Buy USD Coin (USDC)
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USD Coin Use Cases

The USDC crypto asset offers investors the opportunity to generate passive income with their holdings. One way to do this is by lending USDC directly through its issuer, Circle. This allows investors to earn interest on their USDC holdings while maintaining control over their assets.

Another option is to utilize a hardware wallet like Ledger, which offers lending services for USDC. By lending their USDC through these platforms, investors can earn interest on their holdings without actively trading or investing elsewhere.

Also, some centralized exchanges that support USDC trading can offer specialty online savings accounts that cater specifically to stablecoins like USDC, where investors can earn passive income. These savings accounts provide a convenient and secure way for USDC holders to maximize their returns while still maintaining stability and liquidity.

Who Created USD Coin (USDC)?

USDC (USD Coin) was created in 2018 by Circle, a fintech company based in the United States. Circle is known for its expertise in digital currency and blockchain development. The goal behind the creation of USDC was to introduce a stablecoin that is backed by the US dollar, providing users with a reliable and trust-worthy digital currency that retains a stable value.

The development of USDC involved collaboration between Circle and Coinbase, a popular centralized exchange. Together, they established the Centre consortium, which oversees the governance and operation of USDC. The creation of USDC has received recognition within the cryptocurrency industry for its commitment to transparency and regulatory compliance, making it a popular choice for individuals and businesses looking to take advantage of the benefits of blockchain technology while minimizing volatility risks.

How Is USD Coin's Market Price Determined?

USDC, which stands for USD Coin, is a stablecoin that is tied to the US dollar at a ratio of 1:1. The value of one USDC is always equal to one US dollar. The USD Coin price is determined by market supply and demand, similar to other crypto assets.

Circle, a financial technology company regulated by the US government, is responsible for issuing USDC tokens. Individuals can acquire USDC by exchanging US dollars or other cryptocurrencies for it on a cryptocurrency exchange or trading platform. Likewise, when someone wants to sell USDC, they can exchange it for US dollars or other cryptocurrencies.

The market price of USDC Coin is influenced by multiple factors, including demand for stablecoins pegged to the US dollar, trust in the issuer (Circle), and overall cryptocurrency market conditions. If lots of people trade USDC and there is an increased demand for the coin, its price may exceed $1, while a decrease in demand could cause the price to dip below $1. To maintain price stability, Circle can adjust the supply of USDC tokens in circulation accordingly via a minting or burning process.

USDC Minting and Burning

Businesses have the option to create a Circle Account in order to convert U.S. dollars into USDC (USD Coin). Once a business deposits USD into their Circle Account, Circle will issue an equivalent amount of USDC to the business. This issuance of new USDC is called '"'minting'"', and it adds new USDC into circulation.

Likewise, should a business wish to convert their USDC back into U.S. dollars, they can deposit the USDC into their Circle Account and request to receive U.S. dollars at no charge. This redemption process of USDC is referred to as '"'burning'"', as it removes USDC from circulation.

When a business exchanges U.S. dollars for USDC on a digital asset exchange, the exchange typically utilizes the balance of USDC it has available to fulfill the exchange. In the event that the exchange requires additional USDC to complete the exchange, it can utilize its Circle Account to mint more USDC.

Why Consider Buying USD Coin?

One compelling reason to buy USD Coin (USDC) is that it allows individuals and businesses to avoid volatility in the crypto market. Unlike other cryptocurrencies that can experience significant price fluctuations, USDC is a stablecoin that is pegged to the US dollar. This stability helps preserve the value of investments and provides a sense of security for users.

Additionally, USDC offers high liquidity, meaning users can easily buy, sell, and trade USD Coin for other assets.

The asset’s widespread support across multiple blockchains ensures compatibility and accessibility for users.

Moreover, USDC has gained mainstream acceptance, being supported by reputable financial institutions and integrated into various applications and platforms. This acceptance further enhances the credibility and adoption of USDC as a reliable digital currency.

Best Ways to Buy USD Coin (USDC) Safely

The best way to purchase USD Coin safely is through a globally recognized cryptocurrency exchange platform like Changelly. User-friendly and highly secure, cryptocurrency exchanges let you buy USD Coin instantly, using a plethora of handy payment schemes.

As for Changelly, our platform is equipped with rock-solid security features, including advanced encryption protocols, non-custodial service, and strict verification processes to ensure secure transactions and the protection of personal information.

We also employ multi-factor authentication and regularly undergo third-party security audits to maintain a secure environment for buying, selling, and swapping cryptocurrencies.

How to Buy USD Coin (USDC) with a Credit and Debit Card

The idea of using a credit or debit card comes first into mind when a person wants to purchase USD Coin. Many large cryptocurrency trading platforms and exchanges allow you to invest in digital assets with a credit or debit card. Changelly is no exception.

Although nuances of buying USDC can vary as per company, the general principle of incorporating your debit card or credit card for crypto purchases looks like the following:

1. Sign up for a free account on the selected website and verify your identity by providing some personal details and submitting a picture of your government-issued ID.

2. Select “Buy Crypto” from the dashboard and pick “Credit/Debit Card” as the desired payment method.

3. Enter how much USD Coin you wish to get and input your credit/debit card details. Note that both the platform and your card issuer may charge a fee on credit or debit card payments for buying cryptocurrencies.

4. Once your payment is processed successfully, the obtained USD Coins will appear in the account. With a non-custodial cryptocurrency exchange like Changelly, your virtual assets will be sent to the wallet address you provided during the purchase process. Note that gas fees can also apply, apart from trading fees, to facilitate the transfer of assets within the blockchain.

How to Buy USD Coin (USDC) with a Bank Transfer

Wire transfers provide an opportunity to send money from one financial institution to another. In case of purchasing USDC, you are transferring funds from your bank account to that of a selected crypto company.

Cheap and secure, bank transfers, unfortunately, do not let you buy USD Coin instantly because such monetary movements may take up to several working days to settle.

For buying USD Coin with a bank transfer, you need to create an account with a reputed cryptocurrency exchange that welcomes such payments (e.g. Changelly). On the next move, you complete identity checks and then launch a USDC purchase, similarly to how you would do using bank cards.

You will need to select the fiat currency of your choice (e.g. EUR) and pick '"'Bank Wire'"' as your payment option, along with specifying how much USDC you wish to receive and entering your bank account details. Follow the platform’s instructions to deposit funds via a bank wire to cover the purchase. Upon smooth transaction settlement, you can enjoy your newly acquired USDC.

How to Buy USDC with Apple Pay or Google Pay

Apple Pay and Google Pay make it extremely easy to add USD Coin (USDC) to your crypto portfolio. Many top crypto exchanges, including Changelly, offer Apple Pay and Google Pay for their customers to let them buy and sell cryptocurrencies on the go.

It boils down to this that you need to download a mobile app of your favorite crypto exchange onto your Android or iOS device with an active Apple Pay and Google Pay wallet. Next, you log in to your exchange account and initiate a USDC purchase.

The mobile app of your exchange platform will automatically detect alternative payment methods enabled on your smart telephone and suggest completing a purchase via them.

How to Buy USD Coin with PayPal

PayPal has an exciting mobile app that opens up a whole new world of possibilities in the realm of cryptocurrencies. With this app, you have the ability to engage in a variety of activities such as purchasing, selling, trading, sending, and securely storing popular digital currencies like Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, and Litecoin.

However, it is regrettable to note that PayPal does not currently offer the option to trade USDC, which can be disappointing for those specifically interested in this particular cryptocurrency. Furthermore, only crypto traders residing in the United States have the privilege of trading cryptocurrencies on PayPal.

But fear not, as there are alternative avenues to explore if you are keen on utilizing your PayPal funds to purchase USD Coins. Options include delving into peer-to-peer marketplaces, exploring various crypto trading platforms, seeking out reputable cryptocurrency brokers, or exploring centralized crypto exchanges that may have PayPal integration as a payment option for purchasing cryptocurrencies and stablecoins.

How to Buy USD Coin from an ATM

There are over 36,000 crypto ATMs around the world where you can buy and sell cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other coins at their current price, using classic fiat money like USD and EUR. However, these Bitcoin ATMs do not allow you to buy USD instantly because such machines generally do not support innovative stablecoin projects, rather the veteran cryptocurrencies that were among the first to appear.

But don't worry, there is a way out. You can buy Bitcoin or Ethereum from one of these ATMs and then use an online cryptocurrency exchange platform like Changelly to trade those assets for USDC.

Just make sure you have an up-and-running cryptocurrency wallet to receive the purchased coins from a crypto ATM. Although some machines may create and print a paper wallet for you, a rule of thumb is to check this possibility with the ATM operator before making any purchases.

Depending on the machine type, there can be a limit on how much you can buy or sell, and transaction fees can also be quite high, compared to trading cryptocurrency through online exchanges.

How to Buy USD Coin with Cash

If you're looking to buy USDC with hard, cold cash, there are a few convenient paths available to you.

One is to resort to online cryptocurrency exchanges that offer a seamless experience when purchasing USDC and other virtual currencies. These platforms provide modern payment methods, such as direct cash deposits, wire transfers, e-wallets, credit or debit card purchases, and other familiar funding options.

Alternatively, you can consider using peer-to-peer platforms that connect individuals who are interested in buying cryptocurrency with classic fiat currencies. These crypto marketplaces help you find individuals who are open to trading USDC for physical money or using other non-standard payment schemes.

Another smart approach is to take advantage of crypto vouchers when purchasing USD Coin with cash. These vouchers can be conveniently redeemed on participating crypto trading platforms, making it easier for you to enter the world of USDC. You can easily obtain these vouchers from reputable websites like Crypto Voucher io.

How to Purchase USD Coin (USDC) with a Prepaid Card

It is possible to purchase cryptocurrencies using a prepaid card, regardless of whether it is a Mastercard, VISA, American Express, or Discover Card. Prepaid card holders can typically connect their cards to a cryptocurrency exchange in order to invest in virtual assets, such as USDC.

Prepaid cards are a form of payment card that comes with a preloaded balance. They function similarly to debit cards, but are not associated with a checking or savings account at a bank. Instead, individuals must load funds onto the card before using it to make purchases or withdraw cash.

What Can You Buy with USDC?

USD Coin (USDC) is becoming increasingly popular as a digital currency, and companies from various industries are starting to recognize its value and accept it as a payment method. In the realm of e-commerce, major online retailers such as Amazon and eBay have embraced USDC, enabling clients to make purchases using this stablecoin.

The travel industry is also jumping on board, with companies like Expedia allowing travelers to book flights and accommodations using USDC. The hospitality sector has followed suit, with hotels and resorts accepting USDC for room reservations and other services. In the food and beverage industry, even some restaurants and cafes now accept USDC as payment, opening up a whole new way for customers to enjoy their favorite meals or drinks.

Notably, entertainment platforms like Netflix and Spotify have also joined the trend, giving subscribers the option to pay with USDC.

Beyond the traditional uses of digital currency, such as online shopping or transferring funds, you can stake USDC in various decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols that offer financial services similar to conventional banks. By staking USDC, you can contribute to the security and stability of blockchain networks while earning attractive rewards. And speaking of rewards, many platforms offer enticing incentives for holding and using USDC. You can also send USDC to friends or donate the stablecoin to charity organizations.

Where to Store Your USD Coins?

When you buy USDC, one of the largest stablecoins by market cap, there are several options for storing your coins in different crypto wallets:

Hardware Wallets

These physical devices, often resembling USB drives, are known as '"'cold storage'"' or '"'cold wallets.'"' You can transfer your crypto from the internet onto these hardware wallet devices and keep them securely. Ledger and Arculus are two examples of hardware wallets that support USDC.

Paper Wallets

With a paper crypto wallet, you have the ability to print out your public and private keys as well as QR codes. This method ensures that your data is kept offline and protected from potential hacks, as long as the piece of paper is kept intact.

Software Wallets

Another option is to download crypto wallet software, such as Exodus or Vibes, directly onto your computer, laptop, or mobile device. These software wallets allow you to store USDC securely.

Crypto Exchanges

Many custodial exchanges provide their clients with a built-in crypto wallet for managing their crypto holdings on the platform after they buy USDC.

Circle Account

Users also have the option to store their USDC in a Circle Account, which provides a storage solution for your coins.

How to Cash Out USDC?

If you desire to sell USD Coin for cash, there are several methods of doing so.

Crypto Exchanges

You can use cryptocurrency exchanges like Changelly that support fiat-to-crypto conversions. These platforms allow you to trade USDC for local fiat currencies and withdraw money to your card or bank account.

P2P

Alternatively, you can visit peer-to-peer marketplaces where you can sell USD Coins directly to other people for cash.

Crypto ATM

Another avenue is to sell your virtual holdings at a Bitcoin ATM. These machines are found all around the world and offer you to sell cryptocurrencies for traditional money. However, crypto ATMs generally do not support direct USDC sales, making you swap your USDC for Bitcoin first and then convert your crypto into cash.

Crypto Debit Card

To spend USDC like a regular fiat, you can use a special crypto debit card. These cards look like regular debit/credit cards and allow you to spend your crypto at any merchant that accepts Mastercard or VISA. Popular providers of this service include Wirex, Crypto.com, and Coinbase.

Crypto Gift Card

To turn your USDC possessions into material goods, you can use a crypto gift card. Crypto gift cards, which can be digital or physical, hold a specific amount of cryptocurrency. You can use these cards to pay for products or services at various retailers or get a discount from them. Companies like Bitrefill, Gyft, and eGifter offer crypto gift card services for big-name retailers, such as Amazon, Walmart, and more.