USDC vs. USDT: Key Differences & Which Stablecoin to Use

The two most popular stablecoins are USDC and USDT, both backed by the US Dollar. Are these stable coins both the same?

Stablecoins like USDC (USD Coin) and USDT (Tether) have become essential tools in the crypto ecosystem. By pegging their value to the US Dollar, these digital assets provide stability amidst the volatility of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.

But how do they compare? Let’s break down the key differences between USDC and USDT to help you make informed decisions.

Why Are Stablecoins Important?

Cryptocurrencies are known for their high volatility, where prices can soar to an all-time high (ATH) and crash within hours. Stablecoins address this issue by pegging their value to a stable asset, such as the US Dollar. They allow traders to hedge against market fluctuations and provide a seamless way to remain within the crypto ecosystem without converting to fiat currency.

What Is USDC?

USDC (USD Coin) is a widely used stablecoin developed by Circle in collaboration with Coinbase. It is an ERC-20 token operating on the Ethereum blockchain and is backed 1:1 by USD reserves. Here are the standout features of USDC:

  • Transparency: Audited monthly by Grant Thornton LLP, with reports published on Circle’s website.
  • Stability: Designed to be a secure and reliable digital dollar.
  • Flexibility: Easily transferable across blockchain networks, making it ideal for decentralized finance (DeFi) applications.

USDC is especially popular for its compliance with regulatory standards and transparent operations, making it a favorite among institutions.

What Is USDT?

USDT, commonly known as Tether, is another leading stablecoin with a market cap exceeding $81 billion as of May 2022. Like USDC, USDT is also an ERC-20 token and is pegged 1:1 to USD. Here are some highlights of USDT:

  • Established History: Launched in 2014, making it one of the first stablecoins.
  • Liquidity: Widely accepted on most cryptocurrency exchanges, ensuring high trading volume.
  • Versatility: Available on multiple blockchains, including Ethereum, Tron, and Binance Smart Chain.

However, USDT has faced scrutiny regarding its reserve transparency, as the frequency and specifics of its audits are not publicly disclosed.

Key Differences Between USDC and USDT

While both stablecoins aim to provide stability, they differ in terms of transparency, regulation, and use cases. Here’s a quick comparison:

usdc-vs-usdt-comparison

The main difference between these two stablecoins is their audit frequency. The frequency of USDT audits is not disclosed. This means that it can be trickier to find out whether the dollar reserves match the number of tokens created, or if the tokens are truly backed by USD or some other asset.

USDC, on the other hand, is audited monthly by Grant Thornton LLC and these audits are also reported monthly on the Circle website.

How to Buy TRC-20 USDT in the Philippines

If you're in the Philippines and looking to buy TRC-20 USDT, Coins.ph offers a secure and convenient solution. Here’s how:

  1. Log in to your Coins.ph account and click on [Balance].
  2. Choose the currency you want to deposit, click on [Deposit], and enter your desired cash-in amount.
  3. Select the USDT/PHP trading pair and specify the quantity you’d like to trade.
  4. Place your order by clicking Buy or Sell.
  5. Wait for your order to be filled, and you’re all set!

Coins.ph is a BSP-licensed platform, ensuring that your transactions are safe and regulated.

Choosing Between USDC and USDT: Which Is Right for You?

Your choice between USDC and USDT will depend on your priorities:

  • Transparency and Regulation: Choose USDC if you value audited reserves and compliance.
  • Liquidity and Trading: Opt for USDT if you need high liquidity for trading or arbitrage.

Both stablecoins offer unique advantages, making them essential tools for navigating the crypto landscape.

Start Trading Stablecoins with Coins.ph

Coins.ph is the first blockchain-based company in Asia to secure Virtual Currency and Electronic Money Issuer licenses from a central bank. Sign up today to:

  • Trade cryptocurrencies with fees as low as 0.05%.
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  • Access exclusive rewards like ₱50 in BTC with the code coinsacademy.

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