How to Get USDC on Unichain

USDC has established itself as a cornerstone of blockchain finance, offering 1:1 redeemability with the US dollar and a secure, transparent framework that users trust. Unichain is an emerging blockchain that supports fast and cost-effective¹ stablecoin transactions with its high-speed consensus mechanism and low transaction costs. 

In this guide, we’ll break down how Unichain makes using USDC more practical, the advantages of using USDC on Unichain, and the simple steps to buy and use USDC on the network. By understanding these basics, users can get the most out of USDC while benefiting from Unichain’s fast and efficient blockchain system.

What is USDC?

As a quick reminder, USDC is a stablecoin — a type of cryptocurrency designed to maintain a stable value — that’s backed 1:1 by US dollars in the form of cash and highly liquid cash equivalents. 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 almost anyone 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 Unichain?

Unichain is a blockchain network designed to make DeFi faster, more efficient, and easier to use. It helps solve common problems in the crypto space, such as slow transaction times and difficulty moving assets between different blockchains. Built using OP Stack technology, Unichain works as a scalable extension of Ethereum, allowing for faster and cheaper transactions while remaining connected to the Ethereum mainnet.

Unichain’s OP Stack technology is a system that bundles multiple transactions together before confirming them on the main Ethereum blockchain. This approach, which leverages Optimistic Rollups, aims to reduce congestion, lower network fees, and speed up transactions — all while leveraging the Ethereum blockchain’s underlying security. Instead of processing each transaction individually, OP Stack blockchains like Unichain groups transactions together for batch processing.

One of Unichain’s key features is its Flashblocks system, which speeds up how transactions are processed. By breaking each block into smaller parts, Unichain significantly reduces wait times, so transactions are confirmed in just a fraction of a second. This system also is also designed to promote fairness and transparency in transaction processing.

To improve security and keep the network decentralized, Unichain uses the Unichain Validation Network (UVN). UVN is a group of independent participants who verify transactions and keep the network operating efficiently.

By combining speed, security, and seamless integration with Ethereum, Unichain offers a fast and user-friendly platform for developers and users alike.

What is Unichain-native USDC?

Unichain-native USDC is a version of USDC that is directly issued on the Unichain blockchain, following the widely used ERC-20 tokenization standard. A tokenization standard is a structured set of rules that governs how digital assets like USDC are issued, moved, and managed on a blockchain. It acts as a framework that makes tokens operate uniformly and remain compatible across various wallets, applications, and platforms within a given blockchain ecosystem. To put it simply, a tokenization standard provides a common language that allows different assets to interact seamlessly, making transactions more efficient and reliable.

Because Unichain is an Ethereum-compatible network, USDC on Unichain can be seamlessly used across Ethereum-based dApps, wallets, and smart contracts without requiring extra steps or conversions. This means users can send, receive, and trade USDC on Unichain just as they would on Ethereum, but with the added benefits of faster transactions and lower fees.

Circle launched USDC on Unichain in 2025. As of March 2025, there’s over $5 million of USDC in circulation on Unichain.

Why use USDC on Unichain?

Unichain provides a fast, cost-efficient, and compatible environment for using USDC. Some of the main advantages include:

• ERC-20 standard compatibility: As an Ethereum-compatible blockchain, Unichain seamlessly integrates with wallets, smart contracts, and dApps that already support the ERC-20 token standard. This means users can access USDC on Unichain without needing additional modifications or conversions, making transactions smoother and more convenient.
• Scalability: Unichain’s optimized infrastructure allows for faster and more efficient transfers. Transactions settle quickly, providing a better experience for users who rely on USDC for payments, trading, and DeFi applications.
• Low fees: On Unichain, USDC transactions are more cost-effective, making it easier for individuals and businesses to use their USDC for everyday transactions, cross-border payments, and financial services.

With its Ethereum compatibility, high-speed infrastructure, and low-cost transactions, Unichain enables users to send, receive, and use USDC with greater efficiency and lower costs.

Understanding crypto exchanges and crypto wallets

Before diving into the step-by-step process of acquiring USDC on Unichain, 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 Unichain

The most straightforward method is to purchase Unichain-native USDC on a centralized exchange and either hold it on-platform or withdraw it to an Unichain wallet. DeFi users can also swap other tokens for USDC using Unichain-based decentralized exchanges. Additionally, Ethereum-based USDC can be bridged to Unichain with supported blockchain bridges.

The following guide explains each method step by step.

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

Some prominent centralized exchanges, including Coinbase, support native USDC on Unichain. This means that when you buy USDC through these platforms, you can make sure it’s issued directly on the Unichain network.

How to begin:

1. Sign up for an account: Register on a CEX that supports USDC on Unichain and is available in your region. Complete the identity verification processes required to create your account.
2. Deposit fiat: Fund your account using your preferred method (e.g., bank transfer, debit/credit card, etc.) while keeping an eye on any associated fees.
3. Purchase USDC: Choose USDC as your cryptocurrency and be sure to select Unichain as the blockchain network during your transaction. Confirm your purchase, and your USDC will appear in your account shortly.

After your purchase, you can either store the USDC in the exchange’s custodial wallet or move it to a non-custodial wallet, allowing you to explore Unichain-based dApps.

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

For those with Unichain-native assets, USDC can be obtained through Unichain-supported DEXs like Uniswap. Here’s how:

1. Choose a DEX: Select a Unichain-compatible DEX (like Uniswap) and connect using a compatible wallet (like MetaMask or Uniswap Wallet).
2. Find a trading pair: Choose your desired trading pair, like UNI/USDC or ETH/USDC.
3. Complete the trade: Enter the desired USDC amount, confirm the transaction details, and finalize. USDC will appear in your wallet. Unichain uses ETH as its native gas asset, so be sure to have enough ETH in your wallet for gas fees.

3. Use the built-in swap function in a self-custody wallet like MetaMask or Uniswap Wallet

For Unichain users, self-custody wallets with swap features, like MetaMask and Uniswap Wallet, offer a seamless way to get USDC. If you hold ETH, UNI, or other assets that have trading pairs with USDC, you can swap directly in your wallet:

1. Access your wallet’s swap function: Navigate to your wallet’s trading interface and select the asset you want to trade, such as ETH or UNI, and enter the amount you want to exchange.
2. Enter trade details: Set USDC on Unichain as the output and review the trade details, including exchange rate and estimated fees.
3. Review and approve: Confirm transaction details and execute the trade.

If the swap doesn’t go through, you may need to adjust slippage tolerance in your wallet settings to account for market fluctuations. Also be sure you have enough ETH to cover gas fees, as insufficient funds can cause transactions to fail. If you encounter issues, using a Unichain blockchain explorer like Etherscan can help track the transaction status and identify any potential errors.

By leveraging the swap features in self-custody wallets, Unichain users can easily get USDC and begin using it for payments, trading, DeFi applications, and more — all while benefiting from Unichain’s fast transactions and low fees.

4. Use a Unichain 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) 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 Unichain

When transacting USDC on Unichain, there are a few important things to keep in mind to keep your transactions running smoothly. First, confirm that your wallet and exchange support Unichain’s native USDC. Not all platforms automatically recognize every blockchain and using the wrong version — such as a bridged USDC token from another network — can lead to extra steps, higher fees, or potential compatibility issues. 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. Also note that native USDC on Unichain integrates directly into the ecosystem, making transfers faster, more cost-effective, and easier to manage.

Another important thing to note is that Unichain requires ETH to cover transaction fees. Just like how a credit card transaction may have a small processing fee, blockchain transactions on Unichain require ETH to pay for the cost of verifying and completing the transaction. So before sending or swapping USDC, make sure you have enough ETH in your wallet to avoid failed transactions. For first-time users or those testing a new platform, it’s always a good idea to start with a small test transfer. Doing this helps confirm that you’re using the right version of USDC, your wallet is set up properly, and you have enough ETH to cover fees. Taking this extra step can prevent costly mistakes, lost funds, or frustrating delays, and make your experience with Unichain smoother and stress-free.

How to use USDC on Unichain

USDC on Unichain integrates the dependability of a dollar-backed stablecoin with Unichain’s efficient and cost-effective network. The blockchain’s streamlined performance makes using USDC straightforward and accessible for users at most experience levels. With our clear, step-by-step guide, acquiring USDC on Unichain is simple, opening doors to various DeFi and digital payment opportunities. 

Additionally, USDC is natively supported on more than 15 blockchains, underscoring its widespread relevance across the crypto ecosystem. For more insights on the networks, wallets, exchanges, and dApps supporting USDC, visit our detailed USDC Ecosystem Catalog.