Test Crypto Transactions
While in Bead's test environment, mainnet (real) crypto tokens must be used. For example, to test a USDC payment, real USDC tokens must be used on a supported network (e.g. Base). Please use the following sections for instructions on how to acquire tokens for test payments, including how to acquire fee tokens to cover blockchain network fees.
We highly recommend testing with USDC on the Base network for its low fees and fast transaction speeds.
Install a Crypto Wallet App
Download a crypto wallet app (e.g. Phantom on Android, iOS)
You may also set up a browser extension (e.g. Phantom from the Chrome Web Store)
Set up your wallet app/account
Create a secure password
Record your seed phrase
When setting up your wallet, be sure to record and safely secure your Secret Recovery Phrase—this is the only way to recover your wallet if you move to a new device. If you lose your Secret Recovery Phrase, any funds in your wallet will be lost.
Purchase Tokens
Wallets such as Phantom and Metamask offer the ability to purchase assets directly within the app using a credit card. This is the fastest and easiest method, however, be mindful of convenience fees added to the purchase price.
Purchase Tokens in the Phantom Mobile App (USDC on Base)
Select the "Buy" button from the main app screen
Search for and select your token
For USDC on Base, be sure to search for USDC in the search field and select the token with the following icon (outlined in red):
Enter your desired amount of tokens for purchase
USDC has a value of 1:1 with the U.S. Dollar (i.e. $20 gets you ~20 USDC)
Note that the minimum transaction size for USDC is $1.00
Be sure to purchase some extra tokens that you will need to convert to the native network token (ETH in the case of Base) to cover network fees. (Covered in the next section)
Select the payment method/provider
Wallet apps support multiple payment partners, some with better rates and/or convenience
Select "Continue" to proceed to the payment provider quote
Some partners require that you create an account before making a purchase (e.g. Coinbase)
Google SSO is often offered a means for expedient account creation (e.g. Topper)
Carefully review the network, fees, and exchange rate (see below for an example from Topper)
Review and complete your payment
Note that the payment method selected at this stage may carry an additional fee (e.g. Debit card, Google Pay)
Wait for your tokens to arrive
Return to the main screen of your wallet app
Allow a short amount of time for your tokens to appear
Acquire Fee Tokens
In order to create transactions, fees must be included and are typically paid with the network's native token. For example, on the Base network, ETH is required to pay fees.
Transaction fees can vary based on the network and other factors like network congestion.
There are two methods for acquiring fee tokens:
Convert (bridge) your existing tokens to the required token
Convert Tokens in the Phantom Mobile App (USDC to ETH)
From the home screen, select your existing token from the list of Tokens (e.g. USD Coin)
Select the "Sell" button
Carefully confirm the sell parameters
Enter the amount you wish to sell/convert (e.g. $1.00 worth)
Select the token you wish to receive (in this case, ETH on Base—confirm the icon is the same as in the screenshot below)
Note the conversion fee at the bottom of this screen
Select "Sell now" to execute the conversion
Wait for your tokens to arrive
Return to the main screen of your wallet app
Allow a short amount of time for your tokens to appear
Complete a Test Payment
Create a payment of at least $1.00 via your test application/API
From the Bead hosted payment page, select the "USD Coin" tender type
Open your wallet app and select your token (USDC)
Select "Send" and click the Scan/QR button (typically in the top-right corner)
Scan the QR code on the test payment page (Alternatively, copy/paste the address from the QR code)
Enter the payment amount as displayed on your payment page (e.g. 1.00)
Select "Next" to confirm transaction details, such as recipient address and fee amount
Select Send and wait for your payment to complete
When completing transactions, always scan or copy the address in the QR code on the Bead hosted payment page. Do not select "Recently Used" addresses from your wallet app. Bead uses unique addresses for each payment—sending to an old address will not result in a completed payment and may result in a loss of funds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which token is best for testing transactions?
USDC (USD Coin) on the Base network has the lowest fees and the fastest transaction times.
How many tokens should I acquire for fees?
In the case of USDC on the Base network, you should be safe if you account for $0.01 for each test transaction you wish to conduct. For example, if you acquired 21 USDC on Base and sell $0.20 to ETH, you will have ~20.80 USDC remaining and enough ETH to cover fees for 20 $1.00 transactions.
Which tokens do I need for fees for each coin?
The following table will outline the token required to cover transaction fees when sending a test payment, as well as the rough value of fee tokens required.
USDC (Base)
ETH (Base)
< $0.01
USDC (Solana)
SOL (Solana)
$0.01–0.02
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