Getting started
USDC on Polygon: A Beginner's Guide
To use Polymarket or a bot like PolyCopy, you need digital dollars (USDC) on the Polygon network. Here is what you need to know, and the mistakes that cost money.
USDC, a digital dollar
USDC is a stablecoin: a cryptocurrency designed to always be worth 1 dollar, issued by Circle and backed by reserves. It is the base currency of Polymarket.
Why the Polygon network?
USDC exists on several blockchains (Ethereum, Solana, Polygon…). Polymarket runs on Polygon, where a transaction costs a fraction of a cent and confirms in seconds. When you send USDC, you must therefore pick the Polygon network.
Where to get USDC
The big platforms (Coinbase, Binance, Kraken, Revolut…) let you buy USDC by card or bank transfer, after the usual identity check. Then make sure the platform allows withdrawals on the Polygon network.
Sending your USDC, step by step
- Copy the destination address (in PolyCopy: the Wallet menu). It starts with
0x. - On your platform, choose Withdraw, then USDC.
- Pick the Polygon network (sometimes called "Polygon PoS" or "MATIC").
- Paste the address and check the first and last characters.
- For a first transfer, try a small amount.
The exact steps for Coinbase, Revolut, Binance and Kraken are in our deposit guide.
Mistakes to avoid
- The wrong network: a transfer on Ethereum or another chain won't arrive on Polygon.
- The wrong token: there are two USDC on Polygon (native USDC and the older USDC.e). PolyCopy converts both automatically.
- A mistyped address: a transfer to the wrong address is final.
Keeping your funds safe
- Never share your recovery phrase or private key, with anyone.
- Be wary of messages asking you to "activate" or "unlock" your wallet: they are scams.
- Only deposit what you can afford to lose.
Frequently asked questions
Which network should I send USDC on for Polymarket?
On the Polygon network. A transfer on another network (Ethereum, BNB Chain…) won't arrive in your Polygon wallet.
What is the difference between USDC and USDC.e?
Native USDC is issued directly by Circle on Polygon; USDC.e is an older version bridged from Ethereum. PolyCopy accepts and converts both.