Smart wallet

Smart wallet unifies accounts for easy asset access. Onboard directly and securely from apps without needing to install a separate app or extension. Using passkeys, there’s no need to memorize a recovery phrase, and cloud-based or hardware passkeys (e.g. Apple or Google passkeys) allow you to access your wallet across multiple devices.

Access smart wallet via the Base app by importing your smart wallet or via web at wallet.coinbase.com. Smart wallet can't be accessed through the Coinbase app or the Base extension.

Use the Base app or wallet.coinbase.com to manage balances, view assets and transactions, or explore new opportunities. You can also perform wallet functions like swapping and sending.

Smart wallet allows apps to pay for your network fees or batch transactions together to help you save on network fees.  For more information, check out EIP-5792: Wallet Call API.

Difference between smart wallet and the Base app or extension

Smart wallet allows you to create a wallet without installing an extension or app. You can link your Coinbase account to use your ETH balances onchain without pre-funding your wallet (currently limited to ETH for transactions on Base), interact with sites and apps that sponsor your network fees, and use your wallet across apps.

The Base app and extension support Bitcoin, Solana, and custom networks. They’re ideal for Ethereum network transactions on lower cost networks like Base. 

The Base extension does not support smart wallet.

Supported chains on smart wallet

Smart wallet supports these low-cost chains:

• Base

• Optimism

• Arbitrum

• Polygon

• Zora

• BNB

• Avalanche C-Chain 

We support Ethereum Mainnet but recommend using networks like Base to save on network fees.

Ethereum network fees for smart wallet compared to the Base app or extension

On the Ethereum network, network fees for onchain transactions made using a smart wallet are generally higher than those made using a Base wallet due to smart contract usage. This means each transaction incurs more network fees (also known as gas).

Smart contracts enable features like easily accessing funds in your linked Coinbase account to pay for onchain transactions, or having apps sponsor network fees. But, they also increase costs per transaction. On low-cost networks like Base this difference is typically small, but on Ethereum it can be expensive.

To avoid high network fees, we recommend using your smart wallet on low-cost networks like Base, Optimism, or Polygon, rather than directly on Ethereum. Your Base smart wallet gas fees are sponsored.

For dapps or assets only accessible on Ethereum, use the Chrome extension or mobile app. 

Purchasing Bitcoin and other UTXO assets, or using the Solana blockchain

To purchase Bitcoin, other UTXOs such as LTC or DOGE, or use the Solana blockchain, we recommend you download the Base app or chrome extension.

Smart wallet vs. traditional (EOA) wallet

If you created your wallet with a passkey, you have a smart wallet.  If you created your wallet without a passkey and have a 12 word recovery phrase, you have a traditional (EOA) wallet.