Circle has integrated its Bitcoin-backed token, cirBTC, into its Gateway platform, enabling holders to maintain a single deposited balance usable across both the Ethereum and Arc blockchains. This update allows users to transfer funds between the two networks without needing to keep separate reserves on each chain, as Gateway treats deposits across supported networks as one spendable balance per asset.
The integration is described as permissionless, requiring no sign-up for users to access the shared balance feature. While minting and redeeming cirBTC for native Bitcoin through Circle Mint remains restricted to qualified businesses, the Gateway service itself is open, with fees waived on Arc at launch and a one-basis-point rate applied elsewhere.
Key facts
- Circle added cirBTC to Gateway on Oct. 23, creating a unified balance for Ethereum and Arc users.
- The integration is permissionless, though minting and redeeming via Circle Mint requires qualified-business access.
- Advertised cross-chain access occurs in under 500 milliseconds after deposit finality, excluding initial funding wait times.
- A separate seven-day withdrawal option allows holders to reclaim funds directly from the Gateway Wallet contract without using Circle’s API.
- Gateway fees for cirBTC are waived on Arc at launch, with a one-basis-point rate quoted for other networks.
- Transfers burn the token on the source network and mint it on the destination, rather than converting the balance or moving native Bitcoin.
Why it matters
This expansion reduces the operational need for exchanges or wallets to maintain ready funds on both Ethereum and Arc by allowing a single inventory to serve withdrawal or payment needs on either chain.