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.
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.
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 |
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
- USDT: tether.to/en
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
Updated on: 08/06/2026
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