How to Get USDC on Sui

Stablecoins like USDC have rapidly become essential tools for everyday payments — and for good reason. USDC is fully backed by highly liquid cash and cash-equivalent assets and meets stringent regulatory¹ standards in many major jurisdictions around the world. USDC is available on several blockchain networks, including Sui — a next-generation blockchain designed for speed, parallel transaction execution, and scalability. By combining USDC’s stability with Sui’s high-performance architecture, users can enjoy faster settlements, reduced fees, and a streamlined experience for on-chain transactions. In this guide, we’ll show you how Sui supports USDC transfers and walk you through the steps to acquire USDC on the cutting-edge Sui 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 Sui?

Sui is a new type of blockchain designed to make digital transactions faster, cheaper, and more efficient. Blockchains are like digital ledgers that record transactions, and Sui improves on traditional designs by processing transactions in a smarter way. Instead of handling them one by one, like standing in a slow-moving checkout line, Sui processes multiple transactions at the same time — like having many checkout lanes open. This approach speeds up transactions and keeps fees low², making it a great option for applications that need fast performance, such as online games, financial services, and more.

One of the key innovations of Sui is its use of Move, a new programming language that differs from the commonly used Solidity programming language. Move intends to make digital transactions faster, safer, and cheaper. To this end, it uses a unique approach to managing digital assets — treating them as unique resources that cannot be copied or accidentally destroyed.

Sui also improves how transactions are confirmed. Instead of bundling everything into large blocks that can slow down the system, it separates the process of organizing transactions from actually finalizing them. This makes the network more decentralized, meaning no single group has too much control, which enhances both security and fairness.

For developers, Sui offers tools that make building apps easier and safer. For everyday users, this translates to a smoother experience with faster transactions and fewer delays — closer to the convenience of traditional online services. Whether making a payment, trading digital assets, or using blockchain-powered apps, Sui can help make these activities more seamless and affordable.

What is Sui USDC?

Sui USDC is a natively issued version of USDC on the Sui blockchain, designed to provide fast, low-cost, and highly efficient transactions. Unlike traditional financial networks that can experience delays and high fees, the Sui blockchain is built for speed and scalability, allowing USDC transactions to settle almost instantly with relatively low transaction fees.

A key feature of Sui USDC is its use of the RegulatedCoin token standard, which offers seamless integration with decentralized applications (dApps) on the network. This standard is designed to provide enhanced security, compliance, and interoperability across the Sui ecosystem.

Circle launched USDC on Sui in 2024. As of March 2025, there’s over $300 million USDC in circulation on Sui.

Why use USDC on Sui?

Sui provides a high-performance blockchain environment designed to make USDC transactions faster, cheaper, and more efficient. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, Sui enhances the usability of USDC. Here’s what sets USDC on Sui apart:

• Parallel execution: Unlike many blockchains that process transactions sequentially, Sui uses a unique approach that allows multiple USDC transactions to be executed simultaneously. This improves network speed and scalability, reducing congestion and delays, even during periods of high demand.
• Low-cost transfers: Sui’s infrastructure is designed to minimize transaction fees, making USDC transfers cost-effective. Whether sending small payments or large transfers, users can move funds efficiently and cost-effectively, making Sui an attractive option for both individuals and businesses.
• Developer-centric ecosystem: Sui supports Move-based smart contracts, a secure and efficient programming language designed for blockchain applications. This makes it easier for developers to integrate USDC into dApps, unlocking new possibilities for payments, trading, DeFi, and other use cases.

With instant transaction finality, minimal fees, and a developer-friendly ecosystem, Sui-based USDC provides a powerful and scalable solution for seamless digital transactions. Whether you're a user looking for faster payments or a developer building the next wave of financial applications, Sui offers a suitable environment for stablecoin adoption and innovation.

Understanding crypto exchanges and crypto wallets

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

Sui provides a streamlined experience for users looking to acquire USDC. An easy way to get USDC on Sui is by purchasing it on a centralized exchange that supports the network. Users who prefer to use decentralized services can swap assets for USDC through Sui’s various decentralized exchanges. Additionally, USDC can, where supported, be transferred from other blockchains via bridging solutions.

Below, we outline each method in detail, with step-by-step instructions.

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

Numerous centralized exchanges now support native USDC on the Sui blockchain. Exchanges like Coinbase and Crypto.com allow you to buy USDC that is natively issued on Sui.

Steps to get started:

1. Create your account: Begin by signing up on a CEX that offers USDC on the Sui blockchain and is accessible in your region. Complete any required identity verification processes.
2. Deposit fiat currency: Fund your account using bank transfers, credit/debit cards, or other accepted payment methods. Remember to factor in any deposit fees.
3. Buy USDC: When purchasing, select USDC and make sure to choose the Sui network. Enter the desired purchase amount, confirm your transaction, and once processed, your USDC will be credited to your account.

After buying, you have the flexibility to either keep your USDC in the exchange’s custodial wallet or transfer it to your personal non-custodial wallet to interact with Sui’s growing ecosystem of dApps.

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

If you hold SUI, you can trade for USDC through Sui-based DEXs like Cetus, NAVI, or Suilend. Here’s how:

1. Access a DEX: Use a Sui-compatible wallet such as Sui Wallet to connect securely to your DEX of choice.
2. Pick a trading pair: Find the SUI/USDC trading pair or another supported option with any Sui-based digital asset that you hold and USDC.
3. Execute the swap: Enter the amount of USDC you want to trade for, review transaction details, and confirm. Once completed, USDC will be available in your wallet. Remember to have enough SUI, the native cryptocurrency of the Sui blockchain, to cover network fees when trading.

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

Sui users can easily swap assets for USDC using self-custody wallets like Sui Wallet, which provide built-in swap functionalities.

1. Access the swap section: Open your Sui-compatible wallet and navigate to the swap feature.
2. Select the asset to trade: Choose the token you want to swap, such as SUI, and enter the amount.
3. Choose USDC on Sui: Select USDC as the asset you wish to receive and review the trade details.
4. Confirm and approve: Verify the transaction details, including exchange rate and fees, then approve the swap.

If a swap fails, consider adjusting slippage tolerance or ensuring you have enough SUI for transaction fees. Use Suiscan to check network activity and transaction status.

4. Use a Sui 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 a regulated entity 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 Sui

When transacting with USDC on Sui, it’s crucial to ensure that both your wallet and exchange support the native version of USDC on the Sui blockchain. Not all platforms are compatible, and using an unsupported wallet or exchange can lead to deposit failures or withdrawal issues. 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.

Unlike bridged versions of USDC, which often require additional steps and may introduce higher fees, native USDC on Sui integrates seamlessly into the network, providing a more reliable and cost-efficient experience. Another important factor to consider is transaction fees. Like most blockchains, Sui requires its native asset, SUI, to process transactions. Without enough SUI in your wallet, transactions involving USDC may fail, causing unnecessary delays. Keeping a modest balance of SUI helps transfers and swaps execute without interruption.

Before making large transfers, it’s also a good practice to test the network by sending a small amount of USDC first. This helps confirm that everything is working as expected and can prevent potential errors or unexpected issues.

How to use USDC on Sui

USDC on Sui combines the reliability of a fully reserved dollar stablecoin with the speed and cost-efficiency of the Sui blockchain. The network’s rapid transaction finality and minimal fees make it an attractive choice for both everyday users and developers building financial applications. Whether sending payments, engaging in DeFi, or interacting with dApps, USDC on Sui offers a seamless and secure way to transact. Beyond Sui, USDC enjoys native support on over 15 blockchains, demonstrating its far-reaching integration. To learn more about the networks, wallets, exchanges, and dApps that support USDC, check out our in-depth USDC Ecosystem Catalog.