This guide explains the differences between bridged USDC and native USDC, and shares the best practices for migrating from bridged USDC to native USDC.
What Is Bridged USDC?
Bridged USDC 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 on another blockchain (i.e., the destination blockchain) by a third-party bridge application. Bridged forms of USDC are not issued by Circle.
On ZKsync Mainnet, bridged USDC (USDC.e) originates from Ethereum. Developers and users are encouraged to migrate to native USDC, the official form issued by Circle, backed 100% by liquid cash equivalents and redeemable 1:1 for USD.
Best Practices for UI/UX
Bridged USDC (USDC.e)
- Label clearly as "Bridged USDC" with the symbol "USDC.e."
- Token contract address:
0x3355df6D4c9C3035724Fd0e3914dE96A5a83aaf4.
Native USDC
- Label simply as "USDC" (post-rebranding from USD Coin).
- Token contract address:
0x1d17CBcF0D6D143135aE902365D2E5e2A16538D4.
Additional Updates
- Set native USDC as the default option for deposits, withdrawals, swaps, and bridges.
- Update Top Tokens and Analytics pages.
- Highlight native USDC in "Commonly Used Tokens" modules.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What’s the Difference Between Bridged and Native USDC?
| Feature | Native USDC | Bridged USDC |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | Circle (regulated) | Third-party bridges |
| Backing | 100% cash equivalents | Locked USDC on origin blockchain |
| Redemption | 1:1 USD redeemable | Depends on bridge security |
Benefits of Native USDC
- Full reserves and USD redeemability.
- Institutional support via Circle Mint APIs.
- Simplified UX across ecosystems.
👉 Swap bridged to native USDC seamlessly
How to Swap to Native USDC on ZKsync?
- In-app liquidity pools: Create a migration mechanism.
- DeFi protocols: Use SyncSwap or Maverick Protocol.
Verify contract addresses to avoid mismatches.
Accessing Native USDC
- Centralized exchanges: e.g., Ripio.
- Circle Mint: Apply for direct on-ramping.
👉 Explore ZKsync DeFi tools today
Where to Find USDC Brand Guidelines?
Download Circle’s brand kit here.