---
description: >-
  Understand the two trading modes: risk-free play with Points or real trading
  with USDC.
---

# Points vs USDC: What’s the Difference?

## 🪙 Points vs USDC: What’s the Difference?

Bayes Market offers **two parallel markets** — one for beginners and one for experienced traders.\
You can choose to use **Bayes Points** or **USDC**, depending on your goals and risk appetite.

Let’s break it down.

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## 🧩 What Are Bayes Points?

Bayes Points are **free play-money tokens** that you earn and use inside the platform.\
They let you trade, explore, and interact with Bayes — without any financial risk.

* You get **500 Points** when you sign up
* You can earn more through **daily tasks**, **newbie missions**, and **inviting friends**
* Points are used in the **Play Market**, where you trade like real markets, but with no real money involved

> It's a simulation with real mechanics — great for learning, experimenting, or just having fun

***

## 💵 What Is USDC?

USDC (USD Coin) is a **real stablecoin** pegged to the US dollar.\
When you trade with USDC, you’re trading with real money — and earning real returns.

* This happens in the **Real-Money Market**
* You’ll need to fund your wallet if you want to trade with USDC
* Profits and losses are real

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## ⚖️ Key Differences at a Glance

| Feature       | Bayes Points                      | USDC (Real Money)                  |
| ------------- | --------------------------------- | ---------------------------------- |
| Risk Level    | Zero-risk, simulation             | Real stakes, real gains/losses     |
| Who It’s For  | New users, learners, casual users | Experienced traders, serious users |
| How to Get It | Free via signup & tasks           | On-chain deposit                   |
| Use Case      | Learn, explore, test ideas        | Compete, earn, speculate           |
| Wallet Needed | Created automatically             | Same wallet, no extra setup        |
| Gas Fees      | Covered by Bayes                  | Covered by Bayes                   |

> Both systems run in parallel — same UI, same events, same interface. You just pick your mode.

***

## 🔁 Can I Switch Between Them?

Yes. At any time, you can toggle between:

* **Points Mode**
* **USDC Mode**

Each mode has its own markets and leaderboard, but many events are mirrored across both.\
This way, you can test your strategies in Points mode, and go real when you’re ready — or stick to one that fits your style.

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***

## 🧭 Which One Should I Use?

It depends on your goals:

* 🟦 Use **Bayes Points** if you’re just getting started, want to learn how prediction markets work, or prefer risk-free fun.
* 🟨 Use **USDC** if you're confident in your predictions and want to earn real returns.

You can always start with Points, then graduate to USDC later.

***

## ✅ Summary

Bayes gives you full freedom:\
Start low-risk with Points, go high-stakes with USDC, or switch as you go.

No matter what you choose, the prediction market mechanics remain the same — it’s your beliefs, your choices, your edge.
