How to Buy and Send USDC with Coinbase and Coinbase Wallet

Introduction

This guide provides a step-by-step process for purchasing and sending USDC (USD Coin) using Coinbase Wallet paired with a Coinbase.com account. While USDC transactions require purchasing ETH (Ethereum) to cover gas fees, the stablecoin’s 1:1 peg to the USD ensures fast, low-cost payments with minimal volatility.

Why Use Coinbase Wallet with Coinbase.com?

• Streamlined Transactions: Directly link your Coinbase.com account to Coinbase Wallet for instant crypto purchases and transfers.
• Self-Custody Security: Maintain full control over your assets while leveraging Coinbase’s easy on-ramp for fiat-to-crypto conversions.
• Reduced Complexity: Avoid multi-step processes common with third-party wallets like Exodus.

Key Terms

• USDC: A stablecoin pegged 1:1 to the USD, ideal for precise payments.
• ETH (Ethereum): Required to pay transaction fees (gas) for USDC transfers on the Ethereum network.
• Self-Custody Wallet: A non-custodial wallet (e.g., Coinbase Wallet) where you control private keys.

Prerequisites

1. Verified Coinbase.com Account: Ensure your account is verified with a linked payment method (bank account or debit card).
2. Coinbase Wallet App: Download the official app (Coinbase Wallet).
3. ETH for Gas Fees: Purchase a small amount of ETH (~$5–$15) to cover transaction costs.

👉 Get started with Coinbase Wallet

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Purchase ETH via Coinbase.com Onramp

1. Open Coinbase Wallet and tap Buy.
2. Select "Add crypto with Coinbase Onramp" → "Buy or transfer with Coinbase."
3. Log in to your Coinbase.com account.
4. Critical: Set the network to Ethereum (not Base or other L2 networks).
5. Select ETH, enter the desired amount ($5–$15 recommended), and confirm the purchase.

2. Buy USDC

1. Repeat the Onramp process, but select USDC instead of ETH.
2. Ensure the network remains Ethereum.
3. Enter the USD amount (e.g., $300 for a $300 USDC payment).
4. Complete the transaction.

3. Send USDC to a Recipient

1. In Coinbase Wallet, tap Send → Select USDC.
2. Enter the exact amount (1:1 with USD).
3. Paste the recipient’s Ethereum wallet address (double-check for accuracy).
4. Confirm the network is Ethereum and submit.
5. Share the transaction hash (not Etherscan link) with the recipient for tracking.

👉 Master crypto transactions with these tips

FAQs

1. Why can’t I send USDC without ETH?

• ETH covers gas fees on the Ethereum network. Without it, transactions fail.

2. How long do USDC transfers take?

• Typically 1–5 minutes, depending on network congestion.

3. Can I use other networks like Solana for USDC?

• Yes, but this guide focuses on Ethereum. Adjust network settings accordingly.

4. What if I send USDC to the wrong address?

• Transactions are irreversible. Always verify addresses before sending.

5. How do I reduce ETH gas fees?

• Send during low-traffic periods or explore L2 networks (e.g., Arbitrum) for cheaper fees.

Pro Tips

• Maintain ETH Balance: Keep $5–$15 of ETH in your wallet for future transactions.
• Use ACH for Lower Fees: Bank transfers reduce costs but may have initial holds.
• Explore Coinbase Learn: Deepen your crypto knowledge (Coinbase Learn).

Final Thoughts

Using Coinbase Wallet + Coinbase.com simplifies USDC transactions while prioritizing security. With practice, the process takes minutes—ideal for peer-to-peer payments or vendor transactions.

Remember: Self-custody means you’re solely responsible for safeguarding your recovery phrase. Never share it!

For more guides, visit Coinbase Help.

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