# Arc uses USDC for fees: what Circle’s ARC token mint does and does not mean

Canonical: https://tokenprimer.com/news/9cae8ec7-8a25-4609-8dfa-4bc4984ba022
Published: 2026-09-17T02:38:11.737Z
Publisher: Token Primer

The mainnet launch, transaction-fee asset and potential future network token are three different developments.

Circle announced Arc's public mainnet launch on September 16. Its [launch statement](https://www.circle.com/pressroom/circle-launches-arc-mainnet-an-economic-operating-system-for-the-internet) also disclosed the creation of 10 billion ARC tokens. Those announcements describe different things: a working network and a token-related technical milestone.

## What pays for a transaction?

Arc charges transaction fees in USDC. Circle says users do not need a volatile native token to pay gas. The existence of ARC therefore does not mean ARC is required for that purpose.

## What was minted?

Circle says the genesis mint created ARC's full initial supply. It describes potential security, utility and governance roles as Arc explores a transition from permissioned validation toward proof of stake in 2027.

Crucially, Circle states that the mint is not a commitment to a public ARC launch. Token creation should not be treated as confirmation of a public sale, exchange listing or distribution to users.

The current arrangement and the roadmap should be read separately: USDC pays network fees, while the possible future role of ARC remains tied to plans that can change.

## Sources

- [Circle Launches Arc Mainnet, an Economic Operating System for the Internet](https://www.circle.com/pressroom/circle-launches-arc-mainnet-an-economic-operating-system-for-the-internet) — Circle

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