# Getting Started

> **Everything you need to start earning yield with Sova vaults.**

***

## Requirements

| Requirement | Details                                              |
| ----------- | ---------------------------------------------------- |
| **Wallet**  | MetaMask, Coinbase Wallet, Rainbow, or WalletConnect |
| **Network** | Base Mainnet (Chain ID: 8453)                        |
| **Asset**   | cbBTC                                                |
| **Minimum** | $500 USD equivalent                                  |
| **Gas**     | Small amount of ETH on Base (\~$0.15)                |

***

## Supported Asset

### cbBTC (Coinbase Wrapped Bitcoin)

Sova vaults accept **cbBTC** — Coinbase's wrapped Bitcoin on Base.

| Feature         | Description                          |
| --------------- | ------------------------------------ |
| **Backing**     | 1:1 with Bitcoin in Coinbase custody |
| **Network**     | Native to Base for low gas costs     |
| **Acquisition** | Coinbase, Sova Swap, or Base DEXs    |

***

## Network

Sova vaults are live on **Base** — a fast, low-cost Layer 2.

| Parameter     | Value                   |
| ------------- | ----------------------- |
| **Network**   | Base Mainnet            |
| **Chain ID**  | 8453                    |
| **Gas Costs** | \~$0.10 per transaction |

***

## How to Get cbBTC

### Option 1: Coinbase

Purchase BTC on Coinbase and withdraw directly as cbBTC to your Base wallet.

### Option 2: Sova Swap

Use [Sova Swap](https://app.sova.io/swap) to convert any token from 50+ chains to cbBTC on Base.

### Option 3: DEX Swap

Exchange USDC, ETH, or other tokens for cbBTC on Base DEXs like Aerodrome.

***

## What You'll Receive

When you deposit cbBTC, you receive **svBTC** — a tokenized vault share.

| Feature        | Description                              |
| -------------- | ---------------------------------------- |
| **Standard**   | ERC-4626 vault token                     |
| **Value**      | Tracks your share of vault assets        |
| **Yield**      | Appreciates as settlement fees accrue    |
| **Redemption** | Exchange for cbBTC + yield after 30 days |

> **Think of svBTC as a Receipt**
>
> Your svBTC balance stays constant. Its cbBTC value grows over time.

***

## Quick Start Checklist

Before depositing:

* [ ] Wallet connected to Base Mainnet
* [ ] ETH on Base for gas (\~$0.15)
* [ ] cbBTC in your wallet
* [ ] Minimum deposit ready ($500 USD equivalent)

***

## Next Steps

| <p><strong>Deposit</strong></p><p><a href="/pages/EoNFjtKfzoJ75PdO0jNV">Deposit Flow</a></p><p>Step-by-step deposit guide</p>          | <p><strong>Yield</strong></p><p><a href="/pages/sM7tEbC6MkFezpAvJeNc">Yield Mechanics</a></p><p>How settlement fees generate returns</p> |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| <p><strong>Withdraw</strong></p><p><a href="/pages/jSU2C8gMOv4IWvSCauYZ">Redeeming & Liquidity</a></p><p>30-day redemption process</p> | <p><strong>FAQ</strong></p><p><a href="/pages/NInIcwcL4JEBtzRrO4EV">Glossary & FAQ</a></p><p>Common questions answered</p>               |

***

## Ready?

Head to [app.sova.io](https://app.sova.io) to connect your wallet and deposit cbBTC.


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