Topping Up Mid-Project: How to Add USDC Without Restarting Your Key or Clients
Learn how to add USDC to your API aggregator account without interrupting your API key or client configurations. This guide covers checking your balance, sending USDC on Base, and verifying the top-up, ensuring seamless continuation of your projects.
Why Top Up Without Restarting?
When you're deep into a project, the last thing you want is to reconfigure your API key or restart your clients. Topping up mid-project should be seamless. With USDC on Base, you can add funds without touching your existing setup. Your API key remains the same, and your clients continue working without interruption.
Prerequisites
Before you top up, ensure you have:
- An active API key from the aggregator.
- A wallet that supports USDC on the Base network.
- Some USDC available on Base.
Step 1: Check Your Current Balance
Log in to your dashboard and locate your current balance. This helps you decide how much to top up. Since you pay official price × 1.3, calculate your expected usage to determine the amount.
- Navigate to the billing or balance section.
- Note the current balance and any usage trends.
Step 2: Initiate a Top-Up
Find the top-up option in your dashboard. You'll be prompted to send USDC on Base to a provided address.
- Click "Top Up" or similar.
- Copy the deposit address or scan the QR code.
Step 3: Send USDC on Base
From your wallet, send USDC on the Base network to the provided address.
- Ensure you're on the Base network.
- Double-check the address.
- Confirm the transaction.
Step 4: Verify the Top-Up
After sending, wait for the transaction to confirm on Base. Typically, it takes a few seconds. Your dashboard balance should update automatically.
- Refresh your dashboard if needed.
- Check the transaction history for confirmation.
Step 5: Continue Using Your API Key
Your API key remains active throughout. No need to restart clients or change configurations. Your existing integrations continue to work.
- Keep using your current API key.
- No changes to client code required.
Understanding the Cost Structure
When you use the aggregator, you pay official price × 1.3. If you're a key contributor, you receive credits at official price × 1.1 (or × 1.2 for premium). This means your effective cost is reduced through contributions, but the base payment remains × 1.3.
Troubleshooting
- If your balance doesn't update, check the transaction status on a Base explorer.
- Ensure you sent USDC on Base, not another network.
- Contact support if issues persist.
Conclusion
Topping up mid-project is straightforward and doesn't disrupt your workflow. By following these steps, you can add USDC and continue using your API key without missing a beat.