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# What are USDC and USDT?

# Why USDC (Circle) and USDT (Tether) Matter

At X4T, we offer **USDC (Circle)** and **USDT (Tether)** as our primary stablecoins, giving you stability and efficiency in an otherwise volatile crypto market. Both are pegged 1:1 to the US dollar and serve slightly different needs — so you can choose the one that best fits how you trade.

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### USDC (Circle): Our Default Stablecoin

USDC is the **default stablecoin** for fiat deposits at X4T.

* **Strong regulatory standing** — USDC is issued by Circle, which operates under strict regulatory oversight and publishes regular attestations confirming that USDC is backed 1:1 by reserves. This transparency is a key reason we use it as our default.
* **Fiat deposit default** — When you deposit fiat on X4T, it is automatically converted into USDC unless you explicitly choose USDT.
* **Fast and versatile** — USDC offers the core benefits of a stablecoin: quick transactions, broad acceptance, and stable value.
* **Growing adoption** — While USDC's market cap is smaller than USDT's, it continues to grow steadily, supported by increasing institutional use.

### USDT (Tether): The Liquidity Leader

USDT is one of the most widely used stablecoins in the world, with deep liquidity and broad platform support.

* **Market-leading liquidity** — USDT's large market cap makes it the most traded stablecoin in crypto.
* **Global acceptance** — As one of the earliest stablecoins, USDT is a cornerstone of many exchanges and services worldwide.
* **Fast, cost-effective transfers** — Like USDC, USDT supports quick and efficient transactions.

A note on transparency: Tether publishes regular reserve attestations, though historically its reporting has been less detailed than Circle's. Both remain among the most widely trusted stablecoins in the market.

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### USDC vs. USDT at a Glance

| Feature | USDC (Circle) | USDT (Tether) |
| ---- |
| Issuer | Circle | Tether Limited |
| Transparency | Regular attestations, highly detailed | Regular attestations, less detailed historically |
| Fiat Deposit Default | Default at X4T | Selectable at deposit |
| Market Cap | Smaller, growing steadily | Largest stablecoin by market cap |
| Best For | Compliance-focused users | Liquidity and broad compatibility |

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### Which Should You Choose?

We use **USDC as the default for fiat deposits** because its regulatory framework and reporting align with our focus on a secure, transparent user experience. That said, **USDT is an excellent choice** for users who prioritize liquidity and platform compatibility.

Whichever you choose, you'll get stable value, fast transactions, and seamless integration on X4T.

**Learn more:**

* USDC: [circle.com/en/usdc](https://www.circle.com/en/usdc)
* USDT: [tether.to/en](https://tether.to/en/)

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## Looking for Gold Exposure? Meet XAUT (Tether Gold)

For clients who want to diversify beyond US-dollar stablecoins, X4T also supports **XAUT (Tether Gold)** — a token backed by physical gold, where each XAUT represents one troy ounce held in a secure Swiss vault.

Unlike USDC or USDT, XAUT is **not pegged to the US dollar.** Its value moves with the price of gold, making it a way to hold gold exposure directly on-chain — combining the store-of-value qualities of a traditional safe-haven asset with the speed and flexibility of crypto.

**When to consider XAUT:**

* You want to hedge against inflation or currency volatility.
* You prefer a hard asset over a fiat-pegged stablecoin.
* You want gold exposure without the cost and hassle of storing physical bullion.

> **Note:** Because XAUT tracks the gold price, its value will fluctuate. It is intended as a store of value and diversification tool — not as a dollar-stable settlement asset like USDC or USDT.

Learn more: [Tether Gold](https://gold.tether.to/)