Founded in 2012, Coinbase is one of the crypto industry’s most recognized exchanges. In 2021, it became the first major crypto platform listed on Nasdaq. Today, Coinbase serves over 56 million users, with quarterly trading volumes topping $300 billion. According to CoinMarketCap, Coinbase ranks among the top three global exchanges by trading volume.
Coinbase supports a growing list of 50+ assets, including:
Each coin may have unique trading limits and withdrawal rules, and some tokens are only available in certain countries or with specific fiat pairs.
One of Coinbase’s main downsides is its relatively high fee structure. Every trade involves a spread (typically about 0.50%) plus a flat or percentage-based Coinbase fee, which varies by payment method and region.
Transaction Size | Flat Fee |
---|---|
$10 or less | $0.99 |
$10.01 to $25 | $1.49 |
$25.01 to $50 | $1.99 |
$50.01 to $200 | $2.99 |
Payment Method | Percent Fee |
---|---|
U.S. Bank Account | 1.49% |
Coinbase USD Wallet | 1.49% |
Debit Card or PayPal | 3.99% |
Instant Card Withdrawal | Up to 1.5% (min $0.55) |
For example, if you buy $50 in BTC via bank transfer, you’ll pay around a $0.25 spread plus a $1.99 fee—meaning you receive about $47.76 in Bitcoin.
You can also deposit funds to your Coinbase USD wallet and buy crypto later with a 1.49% fee. This can be faster than waiting for a bank transfer. Deposit fees:
Deposit Method | Fee |
---|---|
ACH Transfer | Free |
Wire Transfer | $10 (outgoing $25) |
PayPal | 2.5% |
Unlike banks, crypto is not insured by law. However, Coinbase stores 98% of client crypto offline and insures digital asset holdings against theft. In the event of a large-scale breach, insurance may not cover all losses, but Coinbase pledges to "make customers whole" where possible.
For user safety, Coinbase offers 2FA, biometric logins (fingerprint, Face ID), and robust encryption. Best practices include unique passwords, 2FA, and routine account monitoring.
Major crypto exchanges with broad user bases, like Coinbase, are often recommended for beginners due to their security and reliability. Coinbase’s 2021 Nasdaq listing enhanced its transparency and global reputation.
Coinbase incentivizes user education with guides and quizzes on altcoins, rewarding completion with small crypto amounts. The Coinbase Earn program helps users build knowledge while earning digital assets.
Coinbase offers two main wallet options:
Coinbase Pro is a free, advanced trading interface with lower fees and more analytics for active users. While robust, its tools are mainly aimed at experienced traders and may not be necessary for newcomers or long-term holders.
Coinbase is best for anyone starting in crypto, thanks to its simple UI, learning resources, and strong security. For long-term Bitcoin and crypto investors, the buying and holding process is streamlined and secure.
Coinbase also suits users wanting to expand their crypto skills, thanks to a range of assets, tools, and wallet options. Main drawbacks: higher fees and limited private key access, but these are minor for most beginners compared to the convenience and trust offered.
Crypto investing is always risky, but Coinbase is widely considered secure and legitimate. Users are protected by cold storage, insurance, and the platform’s long-standing reputation—but market risks remain.
Sell your crypto on Coinbase to receive USD in your wallet, then withdraw to your linked bank account. You can also transfer crypto to your own wallet, subject to network fees.