 | USDC launched |
| 2019 | Around $1 | Trading and adoption expanded |
| 2020 | Around $1 | DeFi increased demand for stablecoins |
| 2021 | Around $1 | Stablecoin market expanded rapidly |
| 2022 | Around $1 | Market stress increased demand for stable digital dollars |
| 2023 | Approximately $0.87-$1.00+ | Major March depeg followed by recovery |
| 2024 | Around $1 | Peg generally remained stable |
| 2025 | Around $1 | Continued adoption |
| 2026 | Around $1 | Continued use across blockchain networks |
For exact daily historical prices, the table on the website should use a consistent historical market-data source rather than estimated figures.
USDC Price Performance
USDC is not designed to appreciate like Bitcoin or Ethereum.
A successful USDC price performance is generally one in which the token remains close to $1.
| Performance Period | What USDC Investors Generally Look For |
|---|---|
| 1 Day | Minimal deviation from $1 |
| 7 Days | Stable trading around $1 |
| 30 Days | Stable peg |
| 1 Year | Continued ability to maintain the dollar target |
| All Time | Long-term stability around $1 |
This makes USDC fundamentally different from cryptocurrencies whose primary investment thesis depends on capital appreciation.
USDC All-Time High
USDC’s historical all-time high has been reported at approximately $2.35.
Such a price does not represent the intended long-term value of the token.
The $2.35 figure reflects an abnormal market condition or pricing anomaly rather than a normal valuation target for USDC.
USDC is designed to maintain a value of approximately $1.
USDC All-Time Low
USDC’s historical all-time low has been reported at approximately $0.8774.
The March 2023 banking crisis was the most important period associated with a major USDC price deviation.
The token subsequently recovered toward its intended $1 value.
Where Can You Buy USDC?
USDC is widely available through cryptocurrency exchanges, wallets and financial applications.
Availability depends on the user’s country and the services offered in that jurisdiction.
Coinbase
Coinbase provides a direct market for buying USDC.
Users can purchase USDC through Coinbase and use it for trading, transfers and other supported cryptocurrency services.
Coinbase describes USDC as a digital dollar and provides a dedicated process for buying USDC.
Binance
Binance supports USDC markets and provides users with access to USDC trading and conversion services.
The availability of specific USDC products can vary according to the user’s jurisdiction.
Kraken
Kraken provides USDC markets and allows eligible users to buy, sell and trade USDC.
As with other exchanges, available funding methods and USDC services depend on location.
Other Exchanges and Platforms
USDC is also available through many other cryptocurrency exchanges, wallets, decentralized applications and financial platforms.
Circle maintains information about the ecosystem and locations where USDC can be accessed.
Users should confirm that USDC is available in their country before creating an account or attempting a purchase.
How to Buy USDC
Buying USDC is generally straightforward on a supported cryptocurrency exchange.
- Choose an exchange that supports USDC in your country.
- Create an account if required.
- Complete identity verification where applicable.
- Add an available payment method.
- Search for USDC.
- Enter the amount you want to purchase.
- Review the exchange rate and fees.
- Confirm the purchase.
- Keep USDC on the exchange or transfer it to a compatible wallet.
Coinbase’s current India-specific guide provides a similar process and states that users can select USDC, enter an amount in their local currency and review the transaction before purchasing.
Buying USDC in India
USDC can be accessed by Indian users through cryptocurrency platforms that currently support the asset and applicable Indian users.
Coinbase currently provides a dedicated India guide for purchasing USDC. Its guide states that users can enter a purchase amount in Indian rupees and complete the transaction using an approved payment method.
The INR price of USDC may differ slightly from the direct USD value because of currency exchange rates, platform pricing, liquidity and fees.
Users should also consider the tax and regulatory rules that apply to cryptocurrency transactions in India.
USDC on Different Blockchains
USDC is available across multiple blockchain networks.
This multi-chain structure allows users to use dollar-denominated tokens across different ecosystems.
Depending on the network, users can use USDC for:
- Payments
- Trading
- DeFi
- Lending
- Borrowing
- Liquidity provision
- Transfers
- Remittances
- Digital commerce
- Blockchain applications
The same USDC brand can therefore be encountered on different blockchain networks.
However, users must always make sure that the sending and receiving networks are compatible.
USDC Ethereum
USDC was originally introduced as an ERC-20 token on Ethereum.
Ethereum remains an important network for USDC, particularly for decentralized finance and token-based financial applications.
Users sending USDC on Ethereum should select the correct network and understand that Ethereum network fees are separate from the value of the USDC itself.
USDC on Base
USDC is also widely used on Base, an Ethereum Layer 2 network.
Base can provide lower transaction costs than Ethereum mainnet for many transactions, making it useful for applications involving frequent USDC transfers.
Users should ensure that a wallet or exchange supports the specific USDC network they intend to use.
USDC on Solana
USDC is also available on Solana.
Solana’s high transaction throughput and relatively low network fees have made it an important ecosystem for stablecoin transfers, trading and decentralized applications.
USDC on Solana should not be confused with USDC issued or represented on another blockchain when making deposits or withdrawals.
USDC on Other Networks
USDC is available across a growing number of blockchain networks.
The availability of USDC on a specific chain can change over time as Circle expands or modifies its supported ecosystem.
Users should always check the supported network before transferring USDC.
Native USDC vs Bridged USDC
One important distinction is between native USDC and bridged versions of USDC.
Native USDC is issued directly by Circle on a supported blockchain.
Bridged USDC can represent USDC that has been moved between blockchain ecosystems using bridging infrastructure.
Users should check which version of USDC a wallet, decentralized application or exchange supports before transferring funds.
Sending an incompatible token to a platform can result in funds becoming difficult or impossible to recover.
USDC Wallets
USDC can be stored in wallets that support the relevant blockchain network.
Wallet options include:
- Hardware wallets
- Mobile wallets
- Desktop wallets
- Browser wallets
- Exchange wallets
- Institutional custody solutions
The correct wallet depends on the blockchain on which the USDC is held.
For example, an Ethereum-based USDC balance requires an Ethereum-compatible wallet, while USDC held on Solana requires a compatible Solana wallet.
USDC Transaction Fees
USDC itself does not determine the blockchain network fee.
The transaction fee depends primarily on the blockchain being used.
For example, sending USDC on Ethereum requires Ethereum network gas, while transactions on other networks use the relevant network’s transaction-fee mechanism.
An exchange may also charge a separate withdrawal fee.
Therefore, users should distinguish between:
USDC value + blockchain network fee + exchange fee
These are separate costs.
What Is USDC Used For?
USDC has developed beyond simple cryptocurrency trading.
Digital Payments
USDC can be transferred between compatible blockchain addresses without requiring a traditional bank transfer for every transaction.
Cross-Border Transfers
USDC can provide a digital dollar representation that can be transferred internationally through blockchain networks.
Cryptocurrency Trading
Traders frequently use stablecoins such as USDC as a quote asset for cryptocurrency markets.
DeFi
USDC is widely used in decentralized finance applications.
It can be supplied to lending protocols, used as collateral where supported, traded on decentralized exchanges and used in liquidity pools.
Treasury and Cash Management
Businesses can use USDC as part of blockchain-based treasury and settlement workflows.
Digital Commerce
USDC can be integrated into payment systems and applications that support blockchain-based payments.
Circle states that USDC is used for payments, trading and other financial applications.
USDC vs USDT
USDC and USDT are the two most widely recognized dollar-denominated stablecoins.
| Feature | USDC | USDT |
|---|---|---|
| Name | USD Coin | Tether |
| Symbol | USDC | USDT |
| Main Issuer | Circle | Tether |
| Target Value | $1 | $1 |
| Launch | 2018 | 2014 |
| Type | Fiat-backed stablecoin | Fiat-backed stablecoin |
| Main Purpose | Digital dollar, payments and trading | Digital dollar and trading |
| Supply | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Mining | No | No |
Both stablecoins are designed to maintain a value close to one U.S. dollar, but they have different issuers, reserve structures, ecosystems and market histories.
USDC vs USD
USDC and the U.S. dollar are not the same asset.
A U.S. dollar is government-issued fiat currency.
USDC is a blockchain-based digital token designed to represent approximately one U.S. dollar.
USDC can be transferred on supported blockchain networks, while conventional dollars are transferred through traditional banking and payment systems.
USDC therefore combines dollar-denominated value with blockchain-based transfer functionality.
USDC Advantages
USDC has several characteristics that make it useful within digital asset markets.
Dollar Stability
USDC is designed to remain close to $1.
Blockchain Transfers
Users can transfer USDC through supported blockchain networks.
Transparency
Circle publishes information about USDC reserves and circulation.
Liquidity
USDC is available across many exchanges and blockchain applications.
DeFi Compatibility
USDC is widely supported by decentralized finance applications.
Global Accessibility
USDC can be accessed through exchanges, wallets and financial applications in many countries, subject to local availability.
USDC Risks
USDC is designed to be stable, but it is not completely risk-free.
Depeg Risk
USDC can temporarily trade below or above $1.
The March 2023 banking crisis demonstrated that significant deviations can occur under extreme market conditions.
Issuer Risk
USDC depends on the organizations responsible for issuing and managing the stablecoin system.
Reserve Risk
The stability of USDC depends partly on the quality, liquidity and custody of the reserve assets.
Regulatory Risk
Stablecoin regulations can change across different countries and jurisdictions.
Blockchain Risk
USDC transactions depend on the underlying blockchain infrastructure.
Network congestion, technical issues or smart-contract risks can affect the user experience.
Exchange Risk
Holding USDC on a centralized exchange introduces counterparty and custody considerations.
Transfer Risk
Sending USDC using the wrong blockchain network can result in funds being inaccessible or difficult to recover.
Is USDC Safe?
USDC is designed with a fully reserved structure and 1:1 redemption model.
Circle publishes reserve information and states that USDC is backed by highly liquid cash and cash-equivalent assets.
However, no cryptocurrency or stablecoin should be described as completely risk-free.
Users should consider issuer risk, regulatory risk, custody risk, blockchain risk and temporary market-price deviations before holding USDC.
Does USDC Earn Interest?
USDC itself does not automatically pay interest simply because a user holds the token.
Circle’s terms state that USDC represents a right to redeem the token for an equivalent amount of U.S. dollars through eligible Circle accounts and that USDC itself does not generate interest or a return for holders.
Some exchanges and DeFi platforms may offer rewards or yield products involving USDC.
Those products are separate from USDC itself and introduce additional risks and terms.
Can USDC Be Redeemed for Dollars?
Circle states that USDC is redeemable 1:1 for U.S. dollars, subject to its applicable terms, legal requirements and eligibility conditions.
Direct redemption through Circle is not necessarily available to every individual user.
Retail users may instead buy or sell USDC through cryptocurrency exchanges and other supported platforms.
USDC and Payments
Payments are one of the major use cases for USDC.
A USDC transfer can be sent directly from one compatible blockchain wallet to another without using a conventional bank transfer.
Circle describes USDC as a digital dollar designed to combine dollar stability with the speed and reach of blockchain networks.
This can make USDC useful for:
- International payments
- Business settlements
- Remittances
- Merchant payments
- Digital services
- Peer-to-peer transfers
- Treasury transfers
USDC and DeFi
USDC is widely used throughout decentralized finance.
Users can find USDC in applications involving:
- Decentralized exchanges
- Lending
- Borrowing
- Liquidity pools
- Derivatives
- Payments
- Yield strategies
- Collateralized applications
The primary advantage is that users can interact with dollar-denominated value without leaving blockchain-based financial infrastructure.
However, DeFi applications can carry additional smart-contract, liquidity and market risks.
USDC Price Prediction
USDC is not normally evaluated through traditional cryptocurrency price predictions.
The fundamental objective is for USDC to remain close to $1, rather than appreciate substantially.
A long-term USDC price prediction of $5, $10 or $100 would contradict the basic design of the asset.
Instead, important questions include:
- Can USDC maintain its dollar peg?
- Can reserves continue to support redemption?
- Will demand for digital dollars grow?
- Will stablecoin regulation evolve?
- Will USDC adoption expand across blockchains?
- Will institutional use increase?
- How will USDC compete with other stablecoins?
For USDC, stability and adoption are generally more meaningful indicators than speculative price appreciation.
USDC Frequently Asked Questions
What is USDC?
USDC, or USD Coin, is a U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoin issued by Circle and designed to maintain a value of approximately $1.
What does USDC stand for?
USDC stands for USD Coin.
What is the current USDC price?
USDC is designed to trade around $1.00. Its actual market price can move slightly above or below $1 depending on market conditions.
Who created USDC?
USDC was launched in September 2018 by Circle and the CENTRE consortium. Circle was the first commercial issuer.
Is USDC a stablecoin?
Yes. USDC is a dollar-pegged stablecoin.
Is USDC backed by dollars?
Circle states that USDC is backed 100% by highly liquid cash and cash-equivalent assets and is redeemable 1:1 for U.S. dollars subject to applicable terms.
Is USDC the same as USD?
No. USD is fiat currency issued by the U.S. government, while USDC is a blockchain-based digital token designed to represent approximately one U.S. dollar.
Does USDC have a maximum supply?
No fixed maximum supply is imposed in the same way as Bitcoin’s 21 million BTC limit. USDC supply changes according to issuance and redemption.
Can USDC lose its $1 peg?
Yes. Although USDC is designed to maintain a 1:1 value with the U.S. dollar, market conditions can cause temporary deviations.
What happened to USDC in March 2023?
USDC experienced a significant temporary depeg after Circle disclosed exposure of approximately $3.3 billion of reserves to Silicon Valley Bank. USDC later recovered toward $1 after the banking situation was addressed.
Where can I buy USDC?
USDC is available on exchanges and financial platforms including Coinbase, Binance, Kraken and many other supported markets, subject to regional availability.
Can I buy USDC in India?
USDC is available to eligible users through platforms that support USDC in India. Coinbase currently provides an India-specific guide for buying USDC.
Can I send USDC to another person?
Yes. USDC can be transferred between compatible blockchain wallets.
Does USDC use blockchain technology?
Yes. USDC operates on supported public blockchain networks.
Is USDC on Ethereum?
Yes. USDC was originally introduced as an ERC-20 token on Ethereum and continues to be used across Ethereum and other blockchain ecosystems.
Is USDC available on Solana?
Yes. USDC is available on Solana and is widely used within the Solana ecosystem.
What is native USDC?
Native USDC is USDC issued directly by Circle on a supported blockchain.
What is bridged USDC?
Bridged USDC represents USDC transferred or represented across blockchain networks through bridging infrastructure. Users should verify the exact token type supported by an application or exchange.
Does holding USDC earn interest?
No. USDC itself does not automatically generate interest. Circle’s terms state that USDC does not itself generate interest or returns for holders.
What is USDC used for?
USDC is used for payments, trading, transfers, DeFi, liquidity, settlement and other blockchain-based financial applications.
Is USDC safe?
USDC is designed to be fully reserved and redeemable 1:1, but users still face issuer, regulatory, custody, blockchain, exchange and depeg risks.
USDC Price Summary
USDC is one of the most widely used dollar-denominated stablecoins in the cryptocurrency market.
Launched in September 2018, USDC was created to provide a digital representation of the U.S. dollar that can move across blockchain networks. Circle states that USDC is fully backed by highly liquid cash and cash-equivalent assets and designed to remain redeemable 1:1 for U.S. dollars.
Unlike Bitcoin or Ethereum, USDC is not designed primarily as an appreciating investment asset. Its purpose is to maintain dollar stability while providing blockchain-based transferability.
USDC is used across cryptocurrency exchanges, decentralized finance applications, wallets, payment systems and other blockchain-based financial services.
The March 2023 depeg demonstrated that USDC can experience significant temporary price deviations during periods of financial stress. However, the token subsequently returned toward its intended dollar value.
For users researching USDC, the most important metrics are its current price relative to $1, circulating supply, market capitalization, reserve transparency, liquidity, blockchain availability and redemption structure.