How to Use Arc Mainnet: Wallet, USDC Gas, Bridge, and First Steps

How to use Arc is the first question every trader asks after hearing about Circle's new Layer 1. Arc mainnet went live on 16 September 2026, bringing a stablecoin-native blockchain backed by some of the largest financial institutions in the world to public access. 

The network uses USDC as its gas token, settles transactions in under a second, and is fully EVM-compatible. 

This Arc mainnet guide covers everything you need to get started: wallet configuration, bridging, the USDC gas model, and how to trade ecosystem tokens. For the full timeline and validator details, read the Arc mainnet launch overview on Bitrue.

Key Takeaways

• Arc is Circle's Layer 1 blockchain with USDC as the native gas token, sub-second finality, and a founding validator set that includes BlackRock, DTCC, Visa, and Mastercard.
• Setting up a wallet requires adding Arc as a custom EVM network in MetaMask using chain ID 5042, with USDC as the currency symbol.
• Bridging USDC to Arc uses Circle's CCTP protocol, which burns USDC on the source chain and mints native USDC on Arc rather than creating a wrapped token.

How USDC Gas Works on Arc Mainnet

Arc replaces the standard volatile gas token model with something entirely different. Every transaction fee on the network is denominated and paid in USDC, which means users never need to hold a separate native coin to interact with the chain. 

The USDC you bridge is the same asset that covers your gas, your swaps, and your contract calls. There is no second token to buy.

This model keeps costs predictable in dollar terms regardless of market volatility. During the testnet phase, average transaction fees sat around $0.004 per transaction. Mainnet fees are visible in your wallet before each transaction confirms, so there are no surprises.

Arc runs on Malachite, a BFT consensus engine derived from Tendermint, delivering deterministic sub-second finality. 

The network is permissioned at the validator layer, with founding institutions including BlackRock, DTCC, Visa, Mastercard, ICE, Standard Chartered, and Galaxy alongside Circle as operator. 

Deployment is fully permissionless, meaning any developer can deploy smart contracts without approval. For a deeper look at the consensus model and EVM execution layer, read how Arc blockchain works in Bitrue's full technical breakdown.

If you want to start trading Arc ecosystem tokens with competitive fees and passive income tools, create a free Bitrue account to get set up before the first wave of listings.

How to Set Up Your Arc Wallet

Any EVM-compatible wallet works with Arc. MetaMask is the most common choice, and adding the network takes under a minute. The process follows the same flow covered in the Arc testnet tutorial, with updated mainnet values.

Here's how to add Arc mainnet to MetaMask:

1. Open MetaMask, navigate to Settings, then Networks, and select "Add a network manually."
2. Enter the network name as Arc Mainnet, the chain ID as 5042, and set the currency symbol to USDC.
3. Paste the official RPC URL published at arc.io (always verify this from Circle's official documentation rather than third-party sources, especially during launch week).
4. Add the block explorer URL published at arc.io for mainnet, then click Save.

MetaMask may show a warning about the USDC currency symbol not matching expected defaults. This is normal for a chain that uses a stablecoin as gas instead of a volatile token. Your balance will display in USDC.

Once the network is added, you need USDC on Arc to do anything. Bridging uses Circle's Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol (CCTP), which operates on a burn-and-mint model. 

USDC is burned on the source chain (Ethereum, Base, Arbitrum, or another supported network) and minted natively on Arc. This is not a wrapped asset. There is no liquidity pool to drain and no third-party bridge risk.

To bridge, open a CCTP-compatible interface, select your source chain, enter the amount of USDC, set Arc as the destination, and confirm the transaction. 

You will need the source chain's native gas token (ETH on Ethereum, for example) to pay for the approval and burn transaction on that side. Once the USDC arrives on Arc, it covers both your balance and all future gas fees in a single asset.

How to Trade Arc Ecosystem Tokens on Bitrue

As the Arc ecosystem grows, early projects like aka.fun, UnitFlow, Synthra, Tower, and Hibachi are building DeFi infrastructure, launchpads, and trading tools on the network. 

For users who prefer centralised exchange access, Bitrue offers a familiar trading environment. You can explore the full range of Bitrue's trading products to find what fits your strategy.

Here's how to get started on Bitrue in five steps:

1. Create a Bitrue account and complete KYC verification to unlock full withdrawal and trading limits.
2. Fund your account by depositing USDC or another supported cryptocurrency through a compatible network.
3. Browse Bitrue's spot or futures markets for Arc ecosystem tokens when they become available.
4. Place a market order for instant execution or a limit order to set your preferred entry price.
5. Decide on self-custody if you plan to hold long-term, or keep assets on Bitrue to access staking and yield features.

Bitrue's standard spot trading fee sits at 0.098%, with an additional 20% discount available for users who pay fees using the BTR token. Futures trading supports leverage up to 125x for higher-risk strategies.

Read Also: Best Launchpads on Arc Blockchain

Conclusion

Arc mainnet marks a new chapter for stablecoin-native infrastructure. With USDC powering every transaction, sub-second finality, and institutional validators securing the network, the chain is designed for financial applications from day one. 

Setting up a wallet and bridging funds takes minutes, and the EVM compatibility means existing Solidity tools work out of the box. 

Bitrue is positioned as a key exchange for Arc ecosystem access. Check out the full details on Bitrue's Arc mainnet support to stay ahead of new listings and trading pairs.

FAQ

What is the Arc Mainnet Chain ID?

Arc mainnet uses chain ID 5042, with USDC set as the currency symbol in your wallet configuration.

Do I Need a Separate Token for Gas on Arc?

No, Arc uses USDC as its native gas token, so the same USDC you bridge or receive covers all transaction fees on the network.

How Do I Bridge USDC to Arc?

Use Circle's CCTP protocol through a compatible bridge interface to burn USDC on your source chain (Ethereum, Base, or another supported network) and mint native USDC directly on Arc.

Is Arc Compatible With MetaMask?

Yes, Arc is fully EVM-compatible and works with MetaMask, Ledger, and other standard Ethereum wallets by adding it as a custom network with chain ID 5042.

What Projects Are Building on Arc?

Early ecosystem projects include aka.fun (launchpad), UnitFlow (DEX infrastructure), Synthra (chain-abstracted trading), Hibachi (FX markets), Tower (DEX aggregator), and Sidoor (retail trading terminal).

Disclaimer: The views expressed belong exclusively to the author and do not reflect the views of this platform. This platform and its affiliates disclaim any responsibility for the accuracy or suitability of the information provided. It is for informational purposes only and not intended as financial or investment advice.