2025 marks a pivotal moment for blockchain interoperability as Circle announces the native integration of USDC into the XRP Ledger (XRPL). This upgrade enables users to execute low-cost, near-instant cross-border transactions directly on the XRPL network. Below, we break down everything you need to know.
What Does This Upgrade Mean?
USDC, a dollar-pegged stablecoin widely used for cross-border payments and crypto trading, is now natively supported on XRPL as of June 12, 2025. Key implications include:
- Elimination of third-party bridges for cross-chain transfers
- Direct sending/receiving of USDC via XRPL’s built-in protocols
- Enhanced speed and cost efficiency with native network integration
Advantages of USDC on XRPL
✅ Ultra-low fees: Transactions cost just 0.000012 XRP (~$0.000000026 at current rates)
✅ 3–5 second settlement: Faster than Ethereum’s 15-second average
✅ Regulatory clarity: Backed by Circle’s audited reserves
✅ Broad wallet compatibility: Supported by Gate Wallet, XUMM, and others
How to Acquire and Use USDC
Step 1: Purchase USDC
Buy USDC on exchanges like Gate.io (ensure you select "USDC (XRPL)" network).
Step 2: Deposit to XRPL
Transfer funds to an XRPL-compatible wallet (e.g., XUMM) using your XRP address.
Step 3: Transact Seamlessly
Send/receive USDC directly within the XRPL ecosystem—no bridging required.
Step-by-Step Guide: Cross-Border Transfers with USDC
👉 Sending Funds
- Open your wallet (e.g., XUMM) and tap Send
- Select USDC as the asset
- Enter recipient’s XRPL address
- Confirm amount and execute
👉 Receiving Funds
Recipients can instantly:
- Convert to fiat via exchanges
- Trade on DEXs like Sologenic
- Earn yield through DeFi platforms
XRPL vs. Other Blockchains: A Fee & Speed Comparison
| Blockchain | Avg. Fee | Settlement Time |
|-------------|---------------|------------------|
| XRPL | $0.000000026 | 3–5 seconds |
| Ethereum | $1–$5 | ~15 seconds |
| Solana | $0.001 | ~1 second |
| Polygon | $0.01–$0.10 | 2–5 minutes |
XRPL’s optimized consensus mechanism achieves scalability without compromising decentralization—making it ideal for payments.
FAQs
Q1: Is USDC safer than RLUSD?
Yes. USDC is issued by Circle with fully audited reserves, while RLUSD is a decentralized stablecoin still in development.
Q2: Can I lose my USDC?
Only if you input incorrect addresses. Always double-check XRPL destination details.
Q3: How does this affect XRP’s price?
Current market sentiment is positive—XRP rose 3.2% post-announcement, trading at $2.184 (June 2025).
Q4: What’s next for XRPL?
An EVM-compatible sidechain is slated for late 2025, enabling Solidity smart contracts and multi-chain USDC use cases.
👉 Explore XRPL’s USDC integration
👉 Learn about Circle’s reserves
Disclaimer: This content is not financial advice. Cryptocurrency investments carry risks.