> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://circle-devdocs-test-ai-codegen-component.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Gateway FAQ

> Learn why Circle created Gateway and how it differs from CCTP

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="What is Circle Gateway?">
    Circle Gateway is a new crosschain primitive enabling a unified USDC balance,
    unlocking instant crosschain liquidity in \<500 ms.

    With Circle Gateway, users can hold a balance in USDC across multiple chains and
    use it on any chain instantly, without having to move it manually or rely on
    external liquidity.

    At the same time, they maintain the ownership and control over their USDC that
    is native to blockchains. Gateway enables a user experience where access to USDC
    is immediate and universal, and ownership is always preserved by the user.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How does Circle Gateway differ from CCTP?">
    Gateway allows users to front-load the finalization wait time rather than
    requiring finality in the middle of a transfer flow. This enables users to use
    all of their USDC instantly on any chain (even in amounts exceeding the balance
    held on any single chain), without needing to decide beforehand what amount or
    destination is needed. As such, it's optimized for use-cases requiring capital
    efficiency, low latency, and chain abstraction.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Who is Gateway designed for?">
    Gateway has been designed for businesses and developers facing pain points from
    multichain liquidity fragmentation and crosschain friction between chains.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Does Gateway require signing up with Circle?">
    No, Gateway does not require sign-up with Circle. Gateway is permissionless
    crosschain infrastructure that is available for all users and developers.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What are the fees associated with Gateway?">
    Fees for using Circle Gateway vary based on several factors, including the
    source blockchain where USDC is being transferred from and the size of the
    transaction. Each transfer includes a base fee that covers the gas costs
    incurred during the burn process on the source chain. In addition to these
    network-related costs, a percentage-based fee is applied based on the
    transaction size to support operational and infrastructure needs.

    To support early adopters and encourage adoption, Circle is offering a
    promotional rate of 0.005% (half a basis point) on all instant crosschain
    transfers. This promotional fee structure reflects Circle's commitment to
    providing low-cost access to high-speed, non-custodial USDC transfers across
    multiple blockchains. Importantly, transfers where the source and destination
    domains are the same don't incur the additional 0.005% fee, as these are treated
    as instant withdrawals from the Gateway smart contract without invoking
    crosschain functions.

    As the Gateway network continues to scale and mature, this promotional pricing
    may be revised. Users and partners maintaining high volume and balances during
    the promotional period may be prioritized for eligibility to extend the
    promotional pricing beyond the standard window. This consideration reflects
    Circle's intention to reward early participation and meaningful engagement with
    Gateway.

    If you have further questions about the current fee structure or would like to
    discuss long-term pricing options, reach out to Circle directly via the
    [Discord support channel](https://discord.com/invite/buildoncircle) or your
    [Circle account representative](https://discord.com/invite/buildoncircle).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Where is USDC held after deposit into the Gateway Wallet contract?">
    USDC deposited to the GatewayWallet smart contract is fully controlled by the
    user, and remains in the contract until the user has provided a signed request
    to move assets.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How does a trustless withdrawal work?">
    In the unlikely event that Circle's APIs are down for an extended period or
    service is unavailable for any other reason, users can trustlessly withdraw USDC
    with a delay.

    First, make a contract call to the
    [`initiateWithdrawal`](/gateway/references/contract-interfaces-and-events#initiatewithdrawal)
    method on the Gateway Wallet contract with the desired amount to withdrawal.
    After a delay of 7 days, make a contract call to the withdraw method to complete
    the withdrawal.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Have the Gateway Wallet contracts been audited?">
    Yes, Gateway smart contracts have been audited by two separate firms.

    * [ChainSecurity audit report](https://6778953.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6778953/CCTP/%5BPublic%5D%20%5BChainSecurity%5D%20Circle_Gateway_audit.pdf)
    * [Ottersec audit report](https://6778953.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6778953/Circle%20Gateway%20Audit%20-%20OtterSec%20-%207-21-2025.pdf)
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>