How to Get USDC on NEAR

USDC is reshaping the digital financial landscape, offering fast, stable, and transparent transactions on major blockchains across the Web3 ecosystem. A fully reserved asset known for its regulatory¹ oversight and 1:1 redeemability for US dollars, USDC is prized for its liquidity, security, and utility in transactions that benefit from the use of a stable currency. Among the networks that support USDC, NEAR stands out for its innovative sharding technology, which enables high scalability and low transaction costs². This guide will explore why NEAR can be an excellent blockchain for USDC transactions and how you can obtain USDC on the NEAR network.

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 NEAR?

NEAR is a blockchain platform designed to make decentralized applications (dApps) usable on the web. It is a Layer-1 blockchain that uses a proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus mechanism and incorporates Nightshade — a unique sharding mechanism that splits the blockchain into multiple parallel chains — to achieve scalability and efficiency. NEAR also provides human-readable account names instead of cryptographic addresses to improve user experience.

The NEAR blockchain is designed for high throughput and low fees, making it an attractive option for developers building dApps and the individuals who use them. NEAR also supports cross-chain communication, allowing interoperability with other blockchains, including Ethereum, through its Rainbow Bridge.

Because of its high throughput and relatively low fees, NEAR is well suited for those looking to engage in decentralized finance (DeFi), where stablecoins like USDC often play a central role. It also supports various other on-chain platforms like NFT marketplaces, blockchain-based games, decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), and more. NEAR also supports decentralized social networks and content distribution systems.

NEAR’s focus is to improve blockchain scalability and usability while maintaining the many benefits of decentralization. With its innovative sharding mechanism and user-friendly architecture, NEAR is positioning itself as a strong contender in the competitive blockchain landscape.

What is NEAR-native USDC?

NEAR-native USDC, also referred to as USDC-NEP141, is natively issued on NEAR using the NEP-141 token standard. This standard defines how tokens interact within NEAR’s scalable, sharded blockchain ecosystem, ensuring smooth compatibility with smart contracts and dApps. By leveraging NEAR’s high-speed, cost-effective infrastructure, USDC transactions on NEAR are designed to be efficient and accessible, making the stablecoin a suitable medium for DeFi, payments, cross-border transfers, and more.

The NEP-141 standard plays a crucial role in maintaining the seamless functionality of tokens across NEAR’s ecosystem. It means that assets like USDC can be easily integrated into various dApps, including DeFi platforms. This broad interoperability enhances the overall utility of USDC on NEAR, positioning it as a fundamental asset within the network’s DeFi landscape.

Additionally, NEAR’s low transaction fees and near-instant finality make it highly appealing for businesses and individuals looking to leverage blockchain technology for everyday financial transactions. Whether facilitating peer-to-peer transfers, enabling remittances, or supporting large-scale financial settlements, NEAR-native USDC provides a reliable and efficient means of value exchange. The growing adoption of USDC-NEP141 reflects the increasing demand for stable, secure, and highly functional stablecoins in the rapidly evolving Web3 economy.

Circle launched native USDC on NEAR in 2023. As of March 2025, there’s over $100 million dollars worth of native USDC in circulation on NEAR.

Why use USDC on NEAR?

NEAR enhances USDC transactions through its high-performance blockchain:

• Sharding scalability: NEAR’s unique sharding mechanism enables efficient processing of USDC transactions at high speeds.
• Low-cost transfers: USDC on NEAR benefits from relatively low transaction fees, making stablecoin transfers economical.
• Easy USDC integration: NEAR’s intuitive tools and smart contracts simplify USDC integration into dApps, making it widely available in the NEAR ecosystem.

These features make NEAR a good option for USDC users who prioritize speed, affordability, and usability.

Understanding crypto exchanges and crypto wallets

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

NEAR offers a variety of ways to obtain USDC, making it accessible to both new and experienced blockchain users. Those looking for a hassle-free experience can buy USDC on a centralized exchange and hold it on-platform or send it to their self-custody NEAR wallet. More advanced users can opt for DeFi-based solutions, such as swapping tokens on NEAR’s decentralized exchanges. Another method involves transferring USDC from Ethereum or another blockchain via a blockchain bridge if and where bridging is supported.

In the following guide, we provide step-by-step instructions for each method.

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

Some centralized exchanges now offer native USDC on the NEAR network. Platforms such as Crypto.com allow you to purchase USDC that is natively available on NEAR. To do so, follow these steps:

1. Create your account: Sign up at a CEX that supports both your region and USDC on NEAR. Make sure to complete the necessary verification process.
2. Fund your account: Deposit fiat currency using bank transfers, credit/debit cards, or other supported methods. Keep in mind that fees might vary.
3. Purchase USDC: When buying USDC, ensure you select the NEAR network option during the transaction. Confirm the amount, finalize your purchase, and wait for USDC to appear in your account.

Once you have your USDC on NEAR, you can keep it in the exchange’s custodial wallet or transfer it to a non-custodial wallet for enhanced control and to engage with various dApps within the NEAR ecosystem.

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

If you hold NEAR-native assets (such as the cryptocurrency NEAR) in a non-custodial wallet, you can swap for USDC on decentralized exchanges (DEXs) like Ref Finance or Veax. Here’s how:

1. Access a DEX: Use a NEAR-compatible wallet like Metamask or Meteor Wallet to connect. Always ensure you’re on the official DEX website to avoid phishing attacks or other scams. Keep in mind that DEXs may have varying fee structures in addition to standard network fees.
2. Select your trading pair: Choose the NEAR/USDC trading pair or another available pair.
3. Execute your transaction: Enter the desired amount of USDC, review the transaction details, and approve. Once confirmed, USDC will appear in your wallet. Be sure to have enough NEAR in your wallet to cover network fees.

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

Self-custody wallets that support NEAR, such as Metamask and Meteor Wallet, allow users to swap assets for USDC on NEAR effortlessly. If you hold NEAR or another asset that pairs with USDC, you can exchange them directly.

1. Access the swap function: Open your wallet’s trade tab and select the asset you want to swap for USDC (e.g., NEAR).
2. Select USDC on NEAR: Choose USDC as the asset you want to receive and enter the amount.
3. Confirm and finalize: Review transaction details, confirm, and wait for the swap to complete.

If errors occur, adjust slippage settings or ensure you have enough NEAR to cover network fees. Check NEARblocks for network activity insights.

4. Use a NEAR 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 entities 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 Suiscan) 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 NEAR

When handling USDC on the NEAR blockchain, it’s essential to take certain precautions. Confirm that your chosen wallet and exchange are fully compatible with NEAR’s native version of USDC, as using bridged tokens could result in extra fees and complexity. 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.

Native USDC is issued directly on NEAR and offers smoother integration, whereas bridged tokens might require additional processing steps. NEAR transactions also necessitate a reserve of NEAR tokens for gas fees, so check that your wallet has sufficient funds. It’s wise to test the process with a small transfer initially to mitigate any risks before transferring larger sums.

How to use USDC on NEAR

USDC on NEAR pairs the dependability of a dollar-pegged stablecoin with NEAR’s innovative, cost-effective, and fast transaction framework. Thanks to NEAR’s efficient design, using USDC becomes a hassle-free experience for both beginners and experts in the crypto space. By following our straightforward instructions, you can swiftly acquire USDC on NEAR and explore a myriad of DeFi and digital payment use cases.

In addition to NEAR, native USDC is available on more than 15 blockchains. All are part of a growing list of network integrations for USDC. For more information on USDC and the dApps, exchanges, wallets, and other businesses that support it, check out our USDC Ecosystem Catalog.