How to Get USDC on OP Mainnet

Stablecoins like USDC play a big role in the blockchain ecosystem because they offer price stability when many other cryptocurrencies can be quite volatile. USDC is a widely-used, fully-backed stablecoin that is redeemable 1:1 for US dollars.

OP Mainnet — the core network of the Optimism ecosystem — is an Ethereum Layer-2 blockchain designed to make transaction processing faster and more affordable² by using a technology called Optimistic Rollups, which entails batching and validating transactions on OP Mainnet and then securing them later on Ethereum. This allows transactions to be processed more efficiently while still benefiting from Ethereum’s underlying security.

In this guide, we’ll explain why USDC on OP Mainnet is a good option for using USDC, how to get USDC on OP Mainnet, and how to use it in a variety of ways.

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 OP Mainnet?

OP Mainnet is a Layer-2 blockchain network built to make Ethereum transactions faster and cheaper. It uses Optimistic Rollups, a technology that processes transactions off-chain before bundling them together and settling them on-chain (i.e., on the Ethereum mainnet). This configuration aims to reduce gas fees and congestion while keeping Ethereum’s security and decentralization intact.

Thanks to its efficiency and affordability, OP Mainnet has become home to a growing ecosystem of decentralized finance (DeFi) applications, non-fungible token (NFT) projects, and Web3 tools. Whether you're trading, minting NFTs, or using decentralized apps (dApps), OP Mainnet offers a low-cost and high-speed experience.

The Optimism ecosystem is built around the idea of scaling Ethereum while also funding public goods — initiatives that benefit the broader Ethereum ecosystem and community — and open-source development, giving easy access to useful tools and information for those looking to build on Ethereum or one of its Layer-2 networks. A portion of the revenue the network generates from transaction fees goes toward funding open-source blockchain development and public infrastructure projects. This makes OP Mainnet not just a tool for scaling Ethereum but also a network that actively supports innovation and decentralization.

What is OP Mainnet-native USDC?

Native USDC on OP Mainnet is issued directly on the OP Mainnet blockchain. OP Mainnet-native USDC is issued as an ERC-20 token, just like it is on Ethereum. The ERC-20 token standard is a set of rules that defines how tokens function on the Ethereum blockchain, ensuring they are compatible with the many wallets, exchanges, and dApps that interact with Ethereum and other Ethereum-compatible networks. ERC-20 acts as a universal framework that allows tokens to interact seamlessly within the Ethereum ecosystem without requiring special adjustments.

Many well-known digital assets use the ERC-20 standard, making it one of the most widely adopted token formats in the blockchain space. Additionally, because Ethereum-based scaling solutions like OP Mainnet also support ERC-20 tokens, assets like USDC can move seamlessly and efficiently between different networks while maintaining stability and functionality.

For developers, this means no extra work — dApps that support ERC-20 tokens on Ethereum can use USDC on OP Mainnet without any modifications. For users, it means their USDC on OP Mainnet is ready to deploy throughout the ecosystem of dApps built on OP Mainnet. This makes it easier to build, integrate, and scale applications while taking advantage of lower fees and faster transactions.

Circle launched USDC on OP Mainnet in 2023. As of March 2025, there’s over $200 million dollars of USDC in circulation on Optimism, the ecosystem of which OP Mainnet is a part.

Why use USDC on OP Mainnet?

OP Mainnet is designed for faster and cheaper transactions compared to Ethereum mainnet, while still inheriting its underlying security model. Here’s why OP Mainnet is a good option for using USDC:

• Faster transactions: OP Mainnet uses Optimistic Rollups to process transactions off-chain, reducing wait times before final settlement on Ethereum.
• Lower fees: Because transactions are bundled together, transactions are much more cost-effective than on Ethereum’s Layer 1.
• Ethereum compatibility: USDC on OP Mainnet is an ERC-20 token, meaning it works effortlessly with Ethereum-based wallets, DeFi apps, and smart contracts.

With these advantages, OP Mainnet is useful for fast, cost-effective USDC transactions, whether you're making payments, trading, or using DeFi applications.

Understanding crypto exchanges and crypto wallets

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

Getting USDC on OP Mainnet, Optimism’s Layer-2 blockchain, is easy, and you can choose the method that best suits your needs.

• Fast and simple: Buy OP Mainnet-native USDC directly from a centralized exchange (CEX) and either hold it on-platform or withdraw it to an Optimism-compatible wallet.
• DeFi users: Swap tokens for USDC on an Optimism-native decentralized exchange (DEX) like Beets, Synthetix, or Velodrome.
• Bridging: If you already have USDC on Ethereum, you can move it to OP Mainnet using a supported cross-chain bridge like Brid.gg or Superbridge, or through a self-custody wallet’s built in swap functionality.

Below, we’ll walk through each method in detail.

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

Many major centralized exchanges (CEXs) — including Coinbase, Crypto.com, and Kraken — support native USDC on OP Mainnet. This means you can choose to buy USDC that’s already on OP Mainnet using these platforms.

1. Register an account: Sign up with a CEX that supports USDC on OP Mainnet and complete any required identity verification processes (like KYC).
2. Fund your account: Deposit fiat currency via bank transfer, credit card, or other payment methods (note that fees may apply).
3. Purchase USDC: Select USDC and make sure you choose OP Mainnet as the destination network before completing your purchase.

Once you have USDC, you can keep it in the exchange or transfer it to a self-custodial wallet (like MetaMask or Trust Wallet) to use with dApps on OP Mainnet.

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

If you hold OP, ETH, or other assets on OP Mainnet, you can swap them for USDC using DEXs like Beets, Synthetix, or Velodrome.

1. Connect to a DEX: Use an OP Mainnet-compatible wallet (e.g., MetaMask or Trust Wallet) and ensure you’re on the official DEX website to avoid scams.
2. Select a trading pair: Choose the OP/USDC trading pair or another available pair like ETH/USDC.
3. Review and confirm the trade: Enter the amount of USDC you want to buy, check the transaction details, and approve the swap.

Pro tip: Keep enough ETH in your wallet to cover gas fees for transactions on OP Mainnet.

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

Some self-custodial wallets that support OP Mainnet — like MetaMask or Trust Wallet — offer a built-in swap function, allowing you to trade assets without leaving the app.

1. Open your wallet’s swap feature: Go to the trade or swap section of your wallet.
2. Select your tokens: Choose OP, ETH, or another supported asset as the asset you’re swapping and USDC on OP Mainnet as the asset you want to receive.
3. Review and confirm the transaction: Double-check all details, adjust slippage tolerance if needed, and approve the swap.

Troubleshooting:

• If a swap fails, increase slippage tolerance in the settings.
• Ensure you have enough ETH to pay for gas fees.
• Use an explorer like OP Mainnet Explorer to diagnose potential delays and assess fees.

4. Use a OP Mainnet 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 OP Mainnet 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 OP Mainnet

Before using USDC on OP Mainnet, there are a few key things to keep in mind:

• Check compatibility: Make sure your wallet and exchange support OP Mainnet-native USDC to avoid unexpected fees or compatibility issues. Some platforms may not be compatible with OP Mainnet. 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 OP Mainnet require ETH to cover gas fees, so keep a balance in your wallet to prevent failed transactions.
• Test with a small amount first: If you're new to OP Mainnet, start with a small test transaction before transferring larger amounts to ensure everything works smoothly.

By planning ahead, you can avoid unnecessary fees and transaction delays while using USDC on OP Mainnet.

How to use USDC on OP Mainnet

USDC on OP Mainnet combines the stability of a dollar-backed stablecoin with the speed and cost-efficiency of Layer-2 technology. With fast transactions and low fees, OP Mainnet provides a smooth experience for both beginners and experienced crypto users.

Once you’ve acquired USDC on OP Mainnet, you can use it for:

• DeFi applications: Engage in financial services with USDC on OP Mainnet-powered DeFi platforms.
• Digital payments: Make fast, low-cost payments with USDC across supported apps.
• Cross-chain transfers: Move USDC between different blockchains seamlessly.

USDC is natively available on more than 15 blockchains, making it one of the most widely supported stablecoins in the crypto ecosystem. To explore wallets, exchanges, and dApps that support USDC, check out our USDC Ecosystem Catalog for more details.