USDCx Explained
Understanding Super Tokens and USDCx for streaming payments
Understanding USDCx
USDCx is a "Super Token" - a special version of USDC that enables real-time streaming payments.
The Simple Version
USDC = Regular stablecoin ($1 = 1 USDC) USDCx = Streaming-enabled USDC ($1 = 1 USDCx)
Think of it like:
- USDC = Cash in your wallet
- USDCx = Cash in a payment app (Venmo/PayPal)
Why Do We Need USDCx?
Regular USDC can only do normal transactions:
- Send $10 to Alice ✅
- Receive $50 from Bob ✅
- Stream $5/month continuously ❌
USDCx adds streaming superpowers:
- Everything USDC can do ✅
- Plus stream money every second ✅
How Conversion Works
Wrap: USDC → USDCx
"Wrapping" converts your USDC into USDCx (1:1 ratio).
In the LinQup widget:
- You have 100 USDC
- Click "Convert to USDCx"
- Approve transaction
- Now you have 100 USDCx
Cost: ~$0.01 gas fee
Unwrap: USDCx → USDC
"Unwrapping" converts back (1:1 ratio).
Why unwrap?
- You want to send to an exchange
- You want regular USDC for other apps
- You're done streaming
In the widget:
- Stop all active streams
- Click "Convert to USDC"
- Approve transaction
- Get your USDC back
Cost: ~$0.01 gas fee
Technical Details
What is a Super Token?
Super Tokens are powered by Superfluid Protocol:
- Built on top of ERC-20 tokens
- Add real-time streaming capability
- Fully decentralized
- Audited and secure
The "x" Suffix
The "x" stands for "super" or "extended":
- USDC → USDCx
- DAI → DAIx
- WETH → ETHx
All Super Tokens end in "x".
Common Questions
Can I send USDCx like regular USDC?
Yes! USDCx works exactly like USDC for normal transfers. The streaming is just an added feature.
What if I send USDCx to a regular wallet?
It works fine. The receiver can:
- Use it for streaming
- Unwrap it back to USDC
- Keep it as USDCx
Is USDCx always worth $1?
Yes, as long as USDC is worth $1. They're pegged 1:1.
Can USDCx lose its peg?
Extremely unlikely. It's backed 1:1 by actual USDC. You can always unwrap.
Do I need to convert all my USDC?
No! Only convert what you plan to stream. Keep some regular USDC for other uses.
How much USDCx do I need?
For a $10/month stream:
- $10 USDCx = 1 month
- $20 USDCx = 2 months
- etc.
The widget shows how long your balance will last.
Viewing Your USDCx Balance
In MetaMask
USDCx won't show by default. Add it manually:
- Open MetaMask
- Switch to Polygon network
- Scroll down → "Import tokens"
- Custom token tab
- Enter USDCx address:
0x07b24BBD834c1c546EcE89fF95f71D9F13a2eBD1 - Token symbol:
USDCx - Click "Add"
Now you'll see your USDCx balance!
In LinQup Widget
The widget automatically shows your USDCx balance when connected.
Safety & Security
Is USDCx safe?
✅ Yes:
- Backed 1:1 by USDC
- Audited by multiple firms
- Used by thousands of users
- Open source protocol
What if Superfluid shuts down?
Your USDCx is still yours. It's on the blockchain. You can always:
- Unwrap to regular USDC
- Transfer to another wallet
- Use with other Superfluid apps
Can USDCx be hacked?
The protocol has been audited extensively. Smart contract risk exists (like all DeFi) but Superfluid is considered very secure.
Advanced: Super Token Benefits
Composability
USDCx can be used in other Superfluid apps:
- Streaming salaries
- Subscriptions
- Real-time DeFi yields
- And more
Gas Efficiency
Streaming is surprisingly gas-efficient:
- Start stream: ~$0.01
- Money flows every second: $0 (no gas!)
- Stop stream: ~$0.01
Compare to sending 30 daily payments: 30 × $0.01 = $0.30 gas
Next Steps
- Getting USDC - How to get USDC first
- How Streaming Works - Technical deep dive
- Start Supporting - Use your USDCx