How to Get USDC on ZKsync

large transaction volumes continues to grow. USDC is a secure, fully-reserved stablecoin that allows users to transact seamlessly across different blockchain ecosystems. ZKsync is an emerging blockchain network that offers support for native USDC. ZKsync is an Ethereum Layer-2 solution that uses zero-knowledge rollups (zk-rollups) to make transactions faster and more cost-effective¹ while still benefiting from Ethereum’s underlying security. By using ZKsync, USDC transfers can be processed efficiently, with lower fees and near-instant confirmations.

In this guide, we’ll explore why ZKsync is a good option for USDC users, how to acquire USDC on ZKsync, and the different ways you can use it within the network’s growing ecosystem.

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 ZKsync?

ZKsync is a Layer-2 scaling solution designed to make Ethereum transactions faster and more affordable by using an advanced cryptographic technique called zero-knowledge rollups (zk-rollups).

To understand ZKsync’s role, it’s important to first recognize Ethereum’s main limitation: high transaction costs and network congestion. Ethereum’s popularity means that thousands of transactions compete for space in each block, causing delays and driving up gas fees (i.e., the cost required to process a transaction). This makes everyday activities like trading, lending, making payments, or even just sending assets occasionally, and sometimes frequently, expensive and inefficient.

ZKsync helps solve this problem by bundling multiple transactions together and processing them off-chain (that is, outside of Ethereum’s main blockchain). Instead of verifying every individual transaction on Ethereum’s main network, ZKsync creates a single cryptographic proof that confirms all transactions in the batch are valid. This proof is then submitted to Ethereum, which securely finalizes the transactions. By significantly reducing the number of transactions that need to be processed on Ethereum, ZKsync is designed to lower gas fees, speed up transactions, and reduce congestion.

Beyond simple transactions, ZKsync also supports smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps), meaning developers can build everything from decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms to Web3 gaming applications on ZKsync while benefiting from lower costs. This makes it easier for users to participate in blockchain-based dApps without worrying about high fees.

With its focus on scalability, affordability, and security, ZKsync is becoming a key part of Ethereum’s broader Layer-2 ecosystem — a collection of technologies designed to enhance Ethereum’s performance without sacrificing its decentralization and security.

What is ZKsync-native USDC?

USDC that’s native on ZKsync is an ERC-20 token, just like it is on Ethereum. This means it follows the same technical standard used by most tokens on Ethereum, so it works seamlessly with wallets, dApps, and other aspects of the Ethereum ecosystem without any modifications.

To understand why this is important, it helps to know what ERC-20 means. ERC-20 is a set of rules that define how tokens should behave on the Ethereum blockchain. These rules ensure that all ERC-20 tokens — whether USDC, DAI, UNI, etc. — can be sent, received, and stored in Ethereum-compatible wallets and used within Ethereum dApps without issues. This standardization makes ERC-20 tokens highly interoperable, meaning they can interact smoothly across different platforms and applications.

Because ZKsync is designed to be fully compatible with Ethereum, it also supports ERC-20 tokens without any changes. This means that USDC transactions on ZKsync work exactly as they do on Ethereum — users can send, spend, save, and trade USDC using their favorite wallets and dApps, but with the added benefits of lower fees and faster processing times thanks to ZKsync’s Layer-2 scaling technology. Unlike some blockchain networks that require tokens to be "wrapped" or converted for compatibility, USDC on ZKsync is native, meaning no extra steps or conversions are needed.

Circle launched native USDC on ZKsync in 2024, bringing a trusted, fully reserved stablecoin to the network. As of March 2025, more than $75 million native USDC is already in circulation on ZKsync, demonstrating its growing adoption within Ethereum’s expanding Layer-2 ecosystem.

Why use USDC on ZKsync?

USDC on ZKsync offers a fast, low-cost, and secure way to transact, thanks to its zero-knowledge rollup technology. Here’s why it stands out:

• Near-instant finality: USDC transactions on ZKsync settle quickly, reducing wait times compared to traditional blockchain networks like Ethereum.
• Minimal fees: By compressing and bundling transactions before posting them on Ethereum, ZKsync significantly lowers gas fees for USDC transfers.
• Ethereum security: As a Layer-2 network, ZKsync inherits Ethereum’s security while making transactions more efficient and scalable.

For users looking for a secure, affordable, and high-speed way to send, trade, or use USDC, ZKsync is a good option.

Understanding crypto exchanges and crypto wallets

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

There are four main ways to get USDC on ZKsync: via centralized exchanges, decentralized exchanges, using a wallet’s built-in trading function, or via a supported blockchain bridge. Below, we’ll break down each method step by step.

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

Some centralized exchanges (CEXs), like Crypto.com, support native USDC on ZKsync. Buying USDC on a CEX that supports ZKsync means that your funds are natively issued on the network, avoiding the need for any additional steps. Here’s how to buy USDC on ZKsync from a CEX:

1. Create an account: Sign up with a CEX that offers USDC on ZKsync and complete any required identity verification steps.
2. Deposit fiat currency: Add funds via bank transfer, credit/debit card, or another payment method (be aware of potential deposit fees, and be sure to calculate them into your planned purchase).
3. Buy USDC on ZKsync: Select USDC and make sure to choose ZKsync as the network before confirming your transaction.

Once your purchase of USDC on ZKsync is complete, you can either hold it in the exchange’s custodial wallet or transfer it to a self-custodial wallet (like MetaMask) to interact with dApps on ZKsync.

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

If you hold ETH or other assets on ZKsync, you can swap them for USDC using DEXs like Koi, SyncSwap, or ZeroLend.

1. Access a DEX: Navigate to a ZKsync DEX and connect your ZKsync-compatible wallet (e.g., MetaMask). Always verify you’re on the official DEX website to avoid scams.
2. Select a trading pair: Choose the ETH/USDC trading pair (or another available USDC trading pair, depending on the assets you have available to trade).
3. Review and confirm the trade: Enter the amount of USDC you want to purchase, check the transaction details, and approve the swap.

Be sure to keep a small amount of ETH in your wallet to cover ZKsync gas fees. If you can’t cover gas fees, your transaction won’t be processed successfully.

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

Some self-custodial wallets that support ZKsync, like MetaMask, offer a built-in swap function, allowing you to trade assets without leaving the wallet app. To perform an in-wallet swap for USDC on ZKsync, follow these steps:

1. Open your wallet’s swap tool: Navigate to the swap function in MetaMask or another supported wallet.
2. Select your tokens: Choose ETH (or another supported asset) as the asset you’re swapping and USDC on ZKsync as the asset you want to receive.
3. Review and confirm the transaction: Enter your transaction details. Double-check that everything is correct, adjust slippage tolerance if needed, and approve the swap.

In the event that your swap fails, double-check that you have sufficient ETH to cover the transaction fees on ZKsync. If the problem persists, try adjusting advanced settings like slippage tolerance, or check the ZKsync Era Explorer to track your transaction status or investigate potential network congestion.

4. Use a ZKsync 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 ZKsync Era Explorer) 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 ZKsync

Before sending USDC on ZKsync, it’s essential to understand how the network functions to avoid unnecessary fees or technical hiccups. One of the most important steps is ensuring that your wallet and exchange support ZKsync-native USDC, as not all do. Users should always be diligent to ensure compatibility before transacting, as failure to do so can result in the loss of funds.

Note that some platforms only offer a wrapped or bridged version of USDC, which may require additional conversions and could result in extra fees or processing delays. Aiming to use native (as opposed to bridged) USDC helps ensure a seamless transaction experience.

While ZKsync significantly lowers transaction costs compared to Ethereum’s mainnet, gas fees still apply. To complete any transaction — whether sending funds, trading, or interacting with dApps — you’ll need ETH in your wallet to cover these network fees. Although ZKsync’s fees are minimal, failing to keep ETH in your wallet could leave you unable to process transactions when needed.

If you’re new to ZKsync, consider starting with a small test transaction before transferring large amounts of USDC. This precaution helps confirm that your wallet is correctly set up, your recipient address is accurate, and the network operates as expected. Since blockchain transactions are generally irreversible, testing with a small amount first can prevent costly mistakes.

How to use USDC on ZKsync

USDC on ZKsync offers the price stability of a dollar-backed digital asset and the speed and efficiency of Layer-2 scaling. Unlike Ethereum’s main network, where transactions can be slow and expensive, ZKsync’s zk-rollup technology allows USDC transfers to happen quickly and cost-effectively. Whether you're a beginner looking for an easy way to send money or an experienced user diving into DeFi, USDC on ZKsync can help make everyday transactions more accessible.

Once you have USDC on ZKsync, there are several ways to put it to use. DeFi platforms on ZKsync benefit from lower network fees than Ethereum, making it easier to participate in decentralized finance. For everyday spending, you can use USDC to send and receive payments quickly across various dApps and services, taking advantage of ZKsync’s low-cost transactions. And if you need to move your funds between different blockchain networks, cross-chain transfer tools make it simple to send USDC from ZKsync to other supported blockchains.

Since USDC is natively issued on more than 15 blockchains, it’s one of the most widely used and trusted stablecoins in the digital economy. If you're looking to explore wallets, exchanges, and applications that support USDC, check out our USDC Ecosystem Catalog for a comprehensive list of platforms where you can use and manage your digital dollars.