
Stablecoins Explained: USDC, USDT, and the Risks Behind the Peg
Learn how dollar stablecoins work, how USDC and USDT differ, and which reserve, redemption, custody, and network questions to ask.
Read the token together with its terms.
USDC is often introduced through its dollar reference and issuer reserve disclosures. A more complete decision also looks at current token identity, supported networks, the custody arrangement, and how the holder plans to exit. The article below places those questions alongside a comparison with USDT. Use it as an introduction to the concepts, then consult the dedicated USDC page for links to Circle's current materials. Distinguish the ability to hold or trade a token from eligibility to redeem directly with its issuer. Do not infer protection for an unrelated platform from reserve information about the token itself; evaluate each part of the route separately.

Learn how dollar stablecoins work, how USDC and USDT differ, and which reserve, redemption, custody, and network questions to ask.