Coinbase Debuts All-in-One App Powered by Stablecoins
In a bold move to expand its footprint, Coinbase has launched the Base App, a new “everything app” powered by stablecoins and built on the Base blockchain. Replacing the older Coinbase Wallet, the app aims to serve more than just crypto traders—it’s targeting everyday consumers with a platform that unifies payments, trading, messaging, social media, and mini-apps into one seamless experience.
A New Kind of Super App Hits the West
Inspired by China’s all-in-one platforms like WeChat and Alipay, the Base App is Coinbase’s attempt to bring that model to the Western market. While companies like Meta and X have flirted with the concept, Coinbase is betting on blockchain to succeed where others fell short.
Unlike traditional financial apps, the Base App leverages its own fast, affordable public blockchain—Base, built on Ethereum—and USDC stablecoin to power in-app transactions. This tech combination enables near-instant settlement for a fraction of a cent, a major step forward in making blockchain tech usable for everyday payments.
Going Beyond Crypto Trading
Coinbase is shifting its focus beyond speculative trading. With the Base App, it’s reaching out to users who may not be interested in crypto investments but are open to blockchain-powered services. The aim? To mainstream on-chain utility and create new use cases that blend finance, communication, and creator tools.
Along with the app, Coinbase introduced Base Account, a secure identity verification system, and Base Pay, a one-click checkout system powered by USDC and integrated with Shopify. By year-end, Base Pay will expand into physical stores via tap-to-pay.
Shopify is already enabling tens of thousands of merchants to use Base Pay. Users in the U.S. who pay with USDC on Base will also get 1% cash back—a clever incentive to drive adoption.
A Creator-First, Consumer-Driven Model
Beyond payments, the Base App puts creators at the center. It offers direct monetization features and lets users control their identity and data—something that traditional platforms struggle to deliver. Coinbase even plans to fund creator rewards and waive transaction fees for USDC chats to attract a wider audience.
These features signal a pivot from revenue-heavy crypto trading to long-term user growth and content-based monetization models. While returns won’t be immediate, the strategic value could be enormous.
Perfect Timing in a Pro-Crypto Wave
The timing couldn’t be better. With clearer crypto regulations on the horizon and support from the Trump administration, Coinbase is riding a wave of optimism. Just last month, it launched a credit card with American Express and enabled USDC-powered Shopify payments in partnership with Stripe.
Coinbase’s CEO Brian Armstrong has set ambitious goals: make USDC the world’s top stablecoin and turn Coinbase into the leading financial services app globally within the next decade.
As blockchain evolves from speculative to practical, Coinbase’s Base App could mark a turning point—where stablecoin meets social, and crypto becomes truly consumer-first.
Stay tuned to Maple Wire for the next big move in fintech.
