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How to move USDC between networks

Circle issues native USDC on many networks and moves it with its own transfer protocol, CCTP. The main thing to watch is whether you receive native USDC or an older bridged version such as USDC.e.

Native USDC and CCTP

Circle issues native USDC on Ethereum, Arbitrum, Base, Optimism, Polygon, Avalanche, Solana, Sui and other networks. CCTP (Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol) burns USDC on one network and mints the same amount on another, so there is no wrapped copy and no pool to run dry.

CCTP V2 adds a fast mode that finishes in seconds for a small fee. The standard mode is free apart from but waits for the source network to confirm.

Native USDC vs USDC.e

Before native USDC launched on some networks, created their own versions. On Arbitrum, Optimism and Polygon these are often called USDC.e or bridged USDC. They are worth about the same but are separate tokens, and some apps accept only one of them.

If you received USDC.e by mistake, swap it to native USDC on a on the same network.

USDC on BNB Chain

Circle does not issue native USDC on BNB Chain and CCTP does not work there. The USDC on BNB Chain is Binance-Peg USDC, backed by Binance, and it uses 18 decimals instead of 6. Bridges usually swap it on arrival or departure.

Main ways to move USDC

Good options in practice:

  • Apps that use CCTP, such as Circle's own interface, Jumper and many wallets.
  • bridges such as Across, Relay and deBridge, for fast transfers between popular networks.
  • Stargate and other , for networks without CCTP.
  • Exchanges, which let you deposit on one network and withdraw on another.

Common mistakes

Avoid these:

  • Receiving USDC.e when an app expects native USDC.
  • Using a fake USDC token: check the contract address on Circle's site.
  • Forgetting gas on the destination network.
  • Manually claiming a CCTP transfer on a site you found through an ad.
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