USDC Reigns Supreme in Stablecoin Transactions, Toppling Tether

Circle's USDC has emerged as the dominant stablecoin in transaction volume, surpassing Tether's USDT. Visa data reveals a significant gap, with USDC accounting for $455.5 billion in transactions last week compared to USDT's $88.5 billion. This shift suggests a change in user preferences, with USDC gaining traction for regular transactions in the United States.

Circle's USDC Surges Ahead of Tether to Reign Supreme in Stablecoin Transactions

In a groundbreaking shift, Circle's USD Coin (USDC) has dethroned its formidable rival, Tether (USDT), as the undisputed leader in stablecoin transaction volume. This remarkable milestone, corroborated by data from financial behemoth Visa and blockchain analytics pioneer Allium Labs, signals a significant turning point in the stablecoin market.

According to Visa's metrics, USDC's transaction volume surged to an astounding $455.5 billion last week, eclipsing USDT's meager $88.5 billion by a staggering margin. This dominance is further underscored by the fact that, since the dawn of 2024, USDC has commanded an impressive 50% of the total stablecoin transaction volume.

Historically, USDT held an unassailable position as the market's largest stablecoin by capitalization. However, DefiLlama's latest estimates reveal that Tether's market share has dwindled to an estimated 69%. The rise of USDC, therefore, suggests a potential paradigm shift in user preferences.

Cryptocurrency analyst Noelle Acheson offers a compelling explanation for this power dynamic shift. As she posits, USDT's primary usage lies outside the United States, where it serves as a dependable dollar store of value. In contrast, USDC has gained traction within the U.S. as the preferred currency for everyday transactions.

"USDT is more held outside the US as a dollar-based store of value, while the USDC is used in the US as a transaction currency." - Noelle Acheson, Cryptocurrency Analyst

Notably, this market surge aligns with recent developments that further bolster USDC's credibility and utility. Stripe, the industry leader in online payments, recently reintroduced cryptocurrency transfers, embracing USDC on three major networks: Solana, Ethereum, and Polygon.

Moreover, Circle, the issuer of USDC, has cemented a strategic partnership with BlackRock, the world's largest asset manager. This collaboration has paved the way for BlackRock's inaugural tokenized fund, launched in late March. Through this alliance, clients can seamlessly convert BUIDL into USDC on the secondary market.

The ascendance of USDC is not merely a corporate victory but a testament to its growing acceptance within the financial ecosystem. As the demand for stablecoins continues to surge, Circle's USDC has emerged as the currency of choice for both retail and institutional investors alike. Its stability, regulatory compliance, and widespread adoption position it as the preeminent force shaping the future of digital finance.