Base, Start Here

Updated 2026-10-29

Short answer: Base is an Ethereum layer 2 network built by Coinbase. It runs the same apps and uses the same 0x addresses as Ethereum, with much lower fees. Fees are paid in ETH, and Base has no token of its own.

How it relates to Ethereum

Base processes transactions cheaply and posts them back to Ethereum for security. Your ETH on Base and your ETH on Ethereum are separate balances on separate networks, even though the address is the same.

Getting on and off Base

• From Coinbase and many other exchanges you can withdraw directly to Base, often the cheapest way in. Choose Base as the network.
• The official bridge from Ethereum is quick to enter, but withdrawing back to Ethereum through it takes about seven days. See how crypto bridges work.
• Keep a little ETH on Base for fees.

Watch out

• Wrong network: ETH sent on Ethereum won't show up on Base, and the reverse.
• New-token hype and fake tokens: Base is home to many new tokens and memecoins; most lose value fast, and copies of real names are common.
• Approvals and signatures: how to read a transaction before you sign.

On Crypto Lighthouse

• [Portfolio](/portfolio): your tokens on Base, DeFi positions (Aerodrome, Uniswap, Aave and more) and recent activity.
• [Approvals](/rewards): check and revoke on Base, and claim Merkl incentive rewards.
• Token checks and [Check an Address](/check).

Learn more at base.org.