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Web3.js Send USDC

The coding example below shows how to send USDC using web3.js and an Ethereum-compatible network (such as Ethereum Mainnet, Polygon, or Arbitrum). It assumes the sender is using a browser wallet like MetaMask and already holds a balance of USDC.

Before you start​

To run this example, you’ll need:

  • A USDC contract address on the chain you’re using
  • The user’s wallet connected (e.g. via MetaMask)
  • The ABI for a standard ERC-20 token
  • Web3.js installed in your project

Note: USDC is an ERC-20 token. This code works for any stablecoin following that standard (e.g. USDT, DAI, etc.).

Install Web3.js​

npm install web3

Code example​

import Web3 from 'web3';

// Injected provider from MetaMask
const web3 = new Web3(window.ethereum);

// Replace with USDC contract address on your network
const usdcAddress = '0xA0b86991c6218b36c1d19D4a2e9Eb0cE3606eB48'; // Ethereum Mainnet

// Standard ERC-20 ABI (simplified to just transfer)
const erc20ABI = [
  {
    constant: false,
    inputs: [
      { name: '_to', type: 'address' },
      { name: '_value', type: 'uint256' }
    ],
    name: 'transfer',
    outputs: [{ name: '', type: 'bool' }],
    type: 'function'
  }
];

const usdc = new web3.eth.Contract(erc20ABI, usdcAddress);

// Amount of USDC to send (6 decimals)
const amount = web3.utils.toBN(10 * 10 ** 6); // 10 USDC

// Replace with recipient address
const recipient = '0x123...abc';

// Send transaction
async function sendUSDC() {
  const accounts = await window.ethereum.request({ method: 'eth_requestAccounts' });
  const sender = accounts[0];

  try {
    const tx = await usdc.methods.transfer(recipient, amount).send({ from: sender });
    console.log('Transfer successful:', tx.transactionHash);
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('Transfer failed:', error);
  }
}

Notes​

  • USDC uses 6 decimals, not 18 like most tokens. Always scale correctly when setting amount.
  • This example works with any EVM-compatible network, as long as the USDC contract address matches that network (e.g. Polygon USDC address).
  • The transfer method does not include gas estimation or fee customization—add that as needed for production environments.
  • If you're building a backend service or working without MetaMask, you’ll need a provider with private key signing (e.g. via Alchemy or Infura).

Next steps​

  • Metamask Integration – How to connect and sign transactions from a frontend
  • Sample API Requests – Backend examples for token transfers and balance checks
  • Handling Business Funds – Organize wallets and manage token flows across your app or platform