BridgeRadar
Issuer transfer protocol

Circle CCTP

CCTP is run by Circle, the company that issues USDC. It moves real USDC between networks: Circle destroys the coins on one side and creates the same amount on the other. You end up with genuine USDC, not a wrapped copy.

Official website

How it works

  1. 1Your USDC is burned (destroyed) on the starting network through the CCTP contract.
  2. 2Circle sees the burn and signs a , called an .
  3. 3That confirmation is sent to the destination network, which creates the same amount of real USDC for you. From chains such as Ethereum, Arbitrum, Base and Solana you can pick Fast Transfer, which does not wait for full . From Avalanche, Polygon PoS, Sui and Aptos the standard transfer is already fast, so there is no separate fast mode.

Trust model

You are trusting Circle. If you hold USDC, you already trust Circle to back it. With CCTP, Circle is also the only party that confirms each transfer.

Strengths

  • You get real USDC, not a wrapped version.
  • There is no pool that can run dry, so pool size never limits your transfer.
  • Many and use it behind the scenes for USDC.

Limitations

  • Built for USDC. On BNB Smart Chain, CCTP carries Circle's USYC, not USDC.
  • A standard transfer waits until the starting network reaches finality. Circle puts this at about 13 to 19 minutes for Ethereum and its .

Routes using Circle CCTP

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