Circle introduced a new service that allows users to transfer the USDC stablecoin across blockchains directly, without complex setups or intermediary solutions.
Circle launched USDC Bridge, a cross-chain transaction solution built on the Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol (CCTP). It offers users a standardized way to move funds with predictable fees and a transparent transaction process.
USDC Bridge enables transfers of native USDC tokens between networks using a 1:1 Burn-and-Mint model. This means that when tokens are sent, they’re burned on the source network and re-minted on the destination network, eliminating the need for wrapped or synthetic assets. Users can see fees upfront and track transaction status in real time. The system also automatically accounts for gas costs on the destination network.
According to Circle, the new interface simplifies the use of CCTP, which has been active since 2023 and processes over $500 million in USDC transactions daily. At launch, USDC Bridge supports at least 17 Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-compatible blockchains, including Ethereum, Avalanche, Arbitrum, Base, Optimism, Polygon, as well as newer networks like Monad and Sei.
Fees depend on transaction parameters. In one test, transferring $20 in USDC from Ethereum mainnet to the Optimism L2 network cost approximately $0.20. Circle itself doesn’t charge additional fees for using the protocol, users only pay network fees.
The company emphasizes that the main goal of USDC Bridge is to simplify cross-chain operations, which previously required choosing routes and understanding the specifics of different blockchains. The new tool removes these complexities, making USDC transfers across networks as simple and accessible as possible, even for inexperienced users.
