How to Send USDC from Coinbase to MetaMask

USDC exists on multiple blockchains, and Coinbase lets you choose which one to send on. Pick the wrong network and your stablecoins end up on a chain you did not intend. This guide walks through the transfer and explains how to get it right the first time.

Before You Start

• A Coinbase account with USDC balance
• MetaMask installed with your recovery phrase backed up
• MetaMask connected to the network you plan to receive on (Ethereum, Base, Arbitrum, or Polygon)
• A small amount of the native gas token on your destination network if you plan to move the USDC after receiving it (ETH for Ethereum/Base/Arbitrum, MATIC for Polygon)

Coinbase defaults to Base for USDC transfers because it is free and fast. If you need USDC on Ethereum mainnet (for a specific DeFi protocol, for example), you must manually switch the network during checkout.

How to Send USDC from Coinbase to MetaMask

1. Open MetaMask and switch to your target network. Use the network dropdown at the top. If you need Base or Arbitrum and it is not listed, add it via chainlist.org.
2. Copy your MetaMask address. Click your account name to copy. Your address (0x...) is the same across all EVM networks, but you must be viewing the correct network.
3. Log into Coinbase and navigate to USDC. Find USDC in your assets and click "Send."
4. Paste your MetaMask address. Enter it in the recipient field and verify the first and last six characters.
5. Select the same network you set in MetaMask. This is the most important step. If MetaMask is on Base, choose Base on Coinbase. If MetaMask is on Ethereum, choose Ethereum.
6. Enter the amount and send a test first. For your first transfer, send $5 to confirm everything works before sending the rest.
7. Review and confirm. Check the network, address, amount, and fee. Complete any 2FA prompts and send.
8. Verify receipt in MetaMask. USDC should appear within seconds (Base) to a few minutes (Ethereum). If it does not show, add USDC as a custom token in MetaMask using the token contract address for your network.

Fees and Timing

For most users, Base is the best choice: free, fast, and increasingly supported by DeFi protocols. Ethereum mainnet remains the most compatible option but costs significantly more. For background on how stablecoins work across multiple chains, see our research on stablecoin design.

FAQ

What if I sent USDC on the wrong network?

Your funds are not lost. Switch MetaMask to the network Coinbase actually sent on and your USDC will appear. For example, if you meant to send on Ethereum but Coinbase defaulted to Base, switch MetaMask to Base.

Do I need ETH in MetaMask to receive USDC?

No, receiving is free. But you will need the native gas token (ETH on Ethereum/Base/Arbitrum, MATIC on Polygon) to send or swap the USDC afterward. Transfer a small amount of gas token before or alongside your USDC.

Can I send USDC from Coinbase to a non-EVM wallet?

MetaMask only supports EVM chains. If you need USDC on Solana, use a Solana wallet like Phantom and select the Solana network on Coinbase. Do not send to a Solana address from MetaMask.

This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible. Always verify addresses and network selections before sending. Spark is not affiliated with Coinbase or MetaMask.