Coinbase has launched a new “everything app” called Base App, replacing its previous Coinbase Wallet.

The app integrates wallet, trading, and payment functions with social media, messaging, and support for mini apps.

All activity within the app runs on Coinbase’s public blockchain network, also named Base, which is built on Ethereum.

The move is aimed at broadening Coinbase’s reach to users who may not be interested in trading crypto but could benefit from the on-chain economy.

Beyond Trading: A Super App for the On-Chain Economy

The Base App draws inspiration from “super apps” like WeChat and Alipay, which combine multiple services into one platform.

These apps are central to digital life in China but have not found similar success in Western markets.

Meta and X have tried to build comparable platforms by merging messaging, payments, and social features.

Coinbase’s strategy seeks to reduce its dependence on trading revenues by providing broader use cases for crypto.

The company views the Base blockchain as a tool to drive real-world utility beyond speculation.

USDC Integration Powers Speed and Affordability

All in-app transactions will use USDC, a stablecoin issued by Circle. As part of the rollout, Coinbase introduced Base Account for identity verification and Base Pay, a one-click checkout feature for USDC payments across the web.

Base Pay was developed with Shopify, where the function is now active for tens of thousands of merchants.

"It will roll out to every merchant by the end of the year," said Alex Danco, a product manager at Shopify.

Coinbase also plans to extend Base Pay to brick-and-mortar stores with tap-to-pay capabilities. U.S. users will earn 1% cashback when paying with USDC on Base later this year.

Base is noted for its ability to settle payments in less than a second and at a cost of less than a cent.

Social, Commerce, and Identity: Features That Expand Reach

The Base App introduces a new model for content creators, offering more direct and diverse monetization options. Users will have greater control over their identity and data.

Coinbase plans to fund creator rewards and will waive USDC transaction fees within app chats to encourage wider adoption.

Until now, most interest in the Base network has come from developers. Last month, JPMorgan announced it would launch a deposit token on Base.

Regulatory Clarity and Strategic Partnerships Fuel Growth

Coinbase’s launch comes amid a wave of product rollouts across the crypto industry, driven by pro-crypto policies from the Trump administration and anticipated legislation from Congress, possibly as early as this week.

Last month, Coinbase launched its first credit card with American Express, and both Shopify and Stripe enabled USDC-powered payments through Coinbase.

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong said that he and the company share a "stretch goal" to make USDC the number one stablecoin in the world, a position currently held by Tether’s USDT.

He added that he aims to make Coinbase “the number one financial services app in the world” in the next five to ten years.

PHOTO: UNSPLASH

This article was created with AI assistance.