# Welcome to LayerDrone This is your support hub for flying with the Spexi app on the LayerDrone network — find answers about USDC rewards, your wallet, and how to cash out your rewards. LayerDrone is the decentralized network that powers the Spexi app. LayerDrone lives on Base Mainnet. Pilot rewards are paid in USDC — a stablecoin issued by Circle, pegged 1:1 to the US Dollar — directly to the wallet connected to your Spexi account. Rewards settle once your uploads are verified by the network, replacing the previous two-week cash payout cycle. This site is your support hub for everything related to flying on LayerDrone. Start here: * [**Pilot Rewards: USDC**](https://support.layerdrone.org/pilot-rewards-usdc-on-march-17th) — What changed on March 17th and what it means for you * [**Rewards FAQ**](https://support.layerdrone.org/rewards-faq) — How to get paid, find your wallet, and answers to other common questions * [**Cashing Out**](https://support.layerdrone.org/cashing-out-usdc-to-your-bank) — How to transfer USDC to your bank account The Spexi app remains your home base for missions, uploads, and managing the wallet that receives your rewards. For a deeper look at how LayerDrone works, see the [LayerDrone white paper](https://layerdrone.gitbook.io/layerdrone). # Pilot Rewards: USDC What's changing on March 17th: how USDC rewards work, what it means for your earnings, and how to get set up. LayerDrone is now live on Base Mainnet. Pilot rewards are issued in USDC – a stablecoin issued by Circle, pegged 1:1 to the US Dollar – directly to the wallet connected to your Spexi account. Rewards appear shortly after your imagery is verified by the network. The previous two-week Stripe cash payout cycle has ended. *** **How we got here** | Date | What happens | | --------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Before March 17 | Rewards paid via Stripe as cash, on a two-week cycle | | March 17, 2026 | LayerDrone launches on Base Mainnet; USDC rewards activate | | After March 17 | Rewards appear in your Spexi wallet after imagery verification — no more two-week waits | *** **What to do now** Here's how pilots can prepare for USDC rewards: 1. [**Find the wallet connected to your Spexi account**](https://support.layerdrone.org/rewards-faq#where-is-my-wallet-in-my-spexi-account) — A wallet for your USDC rewards is already connected to your Spexi account. You can use it to transfer USDC to an exchange. 2. [**Understand how you get paid**](https://support.layerdrone.org/rewards-faq#how-do-i-get-paid-starting-march-17) — A walkthrough of the new rewards system. You'll need [an exchange account](https://help.coinbase.com/en/coinbase/getting-started/getting-started-with-coinbase/create-a-coinbase-account) that's [connected to your bank](https://help.coinbase.com/en/coinbase/getting-started/add-a-payment-method/add-and-verify-pm-namerica-latam) to cash out your USDC rewards. 3. [**Learn how to transfer USDC to your bank**](https://support.layerdrone.org/cashing-out-usdc-to-your-bank) — Step-by-step instructions for converting USDC and withdrawing to your local currency. *** **Questions?** The [Rewards FAQ](https://support.layerdrone.org/rewards-faq) covers the most common questions pilots have had about the transition. If something isn't answered there, reach out in the [LayerDrone Discord](https://discord.gg/layerdrone). # Rewards FAQ As of March 17, 2026, LayerDrone is live on Base Mainnet. USDC rewards are now being issued to Spexi pilots. This FAQ answers common questions about the new rewards system. **Jump to:** [Getting Paid: The Basics](#getting-paid-the-basics) · [Understanding USDC and Base](#understanding-usdc-and-base) · [Your Wallet](#your-wallet) · [Cashing Out](#cashing-out) *** ## Getting Paid: The Basics *** ### **What happened to my rewards before March 17th?** Prior to March 17, 2026, rewards were issued as cash via Stripe on a two-week payout cycle. After the final Stripe payout on March 19, 2026, that system has retired. All new rewards are issued in USDC. ### How did the change to USDC happen? On March 17, 2026, all active missions were closed and reactivated with USDC rewards. The value of rewards remained the same. Reservation capabilities paused briefly and have since returned. ### **How do I get paid starting March 17?** As of March 17, 2026, **LayerDrone issues pilot rewards as USDC: a digital currency with the same value as the US Dollar**. After a successful mission is verified by the network, you'll receive USDC in the digital wallet connected to your Spexi account . This new process will completely replace the Stripe payment process. ### How are USDC rewards for Canadian pilots being determined? Canadian pilots earn $7.50 USD for a standard mapping mission in Q1 2026 (missions that don't require special permits). This is calculated from the existing $10 CAD reward rate, converted using the official exchange rate at the start of the quarter and rounded to the nearest $0.50 USD. This rate stays fixed for the full quarter, unless exchange rates shift significantly for a prolonged period. ### What happens to Reputation Points (RP)? **RPs aren't going anywhere.** You'll keep your existing balance, continue earning them for every successful mission, and reservations will work exactly as before — all within the Spexi App. As part of the move to USDC rewards, LayerDrone will now issue RP rewards directly — the same way it's handling your USDC payouts. As the network grows, LayerDrone may update the points and reservation system, but any changes will be communicated in advance. *** ## Understanding USDC and Base *** ### **What is USDC?** USDC is a digital currency with the same value as a US Dollar. ### **What is Base?** **LayerDrone rewards are distributed on Base**, which is why you'll see references to it when transferring your USDC. Base is a fast, low-cost blockchain network for sending and receiving digital assets like USDC. It's built on top of Ethereum, which means it inherits Ethereum's security while keeping transaction fees very low — typically just a few cents or less. ### What is “gas” and do I need to worry about it? On Ethereum and Base, **“gas” is a small fee you pay to send something or use the network**, similar to a postage stamp or a credit‑card processing fee. It’s paid in the network’s own coin (ETH), and without it, your transaction won’t go through. The fee is usually very small on Base (often just a few cents or less), and a bit higher on Ethereum, but the idea is the same: you pay a tiny amount so the system will securely move or update your balance. You don’t need to understand “gas” to safely use the Base network for LayerDrone rewards, but you will need to have a small amount in your wallet to ensure transfers go through. **LayerDrone will be giving approximately $2 worth of ETH into the wallets of all active pilots during this transition.** Since gas fees on Base are typically under $0.02 per transaction, this is enough to fund plenty of transfers. If you’d like to learn more, here are some explainers from [crypto.com](https://crypto.com/us/crypto/learn/what-is-gas) and [MetaMask](https://support.metamask.io/more-web3/learn/user-guide-gas). *** ## Your Wallet *** ### **Where is my wallet in my Spexi account?** **Your wallet where USDC rewards will go is already set up.** Every Spexi account already has a wallet connected — it was created automatically when you signed up, or you connected your MetaMask wallet. You can find your wallet address in your account settings — it starts with "0x…". ### **What is a digital asset wallet?** A digital asset wallet is **a personal account for holding and sending digital assets** like USDC. Instead of a username and password, it uses a public address (like an email address, used to receive funds) and a private key (like a password, used to prove ownership). Never share your private key with anyone. ### Is the wallet in my Spexi account custodial? Can Spexi or LayerDrone move my USDC without my consent? **No, Spexi or LayerDrone cannot use your wallet** or reveal your private keys without your involvement and approval. Once rewards are deposited in your wallet, you are the only one that can access or move them. ### Can I export my private key from the wallet in my Spexi account? **No**, this feature is not supported at this time. ### What should I watch out for? What should I NOT do? * Never give anyone your private keys or wallet seed phrase * Don’t give anyone the credentials to log on to your exchange account. * Don’t send your USDC on any network that isn’t Base. * Don’t send your USDC to an exchange account that doesn’t have native base integration. *** ## Cashing Out *** ### Do I need anything else to transfer USDC? Yes — to send USDC from your wallet in the Spexi app**, you'll need a small amount of ETH in your wallet to cover transaction fees** (called gas fees). These are typically just a few cents, but your transfer won't go through without it. LayerDrone will be giving existing pilots about $2 worth of ETH during this transition to cover transfers. All you have to do is keep this ETH in your wallet. ### **How do I transfer USDC to my bank account?** Here's a step-by-step guide for pilots to convert USDC to cash and transfer it to their bank. {% content-ref url="/pages/J77G2WiuDJJAkDSRH2hp" %} [Cashing Out: How to Transfer USDC to Your Bank](/cashing-out-usdc-to-your-bank) {% endcontent-ref %} Otherwise, there are three steps to transfer your USDC to your bank account: 1. First, send USDC from your Spexi account’s wallet to your account on [an exchange that accepts USDC](#are-there-other-options-for-converting-my-usdc-into-cash), like [Coinbase](https://help.coinbase.com/en/coinbase/getting-started/getting-started-with-coinbase/create-a-coinbase-account) or Kraken. 2. Second, on the exchange, convert USDC by selling it for fiat currency (USD or CAD). 3. Third, transfer money from your exchange account to your bank account. You'll need to connect your bank account to your exchange account to do this.
*Note: US-based pilots using Coinbase can likely skip Step 2, as USD and USDC are* [*unified on Coinbase Exchange*](https://help.coinbase.com/en/exchange/crypto-transfers/usd-usdc)*.* ### **What is a centralized exchange?** A centralized exchange (CEX) is a platform where you can create an account to buy, sell, and trade digital assets. It works similarly to a bank or brokerage — you can deposit assets in, convert between currencies, and withdraw cash to your bank. Coinbase and Kraken are widely used in the US and Canada, and both support the Base network. ### Are there other options for converting my USDC into cash? **Yes, depending on where you live**, there are other options beyond Coinbase, though Coinbase is likely to be the easiest option for pilots in the US and Canada. It’s possible to use exchanges that do not have Native Base Integration, but would require bridging (converting) USDC to Ethereum prior to sending it, which incurs additional fees and steps.
Off-RampsNative Base IntegrationUS?Canada?
CoinbaseYesYesYes
KrakenYes* YesYes
BitbuyNo, need to bridge/convert USDC to EthereumNoYes
NewtonNo, need to bridge/convert USDC to EthereumNoYes
ShakepayNo, need to bridge/convert USDC to EthereumNoYes
Crypto.comNo, need to bridge/convert USDC to EthereumYesYes
MoonpayNo, need to bridge/convert USDC to EthereumYesYes BUT no stablecoin
*\* Longer transaction times* ### Do I have to convert my USDC to cash? USDC is essentially digital cash — it's always worth $1 USD. There are a few reasons you might want to keep it rather than withdrawing right away: * **It can earn yield.** Some platforms offer USDC rewards to eligible account holders. Rates and eligibility vary, so check your account settings to see if you qualify. * **You can send it to anyone, instantly.** You can transfer USDC to any wallet address (or on Coinbase, to any other Coinbase user) quickly and with little to no fees, 24/7 — no bank hours, wire fees, or transfer delays. * **You can use it to buy other digital assets.** If you're interested in investing in Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other assets, USDC is a convenient way to hold your funds and move quickly when you're ready. ### **Where can I get support on my wallet or payment questions?** First, check the Discord to see if your question has been answered, but do not share any personal information there! If your question hasn’t been answered, visit the [Spexi Support Portal](https://spexi.freshdesk.com/support/signup) to open a ticket with our support team. # Cashing Out: How to Transfer USDC to Your Bank A step-by-step guide to withdrawing your USDC rewards to your bank account using Coinbase. This guide walks you through the full process of converting your USDC rewards into cash in your bank account. We recommend Coinbase as your exchange, especially if you're new to crypto — but most steps apply to other exchanges as well. The process has three steps: 1. [**STEP 1:** Send USDC from your wallet to your exchange account](#step-1-send-usdc-from-your-wallet-to-your-exchange) 2. [**STEP 2:** Convert USDC to your local currency](#step-2-convert-usdc-to-your-local-currency) (Canada-based pilots only) 3. [**STEP 3:** Withdraw funds from your exchange to your bank account](#step-3-withdraw-funds-to-your-bank-account) (for both [US-based Pilots](#us-based-pilots) and [Canada-based Pilots](#canada-based-pilots))
*** ### Before you start Make sure you have the following before proceeding: * USDC rewards in the wallet connected to your Spexi account * [A Coinbase account ](https://help.coinbase.com/en/coinbase/getting-started/getting-started-with-coinbase/create-a-coinbase-account)(or another exchange that supports Base Network deposits) * [A bank account connected to your exchange](https://help.coinbase.com/en/coinbase/getting-started/add-a-payment-method/add-and-verify-pm-namerica-latam) If you haven't set up a Coinbase account yet, now is a good time. [Coinbase provides official instructions for creating an account](https://help.coinbase.com/en/coinbase/getting-started/getting-started-with-coinbase/create-a-coinbase-account) and [securing it](https://www.coinbase.com/security/login-security) with a strong password and two-factor authentication (2FA). *** ## Step 1: Send USDC from your wallet to your exchange *** {% hint style="info" %} ⚠️ Important: **You must send your USDC on the Base Network**. Sending on the wrong network may result in lost funds. Double-check that Base is selected before confirming any transaction. {% endhint %} To send USDC to Coinbase, you'll need your Coinbase deposit address for USDC on Base. This can be found in your Coinbase account under Receive > USDC > Base Network. 1. From the Coinbase home screen, click **Receive crypto**.
2. Search for and/or **select USDC**.
3. In “Select network,” **choose Base**. You may also get a warning to make sure you chose the correct network. Only send your USDC on the Base network. Coinbase also estimates the time the transfer will take – it is usually seconds on the Base Network.
4. The “Receive USDC” screen then provides your deposit address. **Copy the address by clicking the** **icon**. This is the address you’ll need to paste into your wallet in the Spexi App.
5. In the Spexi App, navigate to your Wallet, and click “**Send USDC now**”. With your wallet pulled up, click “**Send**”.
6. Select the USDC token, paste in your Coinbase deposit address, and specify the amount you’d like to send. The app will show “Transaction Successful” and the sent funds will be received in your Coinbase account, typically within minutes.
While [other exchanges can be used](https://support.layerdrone.org/rewards-faq#are-there-other-options-for-converting-my-usdc-into-cash), we recommend Coinbase for pilots new to crypto. *If your exchange doesn't support native Base integration, you won't be able to receive your USDC there.* *** ## Step 2: Convert USDC to your local currency *** ### US-based pilots (USDC → USD) **US-based pilots on Coinbase can skip this step.** Coinbase treats USD and USDC as interchangeable — meaning you can withdraw your USDC directly as US dollars without any extra conversion. Proceed to Step 3. ### Canada-based pilots (USDC → CAD) **Pilots based in Canada need to convert your USDC to CAD before withdrawing**. In Coinbase, navigate to Trade > Convert, select USDC as your source currency and CAD as the destination, enter your amount, and confirm. 1. From the Coinbase home screen, click **Sell** (top right)
2. Under "Sell," select **USDC**
3. Under "To," select **CAD Wallet**
4. Enter the amount you'd like to convert
5. Click **Review order**, then **Sell now**
*** ## Step 3: Withdraw funds to your bank account *** First, make sure your bank account is connected to Coinbase. Coinbase supports US ACH transfers and US/Canada wire transfers, as well as [other payment methods](https://help.coinbase.com/en/coinbase/getting-started/add-a-payment-method/add-and-verify-pm-namerica-latam#available-payment-methods-by-country) depending on your country (including PayPal and debit cards). Official instructions for connecting a bank account are [available on Coinbase's support site](https://help.coinbase.com/en/coinbase/getting-started/add-a-payment-method/add-and-verify-pm-namerica-latam). {% hint style="info" %} Note: The steps below reflect the standard Coinbase interface. If you're using the advanced interface, toggle it off in the lower-left corner of the screen to follow along. {% endhint %} ### **US-based pilots** 1. On the Coinbase home screen, click Withdraw Cash (lower right)
2. In the pop-up, click Withdraw
3. Select USDC as your source
{% hint style="info" %} Note: Coinbase treats USDC and USD as separate balances. If you also have cash in your account, you'll need to run two separate withdrawals. {% endhint %} 4. Select your bank account and preferred transfer method 1. **Instant transfer**: Available for a sliding-scale fee; arrives within minutes. The fee is shown once you enter a withdrawal amount. 2. **Standard transfer**: Typically free or low-fee; arrives in 1–3 business days
5. Enter the amount you'd like to withdraw. (Fewer, larger withdrawals may reduce total fees over time.)
6. Click **Preview**, then **Withdraw now**
Your funds will arrive according to your selected transfer method. ### **Canada-based pilots** 1. From the Coinbase home screen, click **Withdraw cash**
2. In the pop-up, enter the amount of cash you want to withdraw, then click **Continue**
3. Choose your transfer method. Fees are calculated based on withdrawal amount and method. 1. **Instant cash out** via Interac e-Transfer: 0-1% fee; Instant; lower withdrawal limit 2. **Standard cash out** via bank account: fees vary by bank; timing varies by days; typically higher withdrawal limit
4. Click **Preview**, then **Withdraw now**
Depending on your cash out method, your cash should arrive in your bank account in minutes (Instant) or days (Standard). Coinbase provides an estimate and updates per transaction.