How Circle’s Native USDC Upgrade Enhances Linea

Anny Sam
March 6, 2025
8:10 pm

Anny Sam

Anny is a skilled crypto writer, delivering clear, engaging content that simplifies complex blockchain concepts for a broad audience.

Linea will upgrade to native USDC with no action needed from developers or users.
The upgrade will support CCTP V2 for faster cross-chain settlements.
Liquidity will remain unified, avoiding fragmentation.

The Linea blockchain is making an important change. In the next few weeks, it will transition from using bridged USDC to native USDC. This upgrade, supported by Circle, marks the first time a blockchain will implement such a seamless shift. The upgrade will benefit developers and users by keeping the process simple and ensuring no disruptions in liquidity.

One of the main advantages of this upgrade is that developers or users will not need to take action. The bridged USDC (USDC.e) used on Linea will automatically convert to native USDC (USDC). Apps on Linea won’t need to change any code, and users won’t need to swap assets.

Native USDC is coming to @LineaBuild with the industry’s first bridged-to-native upgrade!

In the coming weeks, Circle will seamlessly upgrade Linea’s Bridged USDC Standard implementation to natively issued USDC.

Linea will also gain support for CCTP V2 after its upcoming… pic.twitter.com/vvrz8IGWdv
— Circle (@circle) March 5, 2025

This streamlined approach ensures the blockchain’s functionality is not interrupted. The upgrade will also include CCTP V2, which supports faster cross-chain settlements. This update will enable smoother interactions between Linea, Avalanche, Base, and Ethereum.

The Advantages of Native USDC on Linea

By upgrading to native USDC, Linea’s ecosystem benefits in several ways. First, users will have a more stable and secure asset, as reserves fully back USDC and redeemable at a 1:1 ratio with USD. Additionally, institutional users will have easier access to on/off-ramps through Circle Mint.

The native USDC upgrade will also increase integration possibilities, making building and enhancing new apps easier. With CCTP V2, USDC transfers across different blockchains will be faster and more efficient, improving the overall user experience.

Linea’s Upgrade Process and Timeline

The transition will begin on March 16 with a pause in bridging activities. This pause will only affect the USDC bridge between Ethereum and Linea, allowing for the settlement of any pending transactions. After the pause, Circle will take over the bridged USDC contract, allowing the upgrade to proceed.

Once completed, the USDC token on Linea will remain the same, but it will be renamed USDC. The upgrade process is expected to take 1-2 weeks. This move places Linea at the forefront of blockchain innovation, offering its users a seamless, faster, and more secure experience.