As the biggest and most regulated centralized exchange in the US, Coinbase offers a wide range of cryptocurrencies and NFTs while providing plenty of other benefits, including a specialized Coinbase wallet, advanced trading tools, a unique way to earn free crypto through learning, and more. Coinbase’s ease of use and intuitive interface also make it a top choice for both beginner crypto enthusiasts and experienced veteran traders.
Our detailed Coinbase review analyzes the platform’s features and how to maximize them. It also informs about Coinbase’s trading fees, security, and other users’ experiences with the exchange.
Our Coinbase Review: Key Takeaways
- A reliable and legitimate platform, the company is publicly traded and available on major finance sites;
- Highly regulated exchange with top-notch security and safety protocols;
- An easy-to-use platform with a highly intuitive interface and trading tools;
- Requires detailed information about its users, which somewhat limits privacy.
Overview of Coinbase
Founded in 2012 by Brian Armstrong and Fred Ehrsam, Coinbase is a leading US-based cryptocurrency exchange headquartered in San Francisco. The platform simplifies buying, selling, and storing digital assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and over 240 other cryptocurrencies, catering to both retail and institutional users.
Known for its user-friendly interface and strict security measures — including cold storage for funds and regulatory compliance — Coinbase has grown to serve over 100 million users globally. It went public in 2021 via a direct listing (NASDAQ: COIN), marking a milestone in crypto’s mainstream adoption. Beyond its core platform, Coinbase offers services like Coinbase Wallet, Advanced Trade, and institutional tools (Coinbase Prime).
Supported Cryptocurrencies
On Coinbase, you can find a variety of digital assets, from evergreen cryptocurrencies to new and emerging coins. Currently, there are over 18,000 assets to choose from, which adds a lot of potential and the opportunity for diverse investments. Coinbase also lists new coins on an almost daily basis. On top of that, the platform also hosts an NFT trading app called Coinbase NFT marketplace, where users can buy, sell, and trade non-fungible tokens.
Products and Services
The Coinbase Wallet was introduced in 2017, and it’s one of the essential selling points for potential users. It’s an intuitive and easily accessible mobile crypto app that allows you to store your coins and private keys. Thanks to the wallet’s multi-currency support, your various altcoins will remain safe and easily manageable. What makes it one of the top crypto wallets of the moment is a user-friendly interface with an intuitive navigation menu that offers a hassle-free experience when trading your coins. On top of that, the Coinbase Wallet prioritizes security, which is why it includes 2FA protocols, biometric authentication, and secure seed phrase backup options. You can send coins seamlessly with fast wallet-to-wallet transfers, and there is also the option to send crypto via a link, making transfers lightning-fast and effortless. Coinbase offers a specialized section exclusively for crypto veterans who fully understand the industry’s ins and outs. Formerly known as Coinbase Pro, it has since been rebranded into Coinbase Advanced Trade. It’s an impressive accessory with its own interface that offers a much greater scope of reports and trading options. You can modify your trade page with the tools you need, making it a highly flexible and user-friendly option. These tools include interactive charts with EMA, MA, MACD, RSI, drawing tools, staking, borrowing, advanced order types, and much more. With this program, users can choose from over 500 trading pairs and benefit from the low Coinbase Advanced Trade fees, which are as low as 0.0% in some cases. When using Coinbase Advanced, you can also earn significant rewards when funding your balance. These rewards can be up to 4.7% in USDC, and both partial and unfilled orders are eligible. The platform currently boasts a $154 billion quarterly traded volume and $193 billion in safeguarded assets. Unlike the Coinbase Advanced Trade, which is free, Coinbase One is a subscription program that offers even more benefits. The question is, though: is Coinbase One worth it? If you’re not someone who trades regularly, then don’t bother. However, if you are an active trader who fully utilizes the features of the subscription program, then it can be one of the best investments for future trading ventures. The subscription currently costs $30 a month. So, what are the benefits of this subscription tier? Subscribing to Coinbase One removes the fees required on the standard trading platform. Although there would still be some Coinbase costs imposed when using Advanced, One will minimize unnecessary expenses. It will also make you eligible to win up to $100 in monthly fee returns and to become part of the exclusive sweepstakes. Conibase One provides customer support priority, improved security with insurance for up to $250,000, and a pre-filled form for filing crypto taxes. Coinbase Prime is a comprehensive platform designed for institutional investors. It offers advanced trading tools, secure custody solutions, and dedicated support. It provides access to deep liquidity, competitive pricing, and a wide range of digital assets, making it ideal for hedge funds, asset managers, and corporations. Features like OTC trading, staking, and analytics cater to sophisticated needs. To ensure asset protection, the accounts are covered by high security measures, including multi-party computation (MPC) and insurance coverage. With Coinbase Earn, users can put their cryptocurrency to work, generate passive income, and boost their crypto balance. It offers a fantastic potential for returns, with an APY of up to 12%. One of the benefits of this earning program is that Coinbase doesn’t impose any vesting or lock-up periods on digital assets, so you will be able to withdraw them whenever you want. There are technically three aspects to the Coinbase Earn program: staking, DeFi yielding, and the Leand and Earn feature, so let’s review them in more detail. It’s a popular way to earn crypto and is typically included as a utility in many of the new crypto projects. However, Coinbase staking rewards are available for various cryptocurrencies, making it an appealing choice for users with diverse portfolios. There are no lock-up periods on Coinbase, which offers a more flexible way to manage your digital assets. However, some of the drawbacks of Coinbase staking are that not all assets are eligible for staking and that the platform charges a commission for the rewards you generate. Although these are not massive expanses, it’s important to be aware of them beforehand. In a way, DeFi yielding is similar to staking, as they both involve “locking up” your coins, for which you will be rewarded. However, regarding DeFi yielding, you are not just providing your assets so the network can run smoothly but lending them to DeFi protocols. Your assets can then be borrowed by others through smart contracts, and the interest they pay for them is given to you as a reward. This process is done through the Compound Finance protocol, and Coinbase simply acts as an intermediary that processes the borrowed assets and the rewards. As is the case with staking, there are no lock-up periods imposed on DeFi yielding, so you can withdraw your assets whenever you want. However, the rewards and the amount you receive depend greatly on the assets you lend and the overall demand for that cryptocurrency.
This program is a unique way to receive crypto by learning about the industry. The rewards you can earn depend on the crypto coins that are currently available. You simply need to watch videos and learn about specific coins, blockchains, and other crypto concepts. These are usually clear and concise videos that might take some of your time but can be rewarding. You will then need to complete a quiz to show that you have actually learned, for which you will receive rewards. However, don’t expect some next-level crypto trading courses — this is just a great way to learn the basics and earn rewards! This program also offers plenty of opportunities for those who want to teach. Users can choose to create educational videos, lessons, and tutorials while sharing their assets with the Coinbase network. According to Coinbase statistics, almost half of the users prefer to learn about a crypto asset before they invest, so it can be a great way to generate crypto rewards. The platform also provides tools to help you track the number of holders, daily earnings, and the popularity of your campaign. Coinbase offers a Visa debit card to all its US users, and you can even earn crypto rewards just by making everyday purchases. The crypto rewards you earn with your Coinbase Card purchases will then be converted into US dollars. The rewards program is optional and has no hidden fees. The only downside of the Coinbase Card currently is that it is not available outside the United States and Hawaii. Coinbase trading fees are typically higher than those on other exchanges, but unlike with other platforms, there are no hidden fees. Overall, the fees are determined by various factors, including the amount you are transferring, the type of your account, the payment method you use, the country you are in, and more. For smaller transactions of up to $200, Coinbase includes a fixed tier-based fee structure based on the size of the transaction. Transaction Amount Fee Less than $10 $0.99 $10 to $25 $1.49 $25 to $50 $1.99 $50 to $200 $2.99 However, when it comes to transactions surpassing the $200 price point, Coinbase includes variable fees, which are determined by the payment method you choose. For example, the Coinbase wallet fees are 1.49%, as are the fees for using a US bank account. A debit card will have a fee of 3.99%, while an instant card withdrawal imposes Coinbase transaction fees of up to 1.5% of the amount. Coinbase stands out as a highly safe exchange platform that prioritizes top-notch security protocols. All users must activate two-factor authentication, which will require a uniquely generated code before every login and to authorize a transaction. Thanks to the platform’s machine-learning protocols, it can constantly monitor ongoing transactions and differentiate between legitimate ones and those that seem suspicious. Coinbase also offers an insurance program that covers up to $250,000. However, certain caveats determine whether a person is eligible for it. For example, the Coinbase insurance coverage will not include losses caused by a mistakenly authorized transaction, scamming, or loss of credentials. Regulations and compliance are taken very seriously. The platform ensures it stays within the regulatory guidelines of the territory where it operates. Coinbase did face some legal battles in the past couple of years after the SEC launched a lawsuit against the company, alleging that it operated as an unregistered broker, exchange, and clearing agency. However, the platform continues to win in court, with many pro-crypto politicians, including Senator Lummis, supporting Coinbase. Recently, the platform expanded to Argentina, where it will operate lawfully after receiving a Virtual Asset Service Provider registration. This is a highly intuitive platform with a well-structured interface that makes it easy to navigate and manage. Coinbase provides a visual hierarchy and a user-friendly experience overall. Most UE-related criticisms revolve around the app’s compatibility with other devices, customer support, and the AI chatbot. Coinbase is not the only popular crypto exchange, and there are many Coinbase alternatives that traders can choose from. Let’s take a look at how it fares by comparing Coinbase vs. Binance, Kraken, and Gemini based on fees, unique features, regional availability, and each platform’s ease of use. Exchange Coinbase Binance Kraken Gemini Fees 0.50% per trade + 3.99% for debit purchases 0.10% fee, but there are discounts when using BNB or being a part of the Binance VIP program Up to 0.26% per trade Up to $2.99 for trades under $200, 1.49$ for over $200 Features Educational content and a rewarding learning program, a crypto debit card, advanced tools, and a subscription program Binance Savings for passive income, liquid swap, NFT marketplace, Binance Academy, referral program Fees as low as 0%, top-notch security, 24/7 support, crypto funding options with fast processing times Reliable customer support, fast and secure onboarding, competitive trading fees Ease of Use 🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴 🔴🔴⚪⚪⚪ 🔴🔴🔴🔴⚪ 🔴🔴🔴⚪⚪ Supported Countries Over 100 countries in America, Asia, Europe, and Africa Available in over 100 countries (Africa, America, Asia, Europe, and Middle East) Europe, North America, Australia, Asia Available in over 60 countries across the world Although Coinbase is regarded as one of the most user-friendly and intuitive exchange platforms, it may still be confusing or overwhelming for beginner traders or people who haven’t used it before. Let’s go over some of the key aspects of using Coinbase effectively. You can also create a Coinbase account through the free app. Simply download the app from the Play Store or Google Play and follow the registration process. Coinbase also offers a referral program specifically for Coinbase One. If you are already a user of the subscription program, you can use this Coinbase referral code program to generate your unique code and invite new people to join. You can find your referral code in the “Your Membership” section, where you can send it directly to people on WhatsApp, Messenger, etc. Once a user joins using your code and fulfills the criteria outlined in the terms and conditions, you will receive a reward. You can also find various exclusive Coinbase sign-up bonus offers, which provide unique benefits for registering. These are typically available on famous and reputable affiliate sites and can be the perfect entry point for new users and beginners. Review your order to see if everything looks good, and press the Buy Now button to finalize the purchase. Make sure that you have already added and verified your payment method beforehand and that there are enough funds to complete the purchase. As one of the most popular and widely used crypto exchange platforms in the world, Coinbase provides a secure environment for users to invest in crypto. Because of this, Coinbase ensures that it operates in accordance with the regulations of the country it operates in. It was one of the first to receive the BitLicense back in 2017, and it also operates in accordance with the regulations of the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, which issues sanctions for money laundering or terrorist financing. Coinbase continues to strengthen its regulatory compliance, and it recently also acquired a Virtual Asset Service Provider license to operate in the UK, as well as a Cyprus Investment Firm license. It was also one of the first exchanges to obtain a Turkish license in August 2024. Despite the various positive aspects and benefits that Coinbase offers, users across social media and online forums have also reported some negative aspects. More than one Coinbase app review on Play Store indicates it’s poorly compatible with Chromebooks, making it difficult to use. Some users even reported occasional Coinbase withdrawal delays at times of high traffic. Other common Coinbase complaints are about the price charts on the tablet app, which are sometimes not updated in real time, sometimes even half an hour behind. Some users experienced glitches with the biometric verification, reporting that they could use it to log in, but it didn’t work when it came to confirming transactions. Lastly, one of the most common issues with the platform is related to Coinbase’s customer service. Users constantly report that it is not effective, they are not getting reliable help, and that the emails they send are never answered quickly. Additionally, the platform’s AI chat is also known to be faulty and unhelpful. Some of the more recent reviews include criticism about the latest app update, which users are not very happy with. The short answer is yes. However, despite that, Coinbase was hacked — twice. One of the most notable ones was back in 2021, which targeted over 6,000 users. There was also an attempt in 2023, made by the infamous Octopus hacking group. Because of those instances, Coinbase has worked a lot harder to enhance its security protocols and prevent vulnerabilities since then. All data on Coinbase is encrypted with industry-standard AES-256 encryption combined with TLS. The platform also stores most of the funds in cold storage offline, which means that even if it is hacked, 98% of the funds will be inaccessible. The platform conducts regular security audits to monitor its condition and has 24-hour monitoring. Despite some shortcomings and criticism, Coinbase is an excellent exchange platform for all types of traders. As we have outlined in our detailed Coinbase review already, the company has invested a lot of time and money into making its user experience smooth and secure. However, you are not entirely in control of your crypto assets if you leave them in Coinbase, as the platform has been the target of a couple of hacking incidents. Using Coinbase to purchase crypto for fiat, then moving it off the platform, or selling crypto for fiat and cashing out are the best ways to use Coinbase Overall, Coinbase is not a cryptocurrency industry leader for nothing and is indisputably one of, if not the best, crypto exchange in North America. Although it faces certain challenges related to users’ dissatisfaction with the Coinbase customer service, there are still excellent reviews about the platform’s usability and accessibility. If you are looking for what your next go-to crypto exchange should be, look no further than Coinbase. Coinbase Wallet
Advanced Trade
Coinbase One
Coinbase Prime
Coinbase Earn
Staking
DeFi Yield
Coinbase Learn and Earn
Card
Coinbase Fees
Coinbase Security Features
User Experience
Coinbase Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Coinbase vs. Competitors
How to Use Coinbase
How to Sign Up to Coinbase
Coinbase Referral Code & Sign-Up Bonuses
How to Buy Crypto on Coinbase
How to Cash Out on Coinbase
Regulation and Compliance
User Reviews and Common Issues
Is Coinbase Safe?
Should Coinbase Be Your Pick for a Crypto Exchange?
FAQs
Is Coinbase for beginners?
How long does Coinbase verification take?
Can Coinbase be trusted?
Does Coinbase charge fees?
Will Coinbase refund if scammed?
What is the downside of Coinbase?
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