How to get USDC on Base
Base is one of the cheapest networks for USDC: sending it usually costs cents or less. There are three ways to get USDC there. Which one is best depends on where your money is now.
1. Withdraw from an exchange (if your money is on an exchange)
This is usually the cheapest route, because you skip bridges entirely.
- Buy or deposit USDC on the exchange.
- Choose Withdraw, then USDC.
- Pick Base as the network. Check this twice, because it's the step people get wrong.
- Paste your wallet address and send a small test amount first.
Some exchanges, Coinbase among them, don't charge a fee for USDC withdrawals on Base. Check your exchange's current fee before you send.
2. Move USDC you already hold on another network
If your USDC is on Ethereum, Arbitrum or another network, move it across with the swap page: pick USDC on the network it's on now, and USDC on Base as the destination. Step by step: how to move USDC from Ethereum to Base.
3. Swap ETH you already hold on Base
- Open the swap page and connect your wallet.
- Choose the Base network. Sell ETH and receive USDC.
- Check the quote and sign. Keep a little ETH for future network fees.
Make sure it's native USDC. Base also has an older bridged token called USDbC.
If you receive USDbC, you can swap it for USDC. See USDC vs USDbC.
Before you start
- Your wallet address on Base is the same as on Ethereum if you use a normal wallet such as MetaMask.
- Add the Base network to your wallet so you can see the balance.
- Never share your recovery phrase. No exchange or support team will ask for it.
Nothing here is financial advice. Fees change; check current fees before you send.