MetaMask adds Stellar support, with extra steps for USDC and bridging

MetaMask, the widely used self-custody wallet, now supports the Stellar network. The rollout began on October 29 and adds a Stellar address to users’ existing multichain accounts.

What happened

Users do not need to create a new wallet: a Stellar address now appears alongside the other networks in their account. Some features still take extra work. To receive USDC on Stellar, the account first has to be funded and the token activated. Moving assets between Stellar and other chains through bridges also requires manual setup.

Background

Stellar is a blockchain built for fast, low-cost payments and is often used to move stablecoins across borders. Its rules differ from those of Ethereum-style networks. A new Stellar account must hold a minimum balance of the network’s native token, XLM, before it becomes active, and accounts have to opt in before they can hold a specific token, a step known as adding a trustline. That is why USDC cannot simply be sent to a brand-new address.

Why it matters

MetaMask has long been tied to Ethereum and similar networks, so adding Stellar extends it into a payments-focused ecosystem. For users, it means one wallet for more chains. The extra steps are also a reason to read the setup instructions before moving funds: a transfer to an account that is not ready yet can fail or be delayed.