> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.helioscard.xyz/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.helioscard.xyz/getting-started/what-is-helios.md).

# What is Helios?

A quick overview of what Helios is and what you can do with it.

Helios is an app for holding stablecoins, borrowing against your assets, and spending with a card — all from one account.

## What you can do

* **Hold stablecoins.** Keep a USDC balance in a wallet that belongs to you.
* **Move funds on-chain.** Bring funds in, send and receive, and withdraw.
* **Open a credit line.** Borrow against the assets you hold instead of selling them.
* **Spend with the Helios card.** Fund a card from your balance and use it anywhere cards are accepted.

## How it's different

Your wallet is **self-custodial** — it is secured by a passkey on your device, not by a password Helios stores. You stay in control of your funds, while Helios handles the on-chain mechanics behind the scenes so the experience feels like a normal finance app.

{% hint style="info" %}
Helios is currently **invite-only**. You'll need an invite link to create an account. See [Create your account](/getting-started/create-your-account.md).
{% endhint %}

## Key terms

| Term            | What it means                                                                                       |
| --------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **USDC**        | A US-dollar stablecoin. Your main spendable balance.                                                |
| **USDCx**       | The version of USDC used on the Canton Network. See [USDC vs USDCx](/your-wallet/usdc-vs-usdcx.md). |
| **Credit line** | How much you're allowed to borrow against your assets.                                              |
| **Collateral**  | The assets backing what you've borrowed.                                                            |
| **Passkey**     | A secure key on your device used to sign in and approve actions.                                    |

## Next steps

{% content-ref url="/pages/YG02U8n4rSRUQ6eebQNX" %}
[Create your account](/getting-started/create-your-account.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}


---

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