Navigating the crypto market and buying USD Coin (USDC) in the United States can offer opportunities and pose challenges, particularly to those who have never invested in cryptocurrencies.
However, rest assured that purchasing the USDC cryptocurrency is entirely legal and accessible in the United States. Yet, for a seamless crypto experience, it’s essential to understand the nuances before taking the first step.
Is the United States crypto-friendly?
Despite having many cryptocurrency users, the U.S. lacks clear regulations for buying USDC and other digital currencies. Nevertheless, purchasing and holding USDC and other cryptocurrencies has never been prohibited in the United States.
The Internal Revenue Service, a federal tax agency, treats USDC and other stablecoins and cryptocurrencies as property and provides taxpayers with guidelines on how they should be treated tax-wise.
To acquire USDC on a crypto exchange in the U.S., individuals undergo a two-step process: Know Your Customer (KYC) verification involving ID and address proof for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CTF) compliance, followed by limits on purchase amounts over time to prevent market manipulation and ensure financial stability.
USD Coin was developed as a regulated stablecoin, compliant with U.S. money transmission laws, and is overseen by U.S. financial authorities. Although USDC has experienced periods of depegging, its fundamental adherence to a 1:1 peg with the U.S. dollar fosters stability, establishing it as a transparent and legally compliant stablecoin.
Why should someone buy USDC in the U.S.?
To understand how to buy USDC in the U.S., it’s essential to grasp the significance of stablecoins within payment systems. Stablecoins, such as Tether (USDT), USDC and Dai (DAI), can offer the stability and liquidity needed for a range of financial activities, including remittances and trading.
USD Coin distinguishes itself from other stablecoins, such as USDT and DAI, through its regulatory compliance and transparency mechanisms. These mechanisms include regular audits and public disclosures of reserves, ensuring higher transparency than other stablecoins.
Many traders and investors seeking stability in the cryptocurrency market choose this coin due to its simple purchasing process and strict adherence to U.S. pegging, which ensures a reliable valuation.
How to buy USDC in the United States
Buying USDC in the U.S. is a simple process. It begins by selecting a secure cryptocurrency exchange, setting up an account, and subsequently depositing the required funds to acquire USDC.
Along with other stablecoins, USD Coin is available on most major exchanges. This USDC buying guide outlines the USDC stablecoin purchase procedure on a cryptocurrency exchange, empowering investors to make informed decisions.
1. Choose a crypto exchange
Security should always come first when selecting a crypto exchange. Before buying USDC, crypto investors should familiarize themselves with the fees and rules of the various crypto exchanges and read online reviews.
In the United States, numerous exchanges are in operation, offering investors a variety of options to choose from. Among the top exchanges that offer USDC conversion, investors can opt for the best-known, accessible, well-reviewed or secure options. Some of the crypto exchanges and USDC trading platforms in the U.S. are Crypto.com, Gemini, Bybit and eToro.
2. Create an account on a crypto exchange
Registering with an exchange starts with providing an email. New exchange users usually need to provide the crypto exchange with a picture of an ID or other legal document to complete their KYC checks. It is essential for cryptocurrency exchange customers to take advantage of all available security features to protect their future investments.
3. Fund and buy USDC
After creating an account, users can add funds from their fiat accounts to purchase USDC. Subsequently, it’s possible to buy UCDC by choosing a fiat-to-USDC conversion or selecting another trading pair. Many exchanges have a streamlined one-step buy process, enabling the purchase of USDC with a fiat transfer or bank card.
Most platforms have a straightforward “Buy” button for USDC, which allows users to enter the amount of coins they are interested in buying. Major exchanges can allow you to select the order type to buy USDC.
How to buy USDC on a P2P platform
Peer-to-peer (P2P) cryptocurrency exchanges enable users to trade USDC directly with one another. Users can examine sellers’ asset listings on P2P exchanges and settle on pricing before executing any transactions.
To buy USDC, select a reliable seller, verify their reputation and transaction history, and agree on a payment method with a fair exchange rate. Upon payment confirmation, USDC is released from the escrow to the designated wallet.
Along with regular trading choices, P2P functionalities are frequently accessible through the major exchanges operating in the United States. Exchanges allowing P2P trading in the United States are Binance.US, Paxful, OKX and KuCoin.
However, it’s essential to exercise caution, as P2P transactions carry inherent risks, including potential fraud and scams. When selecting a P2P platform, consider user feedback, platform credibility and safety features.
How to buy USDC through Telegram
Telegram has established itself as an alternative platform for purchasing USD Coin, providing a practical means of conducting transactions. To buy USDC, buyers and sellers communicate directly via Telegram channels and bots. Users can join these channels or Telegram bots to negotiate conditions and arrange USD Coin transactions.
Although this approach may sound simple, caution is advised. Before buying USDC, verify the seller’s reputation and the Telegram channel’s validity to ensure safe transactions.
How to buy USDC using fintech apps
Several financial apps, such as Revolut, Skrill and MoonPay, have functionality for those interested in purchasing USDC directly on their platforms.
To purchase USD Coin, investors are required to have an online account on a preferred app. Once created, the platform allows users to seamlessly purchase and trade USDC directly using fiat currencies and cryptocurrencies.
How to use USDC for online purchases
USDC holders have several options for using it for online purchases. Firstly, with USDC, users can buy other cryptocurrencies of their choice. Simply access a crypto exchange and choose a preferred coin for a USDC conversion.
With USDC, it’s possible to buy gift cards from many popular stores, such as Amazon, Spotify, Ikea and Nike, or register a domain name for a website.
Is it safe to buy USDC?
Buying USD Coin is considered a relatively safe investment as this stablecoin is pegged to the value of the U.S. dollar, meaning it has next to no volatility, despite occasional depegging instances.
Additionally, USDC operates on a blockchain network that employs robust security measures, making it highly resistant to hacking or fraudulent activities.
Despite the perception that USDC is a safe currency, it’s crucial to keep in mind that the value of both USDC and many other cryptocurrencies is quite unstable and prone to large price fluctuations in either direction. Therefore, thorough research and an understanding of the risks involved are essential before investing in the crypto market.
How to safely store USDC
Once USDC is acquired, there are several types of cryptocurrency wallets available for storing stablecoins. For risk mitigation, USDC can be transferred to a hardware wallet, which is also referred to as a “cold wallet.” Hardware wallets such as Ledger, Arculus and Trezor are physical devices that support USDC and are less susceptible to hacking.
Paper wallets also provide a secure offline storage solution, shielding data from cyberthreats. Alternatively, individuals can opt for downloadable crypto software wallet applications such as Exodus, Trust Wallet or Vibes for convenient USDC storage on personal devices.
Many exchanges, including Kraken, Coinbase and OKX, offer integrated cryptocurrency wallets, allowing users to manage their holdings directly on the platform. However, users utilizing exchange-provided wallets should exercise caution due to limited control over private keys, which poses concerns regarding ownership and security.