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Circle added its Bitcoin-backed token, cirBTC, to Gateway on Oct. 23, enabling holders to use a single deposited balance across the Ethereum and Arc blockchains. The integration allows assets deposited on supported networks to be treated as one spendable balance per asset, reducing the need for users to maintain separate liquidity on each chain.
Single Balance Mechanics
Gateway maintains a separate balance for each asset. When a user transfers cirBTC between networks, the token is burned on the source network and minted on the destination network. This process does not convert the balance into USDC nor transfer native Bitcoin. Circle stated that this shared inventory model allows exchanges and wallets serving both chains to deploy funds where withdrawals or payments are required.
The expansion also includes the EURC stablecoin alongside USDC. Circle’s asset-specific documentation lists cirBTC on Ethereum and Arc mainnet. EURC is supported on Ethereum, Arc, Avalanche, Base, Solana, and World Chain. The system treats deposits across these supported networks as a single spendable balance for each respective asset.
Access Times and Withdrawal Options
Circle advertises cross-chain access in under 500 milliseconds once a deposit has finalized and the balance is established. This estimate excludes the initial funding wait and is not guaranteed. According to Circle’s confirmation table, an average Ethereum deposit takes roughly 13 to 19 minutes before Gateway updates the balance or issues an attestation.
A separate seven-day withdrawal option allows holders to reclaim funds directly from the Gateway Wallet contract without relying on Circle’s API. Circle’s asset documentation explicitly extends this seven-day withdrawal delay to cirBTC. This route serves as a fallback exit mechanism rather than the standard transfer time between Ethereum and Arc.
Backing, Fees, and Access
Circle states that cirBTC is backed one-for-one by native Bitcoin held at a regulated entity within its corporate group. The backing Bitcoin is segregated from corporate assets for the benefit of holders. Gateway integration is permissionless and requires no sign-up. However, access to cirBTC through Circle Mint is restricted to qualified businesses.
Withdrawing cirBTC from Gateway leaves the holder with the token. Redeeming cirBTC for native Bitcoin uses a separate Mint process where Circle burns the cirBTC and releases the underlying Bitcoin to a specified Bitcoin address. Gateway fees for cirBTC and EURC are waived on Arc at launch. Outside of Arc, the fee rate is one basis point. These rates do not include gas fees or optional forwarding charges, which also apply to transfers. Transfer costs for cirBTC are paid in cirBTC.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to access funds on Gateway?
Circle advertises cross-chain access in under 500 milliseconds after deposit finality, though the initial Ethereum deposit typically takes 13 to 19 minutes to finalize.
What is the fee for transferring cirBTC on Gateway?
Gateway fees for cirBTC are waived on Arc at launch and set at a one-basis-point rate on other networks, excluding gas and forwarding charges.
