In a move that underscores the growing intersection between financial technology and constitutional rights, Circle Internet Group — issuer of the widely used USDC stablecoin — has officially reversed a controversial policy that prohibited customers from using its digital currency for lawful firearm purchases.
Just weeks ago, Circle’s terms of service included restrictive language that barred users from using USDC to purchase “weapons of any kind, including but not limited to firearms, ammunition, knives, explosives, or related accessories.” The clause, buried in legal fine print, drew strong criticism from the firearm industry and advocacy groups, including the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) and Americans for Tax Reform (ATR), who decried it as a form of financial discrimination targeting law-abiding gun owners.
The backlash was swift and effective. Circle has since updated its policy, stating in a message to NSSF that, “USDC may be used for the lawful purchase and sale of firearms, as protected under the Second Amendment.” The company emphasized that it “has not and will not deny the use of USDC for legally permissible transactions involving firearms.”
This policy shift comes in the wake of mounting public scrutiny, bipartisan legislative developments, and the passage of the recently signed GENIUS Act, which provides a legal framework for U.S. dollar–backed stablecoins. The act aims to promote innovation and safeguard consumer rights, including financial inclusion for industries that have historically faced discrimination — such as lawful firearms commerce.
Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) voiced support following the change, stating on X, “By aligning its terms of service with existing legal requirements, Circle defends constitutional rights and ensures financial systems can’t be weaponized against law-abiding gun owners.”
Circle now says it will “work with merchants, banks, and the broader payment system” to ensure their values are accurately reflected in their policies moving forward.
The NSSF praised the rapid reversal, while urging continued vigilance. “Freedom cannot survive if your financial tools are turned against you and your Second Amendment rights,” the group noted. “Trust, but verify.”
As digital currency adoption accelerates, the need to ensure equal access to payment tools for all lawful commerce — including the firearms industry — becomes ever more important. Circle’s policy update is a positive step in that direction and a reminder of the importance of staying engaged and informed.