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Overview

Token Layer uses stablecoins as the base currency for all token trading. Each network supports specific stablecoins that are used for buying and selling tokens.

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Why Stablecoins?

Token Layer uses stablecoins instead of native tokens (ETH, BNB, SOL) for several reasons: ✅ Price Stability: Consistent USD-pegged value ✅ Clear Pricing: Easy to understand token prices ✅ Cross-Chain Consistency: Same pricing across networks ✅ Lower Volatility: Protects against market swings during trades

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Mainnet Stablecoins

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USDC (USD Coin)

The primary stablecoin used across most networks.

Base

BaseUSDC
Token: USDCDecimals: 6Address: 0x833589fCD6eDb6E08f4c7C32D4f71b54bdA02913

Arbitrum

ArbitrumUSDC
Token: USDCDecimals: 6Address: 0xaf88d065e77c8cC2239327C5EDb3A432268e5831

Avalanche

AvalancheUSDC
Token: USDCDecimals: 6Address: 0xB97EF9Ef8734C71904D8002F8b6Bc66Dd9c48a6E

Unichain

UnichainUSDC
Token: USDCDecimals: 6Address: 0x078D782b760474a361dDA0AF3839290b0EF57AD6

Abstract

AbstractUSDC
Token: USDCDecimals: 6Address: 0x84A71ccD554Cc1b02749b35d22F684CC8ec987e1

Monad

MonadUSDC
Token: USDCDecimals: 6Address: 0x754704Bc059F8C67012fEd69BC8A327a5aafb603

Solana

SolanaUSDC
Token: USDCDecimals: 6Address: EPjFWdd5AufqSSqeM2qN1xzybapC8G4wEGGkZwyTDt1v

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USDT (Tether)

Used on networks where USDT has deeper liquidity.

Ethereum

EthereumUSDT
Token: USDTDecimals: 6Address: 0xdAC17F958D2ee523a2206206994597C13D831ec7

BNB Chain

BNB ChainUSDT
Token: USDTDecimals: 18Address: 0x55d398326f99059fF775485246999027B3197955

OP BNB

OP BNBUSDT
Token: USDTDecimals: 18Address: 0x9e5AAC1Ba1a2e6aEd6b32689DFcF62A509Ca96f3

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USDT0 (Polygon)

Polygon

PolygonUSDT0
Token: USDT0Decimals: 6Address: 0xc2132D05D31c914a87C6611C10748AEb04B58e8F

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Testnet Stablecoins

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USDTL (Token Layer Test Token)

Custom test stablecoin for testnets, mintable via faucet.

Base Sepolia

Base SepoliaToken: USDTLDecimals: 18Address: 0xED0E8956D5e7b04560460BE6B3811B0b31cEe8E1Faucet: Available

BNB Testnet

BNB TestnetToken: USDTLDecimals: 18Address: 0xED0E8956D5e7b04560460BE6B3811B0b31cEe8E1Faucet: Available

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Test USDC (Solana Devnet)

Solana Devnet

SolanaUSDC
Token: USDCDecimals: 6Address: 4zMMC9srt5Ri5X14GAgXhaHii3GnPAEERYPJgZJDncDU
See Testnet Guide for instructions on obtaining test stablecoins.

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Decimal Precision

Pay attention to decimal precision when integrating with the API. Different stablecoins have different decimal places.
6 Decimals (most common):
  • USDC on most chains
  • USDT on Ethereum
  • USDT0 on Polygon
18 Decimals:
  • USDT on BNB Chain
  • USDT on OP BNB
  • USDTL on testnets

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Example Amounts

For 100 USD: 
// 6 decimals (USDC on Base)
amount = 100 * 10^6 = 100000000

// 18 decimals (USDT on BNB)
amount = 100 * 10^18 = 100000000000000000000

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Getting Stablecoins

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Mainnet

You can obtain stablecoins through: Centralized Exchanges:
  • Buy on Coinbase, Binance, Kraken, etc.
  • Withdraw to your wallet on the appropriate chain
DEX Swap:
  • Swap native tokens (ETH, BNB, SOL) for stablecoins
  • Use Uniswap, PancakeSwap, Jupiter, etc.
Bridge:
  • Bridge stablecoins from other chains
  • Use official bridges or aggregators like Stargate, Across
On-Ramp:
  • Use fiat on-ramp services
  • MoonPay, Transak, Ramp Network

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Testnet

Get free testnet stablecoins from Token Layer’s faucet at app-testnet.tokenlayer.network
You can mint up to 10,000 USDTL per request for testing.

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API Integration

When making API calls, amounts are always specified in the smallest unit: 
{
  "chainSlug": "base",
  "buyAmountUSD": 100,  // API accepts USD amounts
  "direction": "buy"
}
Token Layer handles the decimal conversion automatically based on the chain’s stablecoin. For direct contract interaction, use proper decimals: 
// Example: 100 USDC on Base (6 decimals)
const amount = BigInt(100) * BigInt(10 ** 6);

// Example: 100 USDT on BNB Chain (18 decimals)
const amount = BigInt(100) * BigInt(10 ** 18);

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Stablecoin Smart Contracts

All stablecoins are standard ERC-20 (EVM) or SPL (Solana) tokens. You can:
  • View balances using standard token methods
  • Approve spending for Token Layer contracts
  • Transfer between addresses
  • Check on block explorers

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Checking Balances

EVM (Web3.js/Ethers.js): 
const balance = await usdcContract.balanceOf(userAddress);
const decimals = await usdcContract.decimals();
const humanReadable = balance / (10 ** decimals);
Solana (Solana Web3.js): 
const balance = await connection.getTokenAccountBalance(
  tokenAccountAddress
);
const humanReadable = balance.value.uiAmount;

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Network-Specific Notes

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Ethereum

  • USDT has non-standard ERC-20 implementation
  • Use caution with approve/transferFrom patterns
  • Higher gas costs for transactions

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BNB Chains

  • USDT has 18 decimals (unusual)
  • Lower gas costs than Ethereum
  • Fast confirmation times

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Solana

  • Uses SPL token standard (not ERC-20)
  • Requires token account creation
  • Extremely low fees

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Stablecoin Selection Logic

Token Layer automatically selects the stablecoin based on:
  1. Network: Each network has a designated stablecoin
  2. Liquidity: Uses the stablecoin with deepest liquidity
  3. User Balance: Checks which stablecoin you hold
You cannot choose a different stablecoin—each network uses its designated stablecoin for consistency.

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Future Support

Token Layer may add support for additional stablecoins based on:
  • User demand
  • Liquidity depth
  • Regulatory clarity
  • Technical compatibility

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Need Help?

Click the chat icon in the bottom right corner for stablecoin-related questions.