---
title: "Open USD vs Open Issuance"
url: https://openusd.dev/guides/open-usd-vs-open-issuance/
description: "Use an existing stablecoin or create a custom stablecoin with Bridge."
---

# Open USD vs Open Issuance

**Open USD is a [stablecoin](https://openusd.dev/guides/concepts/#stablecoin). Open Issuance is Bridge’s platform for creating custom stablecoins.**

|  | Open USD | Open Issuance |
| --- | --- | --- |
| What you use | An existing asset: OUSD. | A platform to launch and manage your own asset. |
| Main decision | Which provider and operation to integrate. | How to configure and operate a custom stablecoin. |
| Start here | [OUSD integration paths](https://openusd.dev/start/). | [Bridge’s Open Issuance announcement](https://stripe.com/blog/introducing-open-issuance-from-bridge). |

Bridge confirms that **Bridge Building Inc. issues OUSD**. [Issuer announcement](https://withbridge.com/blog/ousd-is-live-issued-by-bridge).

## When custom issuance matters

Open Issuance offers choices for [networks](https://openusd.dev/guides/concepts/#network), [contract](https://openusd.dev/guides/concepts/#smart-contract) functionality, and reserve allocation. It also describes swaps among participating coins. Those platform features do not establish the configuration or availability of a particular OUSD service.

If you only need to accept, hold, or send OUSD, start with an existing provider. If you need a distinct asset, discuss issuance terms, operational responsibilities, and supported jurisdictions with Bridge.

## Development environment

Bridge’s [sandbox](https://apidocs.bridge.xyz/get-started/introduction/quick-start/setting-up-sandbox) simulates payment activity and webhooks without live bank or blockchain transactions. A successful simulation does not establish a working production issuance or OUSD settlement flow.

Page reviewed: 2026-10-10 · Modified: 2026-10-12. Individual sources retain their own review dates.

## Sources & review notes

[Bridge: Open USD is live, issued by Bridge ↗](https://withbridge.com/blog/ousd-is-live-issued-by-bridge)

Bridge identifies Bridge Building Inc. as current OUSD issuer and confirms the September 30 launch.

Published: 2026-09-30 · Reviewed: 2026-10-12 · Source-backed

[Stripe: Introducing Open Issuance from Bridge ↗](https://stripe.com/blog/introducing-open-issuance-from-bridge)

Bridge's Open Issuance enables businesses to launch and manage custom stablecoins; Stripe announced it on September 30, 2025.

Published: 2025-09-30 · Reviewed: 2026-10-10 · Source-backed

[Bridge: Set up a sandbox environment ↗](https://apidocs.bridge.xyz/get-started/introduction/quick-start/setting-up-sandbox)

Bridge Sandbox simulations do not establish live OUSD issuance or settlement.

Published: Unknown (undated source) · Reviewed: 2026-10-12 · Source-backed

## Related reading

-   [What is Open USD (OUSD)?](https://openusd.dev/guides/what-is-open-usd/)
-   [Payment events, retries, and reconciliation](https://openusd.dev/guides/integration-architecture/)