USDC Policy Shift: Circle Now Permits Legal Firearm Purchases After Backlash
Circle, the issuer of the USDC stablecoin, has reversed its previous ban on using its cryptocurrency for firearm purchases. The policy shift follows intense backlash from gun rights advocates and Republican lawmakers after the restriction was exposed in October 2025.
The original terms prohibited USDC transactions for weapons, ammunition, and related accessories. The National Shooting Sports Foundation condemned the policy as financial discrimination, arguing it violated President Trump's executive order on fair banking access.
Circle's updated policy now only blocks weapon purchases that violate applicable laws. This change legitimizes firearms transactions using USDC where legal, marking a significant pivot in the stablecoin's acceptable use framework.