All Types of Stablecoins Explained: From Fiat-Backed to Algorithmic & CBDCs

‍Key Takeaways

• Stablecoins are digital currencies designed to keep a stable value.
• They can be backed by fiat, crypto, commodities, or algorithms.
• Other models include synthetic stablecoins, CBDCs, and regulated coins.
• Each type has trade-offs between trust, decentralization, and stability.
  

What Are Stablecoins?

Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies that try to stay close to a fixed value, usually $1. They are used for payments, savings, and DeFi because they remove the volatility seen in Bitcoin or Ethereum.

How a stablecoin keeps its value depends on its design. Some use reserves like dollars or gold, while others rely on crypto collateral or algorithms. Let’s look at each type in detail.

Types of Stablecoins

There is no single way to build a stablecoin. Different models exist because each one tries to solve the same problem, keeping the price stable, with different trade-offs.

Some focus on trust and regulation, others on decentralization and transparency, and others on scalability without limits. This is why we see so many approaches in the market.

In the next sections, we’ll explore the main categories of stablecoins:

Fiat-Collateralized Stablecoins

These are the most common. Each token is backed by real fiat money like USD or EUR stored in bank accounts.

• Examples: USDT (Tether), USDC (Circle), BUSD.
• Pros: Stable, liquid, widely accepted.
• Cons: Centralized and dependent on the issuer’s honesty.
  

Crypto-Collateralized Stablecoins

These use cryptocurrencies as collateral instead of fiat. To protect against volatility, they are usually overcollateralized.

• Example: DAI from MakerDAO.
• Users deposit ETH or BTC in a smart contract and mint DAI.
• If collateral value drops too much, liquidation happens.
  
  • Pros: Decentralized and transparent.
  • Cons: Capital inefficient and risky during market crashes.

Commodity-Collateralized Stablecoins

These are pegged to physical assets such as gold or oil. Each token represents a unit of that commodity.

• Examples: PAX Gold (PAXG), Tether Gold (XAUT).
• Pros: Hedge against inflation and tied to real value.
• Cons: Require custodial trust and have smaller adoption.

Algorithmic Stablecoins

These do not use reserves. Instead, they rely on algorithms to expand or contract supply and keep the peg.

• Examples: Ampleforth (AMPL), TerraUSD (UST — failed).
• Pros: Fully decentralized and scalable.
• Cons: Often unstable and prone to collapse.

Rebase (Elastic Supply) Stablecoins

The token supply adjusts directly in wallets. If demand rises, balances increase; if demand falls, they shrink.

• Example: Ampleforth (AMPL).
  

Seigniorage Stablecoins

They use two tokens: one stable, the other absorbs volatility.

• Example: Empty Set Dollar (ESD).

Fractional-Algorithmic Stablecoins (Hybrid)

Partially backed by reserves and partially stabilized by algorithms.

• Example: Frax (FRAX).

Synthetic Stablecoins

These mimic fiat currencies through derivatives and smart contracts. They are created within decentralized protocols.

• Example: sUSD (Synthetix).
• Pros: Useful for trading and exposure to multiple currencies.
• Cons: Complex and dependent on liquidity in the protocol.

Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs)

CBDCs are digital versions of national currencies issued by central banks. They are not typical stablecoins but are important in the same discussion.

• Examples: e-CNY (China), Digital Euro (pilot).
• Pros: Fully legal and backed by governments.
• Cons: Centralized and less private for users.

Regulated / Institutional Stablecoins

These are designed under strict regulation and often audited to attract institutions.

• Examples: Gemini Dollar (GUSD), Paxos Dollar (USDP).
• Pros: Transparent, compliant, trusted by institutions.
• Cons: Limited decentralization and innovation.

Comparison Table

Frequently Asked Questions About Stablecoins

What are the most recommended stablecoins?

The most recommended stablecoins today are USDC and DAI.

• USDC is fiat-backed, regulated, and audited, making it reliable for everyday use.
• DAI is decentralized and crypto-collateralized, trusted by the DeFi community.

Both are widely integrated across exchanges, wallets, and DeFi protocols.

What are the most used stablecoins?

The most used stablecoins are Tether (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC).

• USDT dominates trading volumes on exchanges worldwide.
• USDC is gaining ground due to stronger transparency and compliance.

Together, they make up more than 80% of the stablecoin market.

What is the most secure stablecoin?

Security depends on what you value:

• For regulatory security, USDC and USDP are the safest because they are audited and regulated.
• For decentralization, DAI is considered the most secure because no central authority can freeze or seize it.

In practice, many users hold a mix to balance trust and decentralization.

Conclusion

Stablecoins are not all the same. Some rely on bank reserves, others on crypto, commodities, or algorithms. Newer models like hybrids, synthetics, and CBDCs show how fast this space is evolving.

• If you want stability and adoption, fiat-backed stablecoins like USDC dominate.
• If you want decentralization, crypto-backed options like DAI or FRAX are leading.
• If you care about institutional trust, regulated coins or future CBDCs may fit.
  

Stablecoins will remain the backbone of DeFi and digital payments, but choosing the right type depends on your priorities.