What is USDG?
What is USDG?
USDG is a U.S. dollar–linked stablecoin issued by Paxos, one of the world’s largest and most established regulated stablecoin issuers, also known for PAXG, its gold-backed digital asset. USDG is designed to maintain a stable value relative to the U.S. dollar.Stablecoins like USDG aim to provide more predictable pricing than volatile cryptoassets, which makes them particularly suitable for everyday use cases such as payments, transfers, and card spending. By combining blockchain technology with price stability similar to fiat currencies, USDG helps bridge the gap between digital assets and real-world value. USDG can be held, sent, and used within supported applications, including OKX Pay and the OKX Card, without requiring users to manually convert assets before spending.
Who issues USDG?
USDG is issued by Paxos, one of the world’s most established stablecoin issuers. Paxos operates under U.S. financial supervision and designs its stablecoins to meet high standards for:
Reserve backing
Operational controls
Transparency
This regulatory grounding and issuer reputation are particularly relevant for users in the European Economic Area (EEA), where compliance, disclosure, and consumer protection are important considerations when using digital financial products.
Is USDG safe?
No digital asset is completely free of risk, but USDG has characteristics that many users consider when evaluating safety:
Stable value design: USDG is designed to track the U.S. dollar, which reduces the price volatility typically associated with other cryptoassets.
Regulated issuer: USDG is issued by Paxos, a regulated stablecoin issuer subject to regulatory oversight in the United States and other jurisdictions where it operates.
Supported infrastructure: USDG is integrated into reputable ecosystems such as OKX, which provides clear disclosures and controls for users.
Why use USDG?
USDG’s characteristics make it useful for both spending and trading:
Predictable value: Stable pricing makes budgeting and everyday spending easier. When you hold USDG, you don’t have to manage dramatic price swings that can occur with other cryptoassets.
Efficient spending: Because USDG is designed to remain close to the U.S. dollar, payments feel closer to everyday fiat spending—helpful for card use or international purchases.
Trading convenience: Stablecoins serve as a neutral base pair on exchanges, allowing you to move in and out of more volatile assets without converting to traditional fiat. This can reduce friction and speed up trading.
Integrated ecosystem: In the OKX ecosystem, USDG can be used not only for payments but also for transfers, and in some cases to participate in promotional programs such as cashback offers (current OKX cashback applies specifically to USDG-funded card payments, subject to eligibility criteria).
How USDG works with OKX Pay and the OKX Card
Within the OKX ecosystem, USDG can be used as follows:
Hold USDG in OKX Pay
You can store USDG directly in your OKX Pay account, making it available for spending or transfers.
Spend USDG with the OKX Card
When you use your OKX Card, USDG can be selected as the funding source. The merchant requires settlement in fiat and the conversion happens automatically at the time of the transaction. No manual pre-conversion or separate balances are required.
Cashback eligibility
At present, cashback rewards are available only when you pay with USDG, subject to the terms and conditions shown in the OKX App.OKX does not charge card transaction fees or foreign exchange fees, but a low market-based spread of 0.4% applies upon conversion from USDG to fiat.
Why this matters for EEA users
Using USDG with a regulated issuer and established payment infrastructure can provide:
Transparent mechanics: Clear cost and conversion logic
Predictability: Stable value for budgeting and daily use
Compliance alignment: Structured for use within regulated jurisdictions
For more context about OKX’s approach to stablecoins and global dollar infrastructure, see OKX joins the Global Dollar Network.
Summary
USDG is a stablecoin designed to offer predictable value and reduce volatility risk relative to other cryptoassets. It is issued by Paxos, a well-known regulated stablecoin issuer, and integrated into the OKX ecosystem for easy holding, spending, and trading. In the context of OKX Pay and the OKX Card, USDG provides a practical foundation for everyday payments, with cashback rewards currently available on USDG-funded transactions.Users should always review current terms, eligibility criteria, and risk disclosures in the OKX App before using stablecoins.
