What are Stablecoins(USDT/USDC)? A Digital Safe Haven in Times of Currency Turbulence

Key Takeaways

  • Wars, inflation, and currency volatility are eroding the value of many local currencies, prompting people to turn to stablecoins as a store of value.
  • USDT and USDC are two major USD-pegged stablecoins with different issuance and audit structures.
  • Stablecoins offer protection against currency depreciation, fast transfers, and low-cost cross-border remittances.
  • MEXC provides a convenient and secure way to buy USDT and USDC.,

1. Why Stablecoins Matter in an Unstable Currency World

In 2025, the global financial landscape is volatile.
The Russia-Ukraine conflict remains unresolved, conflicts in the Middle East flare up frequently, and currencies in parts of Africa and South America are losing value rapidly.
For example:
Under these circumstances, money can lose purchasing power extremely fast. A salary that buys a meal today might barely cover a snack tomorrow.
To protect wealth, people are turning to stablecoins, digital assets pegged 1:1 to the US dollar or other fiat currencies. Unlike Bitcoin, stablecoins do not swing wildly in price, making them a practical store of value.

2. What Are USDT and USDC?

Among stablecoins, the two most widely used are USDT (Tether) and USDC (USD Coin).

USDT: The Largest and Most Widely Used

USDT was launched by Tether in 2014 and currently dominates over 65% of the stablecoin market. Its liquidity is unmatched, making it a staple across exchanges and trading pairs.
However, Tether’s reserve disclosures have historically been questioned, and its asset composition has occasionally drawn scrutiny.

USDC: Transparency and Institutional Appeal

USDC, issued jointly by Circle and Coinbase in 2018, emphasizes transparency and regulatory compliance. It is audited monthly, with reserves publicly reported. While smaller in market share, USDC is favored by institutional investors and regulated markets.

3. Similarities and Differences Between USDT and USDC

Feature
USDT
USDC
Peg Mechanism
1:1 USD-backed
1:1 USD-backed
Market Size
Largest, very liquid
Smaller but growing steadily
Transparency
Less frequent audits, flexible reporting
Regular audits, high transparency
Compliance
Offshore registration
Strict US regulatory oversight
Use Cases
Widely used in exchanges, cross-chain transfers
Popular in institutional and payment scenarios

 

Both serve as stable digital representations of the US dollar but cater to slightly different users:
  • USDT is favored in global trading markets and by individual users.
  • USDC is preferred in regulated and institutional contexts.

4. Why People Are Choosing Stablecoins

Hedge Against Currency Depreciation

When local currencies can lose 5% in a day, people naturally seek alternatives. Holding stablecoins is effectively holding a digital dollar, which preserves purchasing power.

Low-Barrier “Dollar Account”

Opening a US bank account can be difficult in some developing countries, with limited access to foreign exchange.
By contrast, anyone can hold USDT or USDC in a digital wallet and transfer funds freely.

Cross-Border Transfers and Fast Transactions

Traditional remittance services are slow and expensive. Stablecoins enable workers, freelancers, and small businesses to send money internationally within minutes, often with fees under $1.

High Liquidity and 24/7 Trading

Unlike banks, stablecoins trade around the clock.
Transactions can occur any time of day, anywhere in the world.

Safety Close to the US Dollar

Stablecoins are generally backed by USD cash or short-term Treasury securities. Holding them is essentially holding a digital version of the US dollar, offering protection against local currency risk.

5. How to Buy USDT/USDC on MEXC

For users looking to access stablecoins, MEXC offers a simple and secure process:
  • Create an Account – Visit MEXC Official Website and complete KYC verification.
  • Deposit Funds – Add fiat currency or cryptocurrency to your account.
  • Trade or Convert – Search for USDT or USDC trading pairs and execute a buy or swap.
  • Secure Storage – Keep stablecoins in your MEXC wallet or transfer to a private wallet for long-term holding.
MEXC also provides market depth, real-time prices, and educational content to help beginners understand stablecoin usage.

6. Risks to Consider

While stablecoins are less volatile than cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, they are not risk-free:
  • Regulatory Risk – Stablecoin regulations vary by country and may change.
  • Issuer Risk – Reserve backing transparency is crucial; lack of full disclosure can create uncertainty.
  • Platform Security Risk – Ensure wallets and exchanges follow best security practices.
  • Liquidity Risk – Extreme market conditions may affect conversion or withdrawal.
It is recommended to use stablecoins as part of a diversified strategy rather than the sole asset.

7. Conclusion

Stablecoins are emerging as a practical solution in regions where local currencies are unstable.
USDT and USDC, while slightly different in structure and transparency, both allow users to hold and transfer value in a stable, digital form.
For individuals seeking a reliable entry into the digital currency world, MEXC provides an easy, regulated, and secure platform to buy USDT or USDC.  In volatile economic conditions, stablecoins are not just digital tokens—they represent a new form of accessible financial security.

Description:Crypto Pulse is powered by AI and public sources to bring you the hottest token trends instantly. For expert insights and in-depth analysis, visit MEXC Learn.

The articles shared on this page are sourced from public platforms and are provided for informational purposes only. They do not necessarily represent the views of MEXC. All rights remain with the original authors. If you believe any content infringes upon third-party rights, please contact [email protected] for prompt removal.

MEXC does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any content and is not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided. The content does not constitute financial, legal, or other professional advice, nor should it be interpreted as a recommendation or endorsement by MEXC.