The evolution of blockchain development demands more than just secure infrastructure—it requires flexibility, scalability, and seamless integration. With the launch of Wallet API v2, developers now have a powerful toolset to build next-generation decentralized applications (dApps) with minimal overhead and maximum control.
This advanced API redefines how developers interact with crypto accounts by combining robust security, multi-network compatibility, and smart contract-powered account features—all while abstracting away the complexities of private key management.
Whether you're building on Ethereum, other EVM-compatible chains, or Solana, Wallet API v2 streamlines development with a unified interface and enterprise-grade protection.
👉 Discover how easy it is to integrate secure wallet functionality into your app today.
Key Improvements in v2 vs v1
Wallet API v2 introduces a major leap forward in usability, security, and functionality compared to its predecessor. The following enhancements reflect a developer-first approach:
- Simplified security model: No need to manage private keys or set up complex signer infrastructure.
- Trusted Execution Environment (TEE): All cryptographic operations occur within an AWS Nitro Enclave, ensuring that sensitive data remains isolated and tamper-proof.
- Single secret authentication: One Wallet Secret grants access across all EVM and Solana accounts—no more juggling multiple credentials.
- Multi-network support: Create EVM accounts that work across Ethereum, Base, Optimism, and more, plus native Solana account support.
- Advanced smart account features: Leverage transaction batching, gas sponsorship, and spend permissions via EIP-4337-compliant smart contracts.
- Viem compatibility: Integrate directly with viem’s popular toolkit using custom account abstractions.
These upgrades make Wallet API v2 not just an incremental update—but a complete reimagining of what a wallet backend should be.
Enhanced Security Architecture
One of the most significant challenges in blockchain development is securing private keys without sacrificing usability. Wallet API v2 solves this by offloading key management to Coinbase’s secure infrastructure.
All transaction signing happens inside a Trusted Execution Environment (TEE)—a hardware-isolated environment where even system administrators cannot access cryptographic material. This means your keys are never exposed, not even to Coinbase itself.
How It Works
When you initiate a transaction:
- Your request is sent to the CDP platform.
- The TEE retrieves the encrypted private key.
- Signing occurs entirely within the secure enclave.
- Only the signed transaction is returned—no keys ever leave the environment.
This architecture eliminates the risks associated with self-custody and server-side signers while maintaining full programmatic control.
Rotatable Wallet Secrets
Security doesn’t stop at encryption. If your Wallet Secret is ever compromised or lost, you can rotate it instantly through the API. This ensures continuous protection without downtime or manual recovery processes.
👉 Learn how secure transaction signing can simplify your dApp architecture.
Unified Access Across Chains
Gone are the days of building separate systems for different blockchains. With Wallet API v2, you can manage both EVM and Solana accounts from a single interface.
Multi-EVM Network Support
Unlike v1, which limited each account to one EVM chain, v2 allows a single account to operate across multiple networks—including Ethereum, Polygon, Arbitrum, Avalanche, and more—without creating new keys or configurations.
This cross-chain capability reduces operational complexity and enables truly interoperable applications.
Native Solana Integration
For developers expanding beyond the EVM ecosystem, Wallet API v2 offers full support for Solana accounts. You can generate wallets, sign transactions, and manage balances programmatically—just like with EVM chains.
This dual-chain support makes it easier than ever to build cross-platform dApps that serve diverse user bases.
Smart Accounts: Powering Advanced Use Cases
Built on EIP-4337, Wallet API v2 supports smart accounts—contract-based wallets that unlock new levels of functionality:
Transaction Batching
Execute multiple operations in a single transaction. For example:
- Mint an NFT
- Transfer tokens
- Approve a marketplace listing
All in one atomic call—reducing gas costs and improving user experience.
Gas Sponsorship
Remove friction for users by covering their gas fees. Ideal for onboarding new users or enabling feeless interactions in games and social apps.
Spend Permissions (Coming Soon)
Control exactly how much and when funds can be spent—perfect for payroll systems, DAO treasuries, or delegated trading bots.
These capabilities transform basic wallets into intelligent financial agents capable of autonomous behavior.
Seamless Developer Experience with viem
If you're using viem—one of the most popular Ethereum development libraries—you’ll appreciate native compatibility with Wallet API v2.
By wrapping CDP-managed accounts as custom viem accounts, you can:
- Use familiar methods like
sendTransaction - Interact with contracts using
writeContract - Maintain consistent code patterns across local and remote wallets
This integration bridges the gap between high-level abstractions and secure backend infrastructure, accelerating development cycles.
Built-In Token Swaps with CDP Infrastructure
Why route swaps through third-party aggregators when you can use Coinbase’s own Swap APIs?
Wallet API v2 enables direct token swaps from your CDP-managed accounts. The process is simple:
- Request a quote for the best available price.
- Execute the swap—all within a single API call.
- Funds are transferred securely without leaving Coinbase’s trusted environment.
You retain full control: choose to use Coinbase’s nodes or connect your own infrastructure based on your needs.
This feature is ideal for dApps requiring automated portfolio rebalancing, dynamic liquidity provision, or instant token conversion at checkout.
Getting Started & Learning Resources
Ready to dive in? Here’s where to begin:
- Quickstart Guide: Set up your first account and send funds in minutes.
- Security Overview: Understand how TEEs and Wallet Secrets keep your app safe.
- Accounts Documentation: Explore supported account types and use cases.
- API Reference: Full technical specs for every endpoint.
Video Tutorials
See real-world implementations in action:
- Instamint Demo: An AI-powered NFT minting app with step-by-step walkthrough.
- Wallet Command Center: A comprehensive dashboard for managing multiple wallets and assets.
Join the #wallet-api channel on CDP Discord to ask questions, share feedback, and collaborate with other builders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the main advantage of Wallet API v2 over v1?
A: Wallet API v2 simplifies security with TEE-based key protection, supports multiple EVM chains and Solana, enables smart account features like gas sponsorship and batching, and uses a single secret for all accounts.
Q: Do I need to manage private keys with Wallet API v2?
A: No. Private keys are securely stored and used within a Trusted Execution Environment (TEE). Developers never handle raw keys directly.
Q: Can I use Wallet API v2 with existing tools like viem?
A: Yes. EVM accounts from Wallet API v2 are fully compatible with viem as custom accounts, allowing seamless integration into existing workflows.
Q: Is Solana supported in Wallet API v2?
A: Yes. You can create, manage, and transact with Solana accounts alongside EVM accounts using the same API interface.
Q: How do I protect my application if my Wallet Secret is compromised?
A: You can rotate your Wallet Secret at any time via the API, immediately invalidating the old secret and generating a new one.
Q: Can I perform token swaps directly through the API?
A: Yes. Wallet API v2 integrates with Coinbase’s Swap APIs to enable direct token swaps from your managed accounts in a single call.
👉 Start building with secure, scalable wallet infrastructure now.