How to send USDC to friends who don't have a wallet yet

Most crypto apps require the other person to already have a wallet before you can send anything. Until now, that meant asking your friend for a wallet address but with Ramp Network Wallet, that's no longer a requirement.

Just generate a payment link for any amount of USDC, share it however you want (WhatsApp, text, email, anywhere) and they claim the funds directly after downloading the app. No wallet address or setup required on your end.

Here's exactly how it works.

What Is a USDC Payment Link?

A USDC payment link is a shareable URL that holds a specific amount of USDC on the Base network. The sender creates the link inside the Ramp Network app and sends it to anyone they want, the recipient doesn't need to have a crypto wallet already.

The short version: you lock in the amount, generate a link, share it, and the other person claims it. If they don't claim it within 48 hours, or if you cancel it manually, the funds return to your wallet.

How to Send USDC via Payment Link (Step by Step)

Here's the full flow from inside the Ramp Network Wallet app:

1. Open the Ramp Network Wallet app and tap the More (•••) button 
2. Select Send

3. Enter the amount of USDC you want to send and click “Link”

4. Authenticate with your passkey (Face ID or equivalent).
5. Link: Share a public link to anyone.  

6. The app generates a unique payment link. Tap Copy
7. Share the link anywhere: WhatsApp, iMessage, email, DMs.

 That's it. Once shared, your job is done. 

The recipient receives the link and follows the steps on their end to claim the funds.

What Happens on the Recipient's Side

The person receiving the link doesn't need a Ramp Network account before they get the link. Here's what they do after opening it:

• Download the Ramp Network app.
• Create their wallet and set up a username (takes under a minute).
• Open the link inside the app.
• Claim the USDC, it lands directly in their wallet.

Key Details to Know

Expiration

Payment links expire automatically after 48 hours if the recipient doesn't claim them. Once expired (or if you manually cancel), the full USDC amount returns to your wallet, nothing is lost.

Manual Cancellation

Changed your mind? You can cancel a payment link at any time before it's claimed by tapping the Revert funds button inside the app. Your USDC comes right back.

Network

Payment links work exclusively with USDC on the Base network. Other assets and networks are not supported for this feature.

Gas Fees

Ramp Network covers gas fees for USDC on Base transactions, which means you send exactly what you intend, no rounding up for network costs.

Security

The transaction is protected by your passkey (Face ID or device authentication). The recipient must use the Ramp Network app to claim the funds, the link cannot be claimed through a browser alone.

When Does This Actually Come in Handy?

This feature is built for everyday situations that normally require either technical knowledge or a lot of back-and-forth:

• Splitting a bill or expense with someone who doesn't have a crypto wallet yet.
• Sending money to a friend or family member in another country, quickly, with no transfer intermediary.
• Paying someone for a service when you don't have their wallet address.
• Onboarding someone to crypto for the first time, the payment link is their first reason to download the app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the recipient need a Ramp Network account before I send the link?

No. The recipient can create their Ramp Network Wallet account after receiving the link. They'll need to download the app and set up a wallet to claim the funds but none of that needs to happen before you send.

What happens if the recipient doesn't claim the link?

If the payment link isn't claimed within 48 hours, it expires automatically and the USDC returns to your wallet. You can also manually cancel it at any time before it's claimed.

Can I send any crypto using payment links?

Payment links are currently available for USDC on the Base network only. For other assets or networks, you can use the Send to Wallet Address option in the Ramp Network Wallet app.

Is there a fee to send USDC via payment link?

Ramp Network covers gas fees for USDC on Base transactions, so you pay no additional network cost. The amount you enter is the amount the recipient receives.

Does the recipient pay any fees?
No. Ramp Network covers all the fees, so the recipient claims exactly what you sent.

Can the link be claimed in a browser?

No. The recipient needs to use the Ramp Network Wallet app to claim the funds. The link will prompt them to download the app if they haven't already.

Can I send a payment link to multiple people?

Each payment link is for a single recipient and a fixed amount. To send to multiple people, you'd generate a separate link for each.

Ready to Try It?

Download the Ramp Network Wallet app and create your first payment link in under a minute. Available in 150+ countries, regulated in the EU, UK & US, and built for anyone who wants to move money in the real world.

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Ramp Swaps (Ireland) Limited trading as Ramp Network is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

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