> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://base-zap.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to Send USDC Tips on BaseZap — Username or Cast Link

> Send USDC tips to any Farcaster user in seconds. Use a username or paste a cast link — BaseZap resolves the wallet and settles on Base instantly.

BaseZap makes it easy to reward builders, creators, or anyone who posts a helpful reply on Farcaster. You only need a username or cast link to send USDC directly to their wallet.

## Two Ways to Tip

BaseZap gives you two flexible ways to identify a recipient. Both methods resolve to the same on-chain delivery — USDC sent directly to the recipient's connected wallet on Base.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="By Username" icon="at">
    Enter the recipient's Farcaster username (e.g., `@alice`). BaseZap automatically resolves the username to their verified wallet address — no copy-pasting addresses required.
  </Card>

  <Card title="By Cast Link" icon="link">
    Paste the URL of any Farcaster cast. BaseZap reads the cast author and attributes the tip directly to them. Useful when you want to reward a specific post or reply.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Amount Presets and Custom Amounts

To keep tipping fast, BaseZap offers one-tap preset amounts. You can also enter any custom value.

| Preset | You Send    | Recipient Gets | Platform Fee |
| ------ | ----------- | -------------- | ------------ |
| \$0.10 | \$0.10 USDC | \$0.098 USDC   | \$0.002      |
| \$0.50 | \$0.50 USDC | \$0.490 USDC   | \$0.010      |
| \$1.00 | \$1.00 USDC | \$0.980 USDC   | \$0.020      |
| \$5.00 | \$5.00 USDC | \$4.900 USDC   | \$0.100      |

The fee preview updates in real time as you type a custom amount, so you always see exactly what the recipient will receive before you confirm. See [Fees](/tipping/fees) for a full breakdown.

## How to Send a Tip

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open BaseZap">
    Launch BaseZap from within Farcaster or navigate directly to the mini app. Make sure your wallet is connected and you have USDC on Base Mainnet.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose your input method">
    Select **By Username** and type the recipient's Farcaster handle (include the `@`), or select **By Cast Link** and paste the cast URL. BaseZap resolves the recipient automatically.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select or enter an amount">
    Tap one of the preset amounts — $0.10, $0.50, $1, or $5 — or type a custom USDC value in the input field.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review the fee breakdown">
    Confirm the recipient's display name, wallet address, tip amount, platform fee (2%), and estimated network cost. Everything is shown before you sign.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm the transaction">
    Approve the transaction in your wallet. BaseZap submits it to Base Mainnet. Settlement typically completes in approximately 2 seconds.
  </Step>

  <Step title="See the confirmation">
    BaseZap shows a success screen with the transaction details. The tip has already landed in the recipient's wallet.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  Funds land instantly — no claiming, connecting, or extra steps are required by the recipient. As long as they have a verified wallet on Farcaster, the USDC arrives directly.
</Tip>

<Warning>
  Transactions on Base are irreversible. Double-check the recipient's username or cast link before confirming — BaseZap cannot reverse or recall a submitted tip.
</Warning>

## Leaderboard Recognition

Every tip you send counts toward your standing on the BaseZap leaderboard. Top senders and top earners are featured publicly, giving active community members extra visibility. Check the leaderboard inside the app to see where you rank.