> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.fundwork.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Connecting Your Base Account to Fundwork — Get Started

> Learn what a Base account is, why Fundwork uses it for identity and payments, and how to connect or create one to start using the platform.

Fundwork is built natively on Base — an Ethereum Layer 2 network — which means your Base account isn't just a payment method, it's your identity on the platform. Before you can sign in, post opportunities, or get paid, you need a Base-compatible wallet and a `.base.eth` name. This page explains what that means and walks you through getting set up.

<Note>
  Fundwork is currently in **alpha**. The connection flow may evolve as the platform approaches public launch.
</Note>

## What Is a Base Account?

Base is an Ethereum Layer 2 (L2) network developed by Coinbase. It inherits Ethereum's security while offering faster transactions and significantly lower fees. A Base account is simply an Ethereum-compatible wallet address that operates on the Base network.

What makes a Base account distinct on Fundwork is the `.base.eth` name — a human-readable on-chain identity (e.g., `yourname.base.eth`) that replaces a raw wallet address as your public identifier. On Fundwork, your `.base.eth` name is your profile name, your reputation anchor, and the label that appears on every proposal and submission you make.

<Info>
  `.base.eth` names are registered on-chain and are associated with your wallet. They are not usernames managed by Fundwork — they are yours, controlled by your wallet.
</Info>

## Why Fundwork Uses Base for Identity and Payments

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Portable Identity" icon="id-card">
    Your `.base.eth` name travels with you across the web3 ecosystem. Your Fundwork reputation is tied to an identity you own, not one that can be revoked by a platform.
  </Card>

  <Card title="USDC Payments on Base" icon="circle-dollar-to-slot">
    All Fundwork payments are made in USDC on Base. Low L2 fees mean more of your earnings reach you, and on-chain settlement means payments are fast and verifiable.
  </Card>

  <Card title="No Passwords" icon="lock-open">
    Wallet-based authentication through Privy means there are no passwords to create, store, or reset. Your wallet signature proves who you are.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Global Access" icon="globe">
    Anyone with a Base-compatible wallet can participate in Fundwork, regardless of country or access to traditional financial infrastructure.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## How to Connect Your Base Account

<Steps>
  <Step title="Get a Base-compatible wallet">
    To connect to Fundwork, you need a wallet that supports the Base network. **Coinbase Wallet** is the most straightforward option and is built with Base compatibility in mind. Other Ethereum-compatible wallets that support Base will also work.

    If you don't have a wallet yet, download and set up Coinbase Wallet from [wallet.coinbase.com](https://wallet.coinbase.com) or your device's app store, and follow the wallet's onboarding to create a new account and secure your recovery phrase.

    <Warning>
      Store your wallet's recovery phrase somewhere safe and offline. No one — including Fundwork — can recover your wallet if you lose it. Never share your recovery phrase with anyone.
    </Warning>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Acquire a .base.eth name">
    Your `.base.eth` name is your Fundwork identity. If you don't have one, you can register one through the Base ecosystem. Look for the name registration flow within Coinbase Wallet or through the Base naming service.

    <Tip>
      Pick a name you'd be comfortable sharing professionally. Clients will see it on every interaction you have on Fundwork.
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Visit Fundwork and sign in">
    Go to [https://fundwork.app](https://fundwork.app) and select **Sign in with Base**. Fundwork uses Privy to handle the connection, which will prompt your wallet to approve the sign-in request.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Approve the wallet connection">
    Your wallet will display a signature request from Fundwork. Review it and approve. This signature proves ownership of your address — no transaction is broadcast and no funds are moved at this step.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm your .base.eth name">
    Once your wallet is connected, Fundwork will read your `.base.eth` name and set it as your profile identity. If multiple names are associated with your wallet, you may be prompted to select the one you want to use.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Switching or Adding a Wallet

If you want to use a different wallet address or `.base.eth` name, sign out of Fundwork and sign back in with the wallet you'd like to use instead. Each wallet address with a `.base.eth` name will create or access its own Fundwork profile.