USDC and USDT are both stablecoins designed to hold a 1:1 value with the US dollar, and both are widely supported for business payments. USDC, issued by Circle, is generally viewed as the more transparent and regulation-forward option, with reserve reporting aimed at institutional and regulated use. USDT, issued by Tether, has a larger circulating supply and deeper liquidity in markets across Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa. Neither is objectively 'better' — the right one depends on who's paying you and where they're cashing out.
Where each one is the stronger default
USDC tends to be the more straightforward choice for businesses serving regulated markets — the US, EU, and other jurisdictions where a client's finance team wants clarity on reserves and issuance. USDT tends to have the edge for payment corridors where exchange and over-the-counter liquidity determine whether the recipient can actually convert it to local currency.
| USDC | USDT | |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | Circle | Tether |
| Reported circulating supply (2026) | ~$73B | ~$184B |
| Strongest for | Regulated markets, institutional settlement | Liquidity in emerging-market corridors |
| 2025 supply growth (reported) | ~73% | ~36% |
It's not either/or on an invoice
A business doesn't have to standardize on one. Hanko invoices can offer USDC as the default stablecoin option while still accepting USDT where a client prefers it, alongside card, ACH, and wire for clients who'd rather not use crypto at all.
- Offer USDC by default, USDT on request
- Both settle to the same reconciliation flow once confirmed on-chain
- Fiat options stay available on the same invoice either way
What doesn't change between them
Both are pegged to the US dollar, both are widely supported across major chains, and both are marked paid in Hanko only once the relevant network confirms the transaction — the confirmation and reconciliation mechanics are the same regardless of which one a client sends.
Frequently asked questions
Is USDC or USDT safer for business payments?
USDC is generally viewed as more transparent on reserve reporting and more aligned with regulated-market expectations, which is why it's often the default recommendation for businesses in the US and EU. USDT has a longer track record and deeper liquidity in many markets. Neither is risk-free — both remain subject to the issuer's own solvency and regulatory standing.
Which stablecoin should I put on my invoice by default?
USDC is a reasonable default for most service businesses, with USDT available as a secondary option for clients in markets where it has stronger local liquidity. Hanko invoices can offer both alongside fiat payment methods.
Do USDC and USDT settle the same way?
Yes. Both are confirmed on-chain the same way, and an invoice is marked paid only once the network confirms the transaction, regardless of which stablecoin was used.
Can a client pay part of an invoice in USDC and the rest in fiat?
Payment methods are set per invoice rather than split within a single invoice. For work billed in stages, separate invoices can each accept a different method.