Bridging
Moving cryptocurrency from one blockchain to another. For example, moving USDC from Ethereum to Base.
Since each blockchain is a separate network, you need a bridge to move assets between them. If your USDC is on Ethereum but you want to use it on Base (for lower fees), you'd bridge it.
Traditional bridges work by locking your tokens on one chain and minting equivalent tokens on the other. This introduces risk because the bridge contract holds a lot of value and can be a hacking target.
For USDC specifically, CCTP (Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol) offers a safer alternative. Instead of locking and minting through a third-party bridge, CCTP burns USDC on the source chain and mints native USDC on the destination chain. This is more secure because it uses the same issuance mechanism as regular USDC.
Related Terms
CCTP (Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol)
A protocol that enables native USDC transfers between blockchains by burning tokens on one chain and minting them on another.
Layer 2 (L2)
A secondary network built on top of a Layer 1 blockchain to increase speed and reduce transaction costs. Examples: Base, Arbitrum, Optimism.
Blockchain
A distributed, immutable digital ledger that records transactions across a network of computers.
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This definition is provided for educational purposes. USDC.org is an independent resource and is not affiliated with Circle Internet Financial.