How to Fund Your MetaMask Wallet with USDC on Base Network

This step-by-step guide will walk you through funding your MetaMask wallet with USDC (a stablecoin pegged to the U.S. dollar) on the Base network, so you can pay the entry fee for AdelTrade’s paid competitions. Whether you’re new to crypto or just new to Base, we’ve got you covered!

Step 1: Set Up and Verify Your Ethereum Wallet

Before you can fund your wallet with USDC, you need an Ethereum-compatible wallet and a verified account on the AdelTrade portal.

• Create a Wallet: If you don’t have an Ethereum wallet, set one up using MetaMask. Follow our detailed guide here: How to Set Up an ETH Wallet with MetaMask.
• Verify Your Wallet: Once your MetaMask wallet is ready, verify it on the AdelTrade portal to participate in competitions. See the verification guide here: Verifying Your ETH Address in AdelTrade Portal.

💡Tip: Keep your wallet’s seed phrase safe and never share it with anyone.

Step 2: Add the Base Network to MetaMask

The Base network is a fast, low-cost blockchain compatible with Ethereum. You need to connect MetaMask to Base to use USDC for transactions.

1. Open MetaMask and locate the network dropdown in the top-left corner (it shows the current blockchain, like “Ethereum Mainnet”).
2. Click the dropdown and select “Base” or “Base Mainnet”. If you don’t see it, add it manually. Click on drop down in the top-right corner and select Settings > Networks > Add Network. Enter the following details:

Network Name: Base Mainnet

RPC URL: https://mainnet.base.org

Chain ID: 8453

Currency Symbol: ETH

Block Explorer URL: https://base.blockscout.com/

3. Save the network and switch to Base Mainnet in the network dropdown.

Note: If you’re using a different wallet (not MetaMask), use the same Base network details above to configure it.

Step 3: Fund Your Wallet with ETH

You’ll need ETH to pay for transaction fees (called “gas”) on the Base network and to buy USDC if using a decentralized exchange (DEX).

Buy ETH

Purchase ETH on a trusted cryptocurrency exchange like Binance, Coinbase, or Kraken.

How much ETH?

Aim for enough ETH to cover:

• The USDC you need for the competition entry fee (if buying on a DEX).
• Extra ETH worth $1–2 for gas fees (Base fees are low, but it’s good to have a buffer).

Transfer ETH to MetaMask

1. Copy your MetaMask wallet address (found under your account name in MetaMask).
2. Withdraw ETH from the exchange to your MetaMask address, selecting Base network for the transfer to avoid high Ethereum Mainnet fees.
3. Double-check the address and network before sending!

💡Tip: Always start with a small test transaction when sending crypto to a new wallet to ensure it arrives safely.

Step 4: Get USDC on Base Network

Now, acquire USDC to pay for the competition entry fee. You can buy USDC on a centralized exchange or swap ETH for USDC on a decentralized exchange (DEX).

Option 1: Buy USDC on a Centralized Exchange

1. On an exchange like Binance, Coinbase, or Kraken, buy or trade for enough USDC to cover the entry fee plus any withdrawal fees.
2. Withdraw the USDC to your MetaMask wallet:

• Paste your MetaMask wallet address.
• Select Base network for the withdrawal to ensure compatibility.
• Confirm the transaction and wait for it to arrive.

Option 2: Swap ETH for USDC on a Decentralized Exchange

1. Visit a DEX like Uniswap or Sushiswap on the Base network (ensure MetaMask is connected to Base Mainnet).
2. Connect your MetaMask wallet to the DEX.
3. Select ETH as the input token and USDC as the output token.
4. Enter the amount of ETH to swap for enough USDC for the entry fee, plus a little extra for gas.
5. Confirm the swap in MetaMask and wait for the transaction to complete.

💡Tip: Check the exchange rate and slippage settings on the DEX to avoid overpaying.

Step 5: Verify USDC in MetaMask

If USDC doesn’t appear in your MetaMask wallet after buying or swapping, you may need to import the token manually.

1. Ensure MetaMask is connected to Base Mainnet.
2. Click the three dots (menu) in the bottom-right corner of MetaMask.
3. Select Import Tokens.
4. In the search field, type USDC and select it from the list.
5. Click Next, then Import to confirm.

Your USDC balance should now be visible!

Final Notes

• Double-Check Everything: Always verify wallet addresses, network settings (Base Mainnet), and transaction details to avoid mistakes.
• Stay Secure: Use trusted exchanges and DEXs, and never share your wallet’s private keys or seed phrase.
• Ready to Compete: Your MetaMask wallet is now funded with ETH (for gas) and USDC (for entry fees) on the Base network. You’re all set to join AdelTrade’s competitions!

If you run into issues or have questions, reach out to AdelTrade’s support or check our linked guides for more help.