How to Get USDC on Arbitrum

Arbitrum is a Layer-2 network that makes using Ethereum faster and cheaper. Instead of processing every transaction directly on Ethereum (which can sometimes have high congestion and high fees), Arbitrum groups batches of transactions together to be processed off-chain, which are then subsequently validated on the main Ethereum blockchain. This configuration helps to reduce transaction costs¹ and increase transaction throughput while keeping the security of Ethereum. Many traders, developers, and users choose Arbitrum to take advantage of these benefits.

USDC is natively available on Arbitrum, making it easier to send and trade with stable value in the Ethereum ecosystem. Whether you're making payments, using decentralized applications (dApps), or moving funds between blockchains, USDC on Arbitrum gives you a smooth and low-cost experience, while retaining Ethereum’s underlying security. In this guide, we’ll explain how Arbitrum works, why USDC on Arbitrum can be useful, and how to get started using it.

What is USDC?

As a quick reminder, USDC is a stablecoin — a type of cryptocurrency designed to maintain a stable value — that’s backed 100% by highly liquid cash and cash-equivalent assets. USDC leverages the power of the internet and blockchain technology to be transferable almost anywhere with near-instant settlement and near-zero fees. USDC is readily available to those with an internet connection and a digital wallet in more than 180 countries around the world.

Because USDC operates on blockchain networks, transactions are processed rapidly and efficiently without the need for traditional banking intermediaries. Blockchains function continuously, 24/7, eliminating delays associated with bank operating hours, holidays, or cross-border settlements. This constant availability allows for near-instant transfer of funds at any time, reducing both the time and cost typically involved in moving money globally.

What is Arbitrum?

Arbitrum is a Layer-2 network designed to make Ethereum transactions faster and cheaper using a method called Optimistic Rollups, which entails processing transactions off the Ethereum mainnet before sending the final results back to Ethereum for validation and permanent addition to the Ethereum blockchain. Optimistic Rollups help reduce congestion on the Ethereum network, lowering fees and speeding up execution times.

With an expanding ecosystem of dApps, Arbitrum allows users to enjoy Ethereum’s established security while benefiting from a more performant configuration of one of the best known, most used blockchains in the world. Whether you’re trading, engaging with decentralized finance (DeFi) products and services, or interacting with other blockchain dApps, Arbitrum offers a good option for transacting in the blockchain space.

Moreover, Arbitrum has a strong focus on developer-friendly tools and is governed by a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO). Instead of a single company or team making decisions, the Arbitrum community — specifically, people who hold ARB tokens — can vote on important proposals that affect the network’s future. Through the DAO, the Arbitrum community can decide on things like network upgrades, funding for projects, and changes to transaction fees, giving users confidence that the future of the network is in the hands of the people who use it and care about it.

What is Arbitrum-native USDC?

Digital assets that exist natively on Arbitrum are built using Ethereum’s ERC-20 token standard, which is a set of rules that defines how tokens function on the Ethereum blockchain. The ERC-20 token standard acts as a universal framework that allows tokens to interact seamlessly across the Ethereum ecosystem without requiring special adjustments. As a Layer 2 that relies upon Ethereum as a Layer 1 for its security, this commonality between Arbitrum and Ethereum is not only natural, it’s essential.

Many well-known digital assets use the ERC-20 standard, as Ethereum was the first smart-contract enabled blockchain in existence, attracting a flood of developers building blockchain-based applications and the individuals that used them. USDC was originally developed and launched as an ERC-20 token, so it operates seamlessly on Ethereum and its Layer-2 networks, like Arbitrum. USDC on Arbitrum can move efficiently between any Ethereum-compatible network (commonly referred to as Ethereum Virtual Machine networks, or EVMs) while maintaining its stability, security, and functionality.

Because USDC on Arbitrum follows the ERC-20 standard, it integrates seamlessly with other dApps operating on EVM blockchains. Developers don’t need to modify their dApps to support USDC on Arbitrum — it works right out of the box for them as well as for users, making it easier to send and trade USDC on Arbitrum while benefiting from lower fees and faster transactions.

Circle launched USDC on Arbitrum in 2023. As of March 2025, there’s over $3.5 billion dollars of USDC in circulation on Arbitrum.

Why use USDC on Arbitrum?

USDC is available on many blockchains, but Arbitrum offers key advantages that make it a great choice for users:

• Scalability: Arbitrum processes transactions off-chain before finalizing them on Ethereum, allowing for higher transaction speeds and increased network capacity.
• Lower costs: Gas fees on Arbitrum are much lower compared to Ethereum’s main network, making transactions more affordable.
• Ethereum compatibility: Since Arbitrum follows Ethereum’s ERC-20 standard, USDC works seamlessly with the vast ecosystem of dApps, wallets, and smart contracts already built for Ethereum.

These benefits make Arbitrum an efficient and cost-effective option for using USDC.

Understanding crypto exchanges and crypto wallets

Before diving into the step-by-step process of acquiring USDC on Arbitrum, it’s important to understand the platforms and tools you’ll use: crypto exchanges and wallets.

Crypto exchanges are platforms where users can buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies. They act as intermediaries between buyers and sellers and often allow fiat-to-crypto and crypto-to-fiat transactions, making it possible for users to on- and off-ramp to and from digital assets like USDC. There are two main types of crypto exchanges:

• Centralized exchanges (CEXs): These platforms are managed by companies and often include user-friendly interfaces and robust customer support. However, assets purchased on a CEX are stored in exchange-based crypto wallets that are custodial, meaning users must trust the CEX to custody and secure their assets. Users don’t have full control over their assets unless they withdraw them to a non-custodial wallet.
• Decentralized exchanges (DEXs): These are decentralized, blockchain-based platforms where trades are conducted without a central authority. Instead users make peer-to-peer trades with the assistance of smart contracts. Connecting to a DEX requires connecting a compatible non-custodial crypto wallet. Non-custodial wallets offer greater control over your assets, but more responsibility for securing them. Likewise, DEXs offer greater control over the trading experience, but can be more complex to use.

Crypto wallets are tools for securely storing and managing your digital assets. Crypto wallets are divided into two main categories:

• Custodial wallets: Often provided by CEXs, these wallets are convenient but rely on the exchange to manage your assets’ associated private keys.
• Non-custodial wallets: These give users full control over their funds and private keys (or recovery phrases), but require careful management to avoid loss.

By understanding the differences between exchanges and wallets, you can make informed decisions about where to buy, store, and manage your USDC, and find the balance of convenience and security that’s right for you.

Step-by-step guide to get USDC on Arbitrum

There are multiple ways to get USDC on Arbitrum, depending on level of comfort and familiarity with transacting in the blockchain space.

• Best for beginners: Buy Arbitrum-native USDC directly from a centralized exchange (CEX) and either keep it on-platform or withdraw it to an Arbitrum-compatible wallet.
• DeFi enthusiasts: Swap assets for USDC on an Arbitrum-based decentralized exchange (DEX) like Camelot, GMX, or Vertex.
• Advanced acquisition: Use a bridge, like Arbitrum Bridge, to move USDC from Ethereum or another blockchain to Arbitrum.

Below, we’ll walk you through each method step by step.

1. Use a centralized crypto exchange (CEX) to buy USDC on Arbitrum

Many major centralized exchanges (CEXs) — including Coinbase, Crypto.com, and Kraken — allow users to buy Arbitrum-native USDC directly.

1. Sign up for a CEX: Choose a centralized exchange that supports USDC on Arbitrum and complete the required registration and identity verification.
2. Deposit funds: Add fiat currency (e.g., USD, EUR, etc.) to your account via bank transfer, credit card, or another supported payment method. Review any deposit fees.
3. Buy USDC on Arbitrum: Select USDC and ensure you choose Arbitrum as the withdrawal network before finalizing the purchase.

Once you have USDC, you can keep it on the exchange or withdraw it to a self-custodial wallet (like MetaMask) to use with DeFi applications on Arbitrum.

2. Use a decentralized crypto exchange (DEX) to swap for USDC on Arbitrum

If you already hold ETH or other tokens on Arbitrum, you can swap them for USDC using decentralized exchanges (DEXs) like Camelot, GMX, or Vertex.

1. Connect to a DEX: Use a wallet that supports Arbitrum (e.g., MetaMask) and ensure you’re on the correct website to avoid phishing attacks or other scams.
2. Select your trading pair: Choose ETH/USDC or any other asset you hold that has a trading pair with USDC.
3. Review and confirm the trade: Enter the amount of USDC you want to buy, check the transaction details, and confirm the swap.

Pro tip: Keep a small amount of ETH in your wallet to cover Arbitrum transaction fees.

3. Use the built-in swap function in a self-custody wallet like Arbitrum

Some self-custodial wallets that support Arbitrum — like MetaMask — offer a built-in swap function that allows users to exchange assets directly within the wallet.

How to swap for USDC using a wallet’s built-in swap feature:

1. Open your wallet’s swap feature: Navigate to the swap function in MetaMask or another supported wallet.
2. Select your tokens: Choose ETH (or another supported token) as the asset you’re swapping and USDC on Arbitrum as the asset you want to receive.
3. Review and confirm the transaction: Check all details carefully before approving the trade.

Troubleshooting:

• If a swap fails, try adjusting the slippage tolerance in the swap settings.
• Ensure you have enough ETH to pay for Arbitrum gas fees.
• Check Arbiscan (Arbitrum’s blockchain explorer) for network congestion or transaction status.

4. Use an Arbitrum USDC bridge

We’ve spoken a bit about cross-chain swaps, and how some wallets and DEXs support the function of transferring an asset between two different blockchains. But in the case of USDC, there are two distinct ways to transfer USDC to another blockchain network, and the key distinction revolves around native vs bridged USDC.

As a reminder, native USDC originates directly from Circle on a particular blockchain, and is fully supported by the originating blockchain. Bridged USDC, however, is created when USDC is locked in a smart contract on one blockchain (i.e., the origin blockchain) and a “synthetic” or “bridged” form of USDC is minted (or created) on another supported blockchain (i.e., the destination blockchain) by a third-party bridge dApp. Crucially, bridged USDC is not issued by Circle, and only native USDC, issued through regulated affiliates of Circle, is fully reserved and redeemable 1:1. Many blockchains support both native and bridged USDC — so you should always be aware of which version you’re interacting with. If you’re not sure which version of USDC you’re dealing with, compare the token’s contract address on a blockchain explorer (e.g., Etherscan or Arbiscan) with the official list provided by Circle.

Most USDC obtained from centralized exchanges is native. USDC transferred between blockchains with a bridge may be native or bridged, depending on whether the bridge is powered by Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol (CCTP). Developed by Circle as a permissionless tool for transferring USDC between supported blockchains, CCTP is a powerful tool that burns (or destroys) USDC on one chain, and mints native USDC on another supported destination chain without having to keep any USDC “locked” in a smart contract. Transferring USDC natively is a better alternative to using a traditional bridge, whose security protocols may not be as robust as Circle’s, the issuer of USDC.

CCTP is integrated into wallets like MetaMask, DEXs like OKX (not to be confused with the centralized exchange, OKX), and cross-chain bridges like Across, Allbridge, and Wormhole — just to name a few. Learn more about CCTP and see a complete list of dApp integrations here. Then use CCTP-powered platforms to seamlessly bridge native USDC between supported blockchains.

Important considerations about USDC on Arbitrum

Before using USDC on Arbitrum, there are a few key details to keep in mind:

• Check compatibility: Make sure your wallet and exchange support native USDC on Arbitrum. Some platforms may only support bridged versions, which can have additional fees or extra steps for transactions. This is a critically important step, and users should always be diligent to ensure compatibility before transacting. Failure to do so can result in the loss of funds.
• Gas fees: Transactions on Arbitrum require ETH for gas fees, so always keep enough ETH in your wallet to cover costs.
• Test before sending large amounts: If you're new to Arbitrum or moving a large sum, consider sending a small test transaction first to ensure everything works smoothly.

How to use USDC on Arbitrum

USDC on Arbitrum combines the stability of a dollar-backed stablecoin with the speed and low fees of a Layer-2 network. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced crypto user, USDC transactions on Arbitrum settle quickly and cost far less than Ethereum's Layer-1 fees.

With easy ways to acquire USDC on Arbitrum, you can explore:

• DeFi opportunities: Use USDC in decentralized financial services on Arbitrum-based DeFi platforms.
• Digital payments: Use USDC for fast, low-cost transactions on supported apps and services.
• Cross-chain transfers: Move USDC seamlessly between different blockchains.

Since USDC is natively available on more than 15 blockchains, it’s widely supported across wallets, exchanges, and dApps. To explore the full ecosystem of platforms supporting USDC, check out our USDC Ecosystem Catalog for more details.