PayPal USD (PYUSD)
Best for collateralised issuance at scale
How it rates
- $2,779m circulating, recorded independently
- Collateralised model (fiat-backed)
- Issued across 19 chains
- Reserve attestations are not scored in this category
Each indicator scores 2, 1 or 0. A pillar is the points earned over the points available; the overall score is the weighted sum. Every source below is public — check any of them yourself.
- MetPeg mechanism disclosed in the public dataset
Mechanism recorded as fiat-backed.
stablecoins.llama.fi/stablecoins - MetBacking model is collateralised rather than algorithmic
Recorded as fiat-backed.
stablecoins.llama.fi/stablecoins - MetCirculating supply published independently
$2,779m circulating at this check.
stablecoins.llama.fi/stablecoins - Met
- MetPrice tracked and at peg in the public dataset
Recorded price 0.9995.
stablecoins.llama.fi/stablecoins
- Met
- Met
- Met
- Met
- Met
- Not met
- Not met
- Met
- Not met
- MetTraded within 0.5% of peg at this check
Recorded price 0.9995; deviation 0.05%.
stablecoins.llama.fi/stablecoins
- Met
- Met
- Met
- Met
- Met
- Met
- Met
- Met
- Met
- Met
A fiat-backed stablecoin issued for PayPal through a regulated New York trust company, with $2.78bn circulating across 19 chains.
Our assessment
PYUSD has $2.78bn circulating across 19 chains and traded 0.05% from parity at this check. It is issued by a regulated New York trust company on PayPal's behalf, which puts a mainstream payments company's name directly on a crypto asset.
Regulated issuance under a state trust charter
New York's trust framework imposes reserve composition rules, examination and reporting obligations on the issuer. That is a stronger supervisory arrangement than most stablecoins operate under, and combined with a listed parent it makes the entity behind the token unusually easy to establish.
Distribution is the strategic question
PayPal has hundreds of millions of users. If PYUSD becomes the default settlement asset inside that network, its scale changes completely; if it remains an optional feature most users never notice, $2.78bn is close to its natural size. Almost everything about this token's future rests on which of those happens.
Peg mechanics are conventional
Fiat reserves, redemption at par for eligible participants, arbitrage keeping the secondary market close to $1. There is nothing novel in the design, which for a stablecoin is a compliment — the innovative designs are the ones that have broken.
Who it suits
PYUSD fits users who want regulated backing from a recognisable payments company, especially within PayPal's own products. Users needing deep DeFi liquidity or wide exchange support should hold USDC or USDT.
How rivals compare
Frequently asked
Does this score assess the quality of reserves?
No. Reserve attestations vary too much between issuers to compare from one public source. The score covers backing model, scale and distribution; read the issuer's own reserve reporting separately.
Where does the data come from?
A public stablecoin dataset queried at the verification date. Anyone can re-run the same query.
Why are algorithmic stablecoins scored lower?
The rubric credits collateralised backing explicitly. Algorithmic designs have the weakest track record and the indicator reflects that.