Base is the layer 2 launched by Coinbase in 2023. It is built on the OP Stack, uses ETH for gas and has no separate network token. Its strength is reach: Coinbase's user base, simple onramps and a strong focus on consumer applications, payments and on-chain social apps. For products aimed at mainstream users, Base is often the first chain to consider.
What We Build on Base
- Consumer dApps with onboarding that feels like a normal app: smart accounts with passkeys and gasless transactions sponsored by your application.
- Payments in USDC, including signature-based transfers with EIP-3009, and reconciliation with your back office.
- Tokens and NFTs where low minting costs matter, see custom token contracts.
- Trading and DeFi integrations with Base's DEXs, see DEX integrations.
How Base Works for Developers
- EVM-equivalent: Solidity contracts and Ethereum tooling work as on Ethereum.
- Fees consist of Base execution costs plus the cost of publishing data to Ethereum; estimates must include both, see EIP-1559 fee handling.
- Withdrawals through the standard bridge take about a week because of the challenge period; most users use faster bridges or exchanges. See cross-chain bridges.
- Superchain: Base shares its stack with OP Mainnet and other OP Stack chains, so the same code can run on those with little change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Base have its own token?
No. Gas on Base is paid in ETH. Be wary of anything claiming to be an official Base token.
Is Base good for payments?
Yes. Low fees, native USDC and Coinbase's onramps make it one of the most practical chains for stablecoin payments.
Can we deploy the same app on Base and other chains?
Yes. We design contracts and front ends for multi-chain deployment from the start.
Who owns the code?
Ownership of the source code is set out in the contract, and the code can be fully yours, including documentation and tests.
Part of our layer 2 development. See our USDC-denominated cross-chain trading app for a multi-chain product in practice.
Build on Base
Tell us who your users are and what they should be able to do. We will build an app on Base that is easy for them to start with.