The crypto ecosystem is evolving rapidly, and one of the most significant updates in recent months is the launch of native USDC on Polygon PoS. Starting October 10, 2025, Circle will officially introduce native USDC issuance directly on the Polygon PoS network — marking a pivotal shift from the previously used bridged version of USDC (USDC.e) that originated from Ethereum.
This transition is more than just a technical upgrade; it represents a major step forward in scalability, security, and user experience for developers, institutions, and everyday users within the Polygon ecosystem.
👉 Discover how native USDC enhances cross-chain stability and unlocks faster transactions.
Why Native USDC Matters
Native USDC refers to USDC tokens issued directly by Circle on the Polygon PoS blockchain, rather than being bridged over from Ethereum. This means the token is natively recognized, managed, and redeemable through Circle’s infrastructure without relying on third-party bridges or intermediary smart contracts.
Key Benefits of Native USDC
- 1:1 USD Reserves: Like all USDC variants, native USDC remains fully backed by reserve assets and is always redeemable at par with the U.S. dollar.
- Direct Institutional Support: With integration into Circle Account and its APIs, enterprises and financial institutions can now seamlessly deposit and withdraw USDC directly on Polygon PoS.
- Improved Liquidity Flow: As adoption grows, native USDC will gradually replace bridged USDC.e, streamlining liquidity across DeFi protocols and exchanges.
- Future CCTP Integration: Circle plans to implement the Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol (CCTP) on Polygon PoS post-launch. This will eliminate long withdrawal delays when moving USDC between chains — enabling near-instant transfers between Ethereum and Polygon PoS.
Bridged vs. Native USDC: Understanding the Difference
As part of this transition, a clear distinction is being made between two versions of USDC currently circulating on Polygon PoS:
Bridged USDC (Now Labeled as USDC.e)
- Token Symbol:
USDC.e - Token Address:
0x2791bca1f2de4661ed88a30c99a7a9449aa84174 - Origin: Originally transferred from Ethereum via the Polygon PoS Bridge
- Status: Will be phased out for official support
To avoid confusion, block explorers like PolygonScan have already renamed the bridged version to USDC.e, and ecosystem applications are encouraged to update their UIs accordingly.
Native USDC (The New Standard)
- Token Symbol:
USDC - Token Address:
0x3c499c542cef5e3811e1192ce70d8cc03d5c3359 - Issuer: Directly issued by Circle
- Status: The official and only supported form of USDC on Polygon PoS going forward
This change ensures greater transparency and reduces risks associated with cross-chain dependencies.
Circle Account & API Support Changes
For developers and institutional users leveraging Circle’s financial infrastructure, there are critical changes to be aware of:
Transition Timeline
- October 10, 2025: Native USDC launches. Circle Account begins supporting both native USDC and bridged USDC.e for deposits and withdrawals.
- November 10, 2025: Circle discontinues support for bridged USDC.e deposits and withdrawals via Circle Account and all APIs (including Express).
After this date:
- Only native USDC (
USDC) will be supported. - Any attempt to send USDC.e to a Circle Account may result in irreversible loss of funds.
👉 Learn how to integrate native USDC into your application with Circle's updated API specs.
Updated API Chain Codes
Circle uses unique chain codes to differentiate between tokens across networks. Here’s what you need to know:
Native USDC on Polygon PoS
- Token Symbol: USD
- Chain Code:
POLY - Token Address:
0x3c499c542cef5e3811e1192ce70d8cc03d5c3359
Bridged USDC.e on Polygon PoS
- Token Symbol: USD
- Chain Code:
MATIC - Token Address:
0x2791bca1f2de4661ed88a30c99a7a9449aa84174
🔔 Note: While the currency code remainsUSD, the chain code changes fromMATIC(for bridged) toPOLY(for native). Developers must update their integrations accordingly before November 10.
Liquidity Migration and Developer Readiness
There is no forced swap or automatic conversion from USDC.e to native USDC. Instead, the migration will occur organically as:
- DeFi platforms update their token lists and incentivize liquidity shifts.
- Exchanges begin delisting or discouraging trading pairs involving USDC.e.
- Users naturally adopt native USDC due to improved functionality and institutional backing.
Importantly:
- The Polygon PoS Bridge will continue operating normally for other assets.
- No immediate action is required for existing bridged assets outside of USDC.
- Over time, native issuance will become the primary source of USDC liquidity on Polygon.
Future integration of CCTP will further enhance interoperability by allowing trust-minimized, fast transfers of native USDC between Ethereum and Polygon — without liquidity pools or centralized relayers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What happens to my existing USDC.e holdings?
A: Your current USDC.e tokens remain usable within DeFi apps and exchanges that support them. However, they will no longer be supported by Circle Account after November 10. It's recommended to swap to native USDC via decentralized exchanges like QuickSwap or SushiSwap.
Q: Can I still use the Polygon Bridge to bring USDC from Ethereum?
A: Yes — the bridge will still allow transfers of USDC from Ethereum to Polygon PoS. However, those tokens will arrive as USDC.e, which are not supported by Circle. For full compatibility, use direct issuance via Circle APIs instead.
Q: Is native USDC safer than bridged USDC?
A: In many ways, yes. Native USDC eliminates reliance on bridge contracts, reducing exposure to smart contract vulnerabilities and withdrawal delays. It also benefits from direct regulatory compliance and audit oversight by Circle.
Q: Will exchanges automatically convert my USDC.e?
A: Some major exchanges may initiate a forced rename or migration, but this varies by platform. Always check with your exchange directly. Self-custody wallet users should manually verify token addresses before trading or transferring.
Q: How do I get native USDC?
A: After October 10, you can obtain native USDC through:
- Direct purchase via Circle Account
- Supported centralized exchanges
- Decentralized exchanges (after liquidity builds)
Ensure you’re receiving tokens at the correct address:0x3c499c542cef5e3811e1192ce70d8cc03d5c3359
Q: Does this affect other stablecoins on Polygon?
A: No. This update applies exclusively to USDC. Other stablecoins like DAI, USDT, or FRAX will continue operating as usual.
Final Thoughts: A Smoother Future for Stablecoins on Polygon
The arrival of native USDC on Polygon PoS signals a maturation of the blockchain’s financial infrastructure. By eliminating reliance on bridged assets and enabling direct issuance, Circle is setting a new standard for reliability, speed, and institutional readiness.
Developers building on Polygon now have access to a stablecoin that’s not only scalable but also compliant and interoperable — paving the way for broader adoption in payments, lending, trading, and beyond.
As we move past November 10, expect to see accelerated migration toward native USDC across wallets, exchanges, and dApps.
Core Keywords: native USDC, Polygon PoS, Circle Account, bridged USDC, CCTP, stablecoin integration, API chain code, DeFi liquidity