How to Send Funds on Base

Guide to your first transaction on Base

You need USDC and ETH on Base for transactions. USDC is what you'll send, while ETH pays for gas fees (transaction costs). Gas fees on Base are extremely cheap - typically $0.01-0.05 per transaction.

For Mainnet: You can bridge USDC from Ethereum to Base using bridge.base.org, or buy USDC directly on an exchange and withdraw it to your Base wallet address.

For Testnet: We're using Base Sepolia testnet, so you don't have to buy anything! Get free test USDC from Circle Faucet (select "Base Sepolia"). You already got free test funds from the faucet in the previous step.

In your wallet (Coinbase Wallet or MetaMask), follow these steps:

  1. Open your wallet and ensure Base Sepolia network is selected
  2. Tap "Send" button
  3. Choose USDC token from your asset list
  4. Enter the recipient's wallet address - a 42-character code starting with "0x"
  5. Specify the amount of USDC you want to send

⚠️ Important: Always double-check the recipient address! Blockchain transactions are irreversible - if you send to the wrong address, you cannot get your funds back.

Before finalizing, review all transaction details carefully:

  • Recipient address (first 6 and last 4 characters)
  • Amount of USDC you're sending
  • Estimated gas fee (paid in ETH)
  • Network (should be "Base Sepolia")

When everything looks correct, tap "Confirm" or "Send".

What is a Digital Signature?

When you approve, your wallet uses your private key to create a digital signature. This signature proves:

  • You own the funds
  • You authorize this specific USDC transfer
  • The transaction data hasn't been tampered with

Security Note: Your private key never leaves your device - only the signature is sent to the network.

Once signed, here's what happens behind the scenes:

1. Sequencer Receives

Your USDC transaction is sent to Base's sequencer (special validator node)

2. Instant Processing

Base processes your transaction off-chain in 1-2 seconds (Layer 2 speed!)

3. Soft Confirmation

You receive confirmation - transaction is complete and USDC is transferred

4. Batching (Background)

Base bundles your transaction with thousands of others

5. Ethereum Settlement

The batch is submitted to Ethereum mainnet for final security (15-20 min later)

In Your Wallet:

  • Status changes from "Pending" to "Confirmed"
  • USDC balance reflects the sent amount
  • ETH balance shows the gas fee deducted
  • Transaction appears in your history

On Block Explorer:

  1. Visit sepolia.basescan.org (for testnet)
  2. Paste your transaction hash (starts with "0x")
  3. View full details:
    • Sender address (your wallet)
    • Recipient address
    • Amount of USDC transferred
    • Gas fee paid (in ETH)
    • Timestamp
    • Block number

The recipient can now see and use the USDC you sent!

Bonus: Understanding Gas Fees

Gas fees are paid in ETH to process your USDC transaction on the blockchain. On Base, they're 95-99% cheaper than Ethereum mainnet!

Try it yourself!

Practice sending a small amount of test USDC on Base Sepolia:

Test Recipient:

0x5b9...e48F

Amount: 1 USDC (just for practice)