*Pick the coin your client already holds. The settlement into rupees works the same way for both.*

Both USDT and USDC are US dollar stablecoins, and DashX settles either one to rupees with an eFIRA. For most freelancers the better coin is the one your client already holds and can send on a network that works. USDC is issued by Circle and USDT by Tether, and the two differ in issuer, published reserve reports, supported networks and where clients tend to hold them.

## The two coins side by side

|  | **USDC** | **USDT** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Issuer | Circle | Tether |
| Target value | One US dollar | One US dollar |
| Networks | Several, including some of the busiest ones | Several, including some of the busiest ones |
| What the DashX flow does with it | A licensed provider converts it to USD outside India | A licensed provider converts it to USD outside India |
| Amount on your eFIRA | The USD that settled | The USD that settled |
| Where to check reserves | The issuer's published reports | The issuer's published reports |

Both coins aim for one dollar, and their market prices can sit slightly off that figure, so read each issuer's own reserve disclosures before you hold either one for long. Use the [DashX currency converter](/tools/currency-converter) to see what either coin is worth in rupees today.

## What changes for you, and what does not

Most of the experience is identical. You invoice in dollars, your client sends the coin to the address in your dashboard, a licensed provider converts it to USD outside India, and the bank settles rupees and issues your eFIRA. The one practical difference is the network, because each coin exists on several and each address works only on the network it was created for. Our [network guide](/blogs/which-network-usdc-usdt-india) covers that choice.

## Risks to understand

- **Peg risk.** A stablecoin can trade slightly below one dollar in stressed markets, and the amount you receive follows the dollar value at conversion.

- **Issuer risk.** Each coin depends on its issuer's reserves and its legal standing in the countries where it operates. See [are stablecoins legal in India](/blogs/stablecoins-legal-india) for the Indian position.

- **Not a bank deposit.** A stablecoin is not insured like a bank balance.

Because DashX converts the coin to dollars as the payment arrives and settles rupees within a day on Priority Rails, you are not asked to hold the coin yourself, which keeps your exposure short. [Stablecoin vs bank transfer](/blogs/stablecoin-vs-bank-transfer) compares the stablecoin route with a wire.

## How to decide in three questions

- **Which coin does your client already hold?** Asking someone to buy a different coin adds cost and delay for them.

- **Which network is cheaper and easier for your client?** The transfer fee differs by network.

- **Do you need to hold any of it?** On the DashX route you do not, so the coin matters less to you than to the sender.

## What to write on your invoice

State the amount in dollars, the coin and the network, for example: *Amount due: USD 2,000, payable in USDC on the network shown in the payment instructions.* This keeps the invoice a dollar invoice and tells your client exactly how to pay it. Our [export invoice guide](/blogs/export-invoice-format-foreign-clients) shows the rest of the fields.

## Frequently asked questions

**Which is better for freelancers, USDT or USDC?** The one your client already holds. DashX settles both to rupees with an eFIRA.

**Is USDC safer than USDT?** Neither is risk free, and we do not rank them. Compare each issuer's reserve reports and decide for yourself, with advice from a qualified professional if you need it.

**Do I get the same eFIRA for both?** Yes. The eFIRA shows the USD amount that settled, whichever coin your client sent.

**Can I switch coins between invoices?** Yes. Tell your client the coin and network for each invoice.

**Ready to invoice in USDT or USDC?** [Sign up for DashX](https://gateway.dashx.xyz)