Coinbase review 2025

Our opinion of Coinbase

Coinbase is one of the most popular cryptocurrency exchanges and wallets in the crypto space. It has over 20 million users, and over $150 billion has been traded on the platform. 

Coinbase has competitive transaction fees in the range of 1% – 3.99%, and a beginner-friendly user interface that is easy to use and understand. This Coinbase review looks at the details of the platform to help you decide if its the right fit for you. 

Coinbase highlights

Investing options

4.4

What can I do with Coinbase?

Coinbase allows you to buy and sell cryptocurrency, store your coins in an online wallet, and spend them in the real world with a crypto debit card.

• Coinbase Exchange. Allows you to buy and sell cryptocurrencies using your bank account or debit card.
• Coinbase online Wallet. Secure storage for your coins connected to the exchange, enabling you to buy and sell quickly and easily.
• Coinbase Shift Card (US only). Gives you the ability to spend your cryptocurrency anywhere that accepts VISA payments.

What accounts does Coinbase offer?

Coinbase offers a range of cryptocurrency accounts, including an exchange, trading platform, and wallet. Below is a selection of accounts available with Coinbase. 

Products, markets & assets

What products and assets can you trade on Coinbase?

As Coinbase is a crypto exchange, cryptocurrencies are the main assets you can trade. It also allows you to buy and sell NFTs. Here’s a look at how many assets are available with Coinbase. 

What leverage trading options are there?

Leverage is available on Coinbase Pro but not on the regular Coinbase platform. On Coinbase Pro, you can trade with up to 3x leverage on some cryptocurrencies. If you deposit $100, you can trade as if you had $300.

What are the spreads?

Coinbase has variable spreads on all of its crypto assets. The spread is typically around 0.5%, but it can vary depending on the cryptocurrency and the market conditions. During times of high volume and volatility, spreads can fluctuate more rapidly. 

Coinbase trade sizes and limits

The minimum and maximum trade sizes available on Coinbase depend on the cryptocurrency you’re trading. For example, with Bitcoin, the minimum trade size is 0.000001 BTC.

Crypto

What cryptocurrency pairs can be traded on Coinbase?

There are over 250 cryptocurrencies available on the Coinbase trading platform. As well as the big names like Bitcoin and Ethereum, there are lots of altcoins. Here’s a look at a few of the cryptos available on Coinbase.

What are the fees for buying and selling cryptocurrencies?

Coinbase charges a fee of 1.49% on both buy and sell orders for any direct buys with a bank account or debit card (as opposed to depositing into your account). 

If you instantly buy with your card, the rate rises to 3.99%. However, you can transfer money into your Coinbase account free of charge and use the funds to buy coins once the transaction has gone through.

Does Coinbase offer staking and rewards?

Yes, Coinbase offers staking and rewards for certain cryptocurrencies. The amount of rewards you earn will depend on the cryptocurrency you are staking and the amount of time you stake it for. You can find more information about staking rewards on the Coinbase website. There are over 60 tokens available to stake with rewards as high as 10%.

Deposits & withdrawals

In order to buy cryptocurrency on Coinbase, you can link a 3D secure card to your account or make a bank transfer.

What are the minimum & maximum deposits?

The minimum and maximum deposits vary depending on your account status and location. For some users, limits may be higher than others. Here is a guideline for the maximum and minimum deposits allowed with Coinbase. 

What are the minimum and maximum withdrawals?

The minimum and maximum withdrawals vary depending on your account status and location. For some users, limits may be higher than others. Here is a guideline for the maximum and minimum withdrawals allowed with Coinbase.

What are the deposit and withdrawal options fees, limits, and speeds?

Fees & costs

How do Coinbase fees work?

Coinbase charges a fee of 1.49% on both buy and sell orders for any direct buys with a bank account or debit card (as opposed to depositing into your account). There are also several other fees to consider when using Coinbase, which we’ve explained below. 

What are Coinbase’s trading fees?

Coinbase’s trading fees are based on a maker-taker fee model, meaning the amount you’ll pay can vary. The maker fees on Coinbase are between 0% and 0.40%, while the taker fees are between 0.05% and 0.60%.

Platforms & usability

What devices can I use Coinbase on?

Coinbase can be accessed through browsers on the devices listed below, and its mobile app is compatible with both Android and iOS operating systems.

Coinbase mobile app review

The Coinbase mobile app provides many of the same features as its web-based platform. IPhone and Android users can download the app, making on-the-go crypto trading easily accessible. The Coinbase app has various features, including setting price alerts, recurring buys, staking rewards, and educational resources. 

While features like Coinbase Pro are unavailable on mobile, the most common needs are covered. The app is highly rated on both app stores, reflecting its popularity among crypto traders.

Web trading platform

The most important question any user has is: How easy is it to use Coinbase?

Coinbase is one of the most straightforward crypto exchanges to use. It has a simple user interface with a decent set of tools to get any beginner started on their first cryptocurrency purchase. The exchange platform is secure and efficient with all the relevant data, including a price display in different fiat (‘normal’) currencies.

Once you have signed up and verified your identity, it is easy to link your bank account or 3D secure card and make a purchase, and you can also link to multiple payment methods to your Coinbase account.

Desktop trading platform

Coinbase does not have a desktop trading platform and you can only access its services via the web or mobile app. Below, we look at some of the key features available on Coinbase. 

Key features

Coinbase card

Coinbase’s Shift card is currently only available in the US. As a Bitcoin debit card, it is a VISA card that lets you spend your Bitcoin balance in shops and ATMs. The Shift card makes transactions by exchanging the required amount of bitcoin for the fiat currency price of what you’re buying, so prices will vary depending on the value of bitcoin.

Coinbase wallet

On Coinbase, your wallet is contained within your account: the platform offers a combined wallet and exchange, which means you can store your cryptocurrency securely and also buy/sell your coins easily. The Coinbase wallet, therefore, benefits from the same beginner-friendly interface and easy usability as the exchange and can only hold the four cryptocurrencies traded on Coinbase (Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, and Litecoin).

Online wallets are the least secure way of storing cryptocurrency, so storing many coins in a Coinbase wallet is not recommended. But there are good security features to keep your crypto as safe as possible, and Coinbase’s wallet makes buying or selling your coins very simple.

Staking rewards

Staking is available on the Coinbase platform and thanks to its beginner-friendly design, earning rewards is accessible for all levels of experience. Once you purchase a  coin on Coinbase, you can stake your holdings with just a few clicks. Your coins are then delegated to validators who process transactions on the network, and you earn annual percentage yields of around 5-7% as a reward. 

Safety & reliability

Is Coinbase safe?

Yes. As a security requirement, all accounts on Coinbase come with two-step verification: logging in requires both your password and a randomly generated code texted to your mobile phone. 

This makes sure only you can access your account. In addition, Coinbase complies with best practices and policies such as KYC (know your customer) and runs its web traffic on encrypted SSL protocols that protect your login information once online.

Is Coinbase regulated?

Yes, Coinbase is regulated by various global authorities; however, its regulatory status is constantly changing like other crypto platforms. 

In 2023, Coinbase received regulatory approval from the NFA to operate as an FCM. This approval allows Coinbase Financial Markets to work as a Futures Commission Merchant (FCM) and offer eligible US customers access to crypto futures.

Coinbase customer support review

Coinbase offers a variety of options for customer support. It has an automated chat service that provides useful information for commonly asked questions. You can contact Coinbase through these channels:

• Chat
• Email: Through the website
• Twitter: @coinbase
• Phone: +1 (888) 908-7930 (Coinbase do not currently have a UK-based number)

There have been complaints online about the low response time from the customer support team at Coinbase, with many users taking their complaints to public forums just to get a response. 

However, this is largely the result of the massive increase in demand for cryptocurrency, bringing more customers to Coinbase in the surge of 2017, and they have worked hard on increasing their level of customer support.

What are the risks of using Coinbase?

The main risk of using Coinbase is losing money, however, this is largely down to your ability as a trader or investor as opposed to the platform itself. Below are a few risks to consider before using Coinbase. 

• The crypto industry is notoriously volatile. The cryptocurrency market is volatile, which means prices can change rapidly. If you’re new to trading, you should proceed with caution, especially if trading alt or meme coins. 
• Spreads can change. When trading on Coinbase, it’s important to keep in mind that spreads are variable. This means they can change at any time depending on the wider market. Spread widening at the wrong time could prove to be costly. 
• Other platforms have a better selection of coins. Coinbase is one of the best beginner friendly crypto trading platforms, but the number of coins it offers is limited compared to others. If you’re looking to trade the crypto market frequently, then another platform such as Binance may be a better option. 

Research & analysis tools

What trading tools are on offer?

Although Coinbase is a beginner friendly platform, it has a wide range of trading tools available. During our Coinbase review, we accessed many of the platform features, including price charts and technical indicators. Below is a look at a few more tools available on Coinbase. 

GDAX trading platform

GDAX is a cryptocurrency trading platform also owned by Coinbase. It is a US-based exchange specifically designed for experienced traders and has a much wider variety of coins than you’ll find on Coinbase. If you want to do more complicated trading than just buying and selling coins, you can transfer funds from you Coinbase wallet to your GDAX account instantly and with zero fees.

Coinbase Commerce platform

Coinbase also runs the Coinbase Commerce platform, which enables businesses to accept cryptocurrency as payment for their products and services. With API documentation, businesses can use this product to set up safe and easy systems for accepting cryptocurrency. This is a step in the direction of being able to buy almost anything using crypto.

Coinbase Developer Platform

Lastly, Coinbase also offers developers an opportunity to build APIs capable of tasks such as recording real-time data and historical price information of Coinbase’s four supported digital currencies, among other capabilities.

Education & learning resources

What educational resources are on offer?

The educational content available on Coinbase is vast and there is something for everyone. It has an in-depth academy and learn section where you can study the cryptocurrency market. The Coinbase blog is updated frequently with helpful information and tips. 

Coinbase learn

The Coinbase Learn section of the website is the ideal starting place for beginners new to crypto. Coinbase Learn comprises short, easy to digest lessons covering various topics like setting up a wallet, making a trade, and staying secure. While the lessons give a broad overview rather than in-depth training, they provide enough information to help newcomers. 

Coinbase earn. 

You can earn crypto while learning about new coins and tokens on Coinbase earn. All you have to do is watch short 1-2 minute videos and pass a quiz. You can then make between $3 – $10 worth of cryptocurrencies. These videos provide an overview of a project’s key details and how each protocol works. 

Coinbase Academy

The Coinbase Academy is the best place to study cryptocurrency in more detail. It includes many deep dives into crypto topics such as blockchain and decentralised finances. There is a selection of video and written content, which makes the academy a top option for all levels of crypto enthusiasts. 

Coinbase video review

Coinbase customer reviews

Coinbase has a mixed bag when it comes to third party review sites. As it is one of the largest exchanges in the world, there are thousands of reviews, many positive and many negative. Below are its scores from several review sites. 

Our verdict

Coinbase is a great platform for beginners looking to take their first steps into the crypto world. Its user-friendly design and combination of wallet and exchange capabilities make it easy to get to grips with buying and selling coins.

More experienced users might want to look for an exchange that offers the ability to trade a larger number of cryptocurrencies and more sophisticated trading tools. Still, Coinbase’s easy-to-use functionality is convenient for any user. Plus it is possible to transfer from a Coinbase account onto the Coinbase Pro exchange instantly and free of charge if you want the best of both worlds.

While there have been complaints about Coinbase’s customer service, these appear to have risen out of the fast growth of the platform as cryptocurrency’s popularity has grown and they appear to be solving the issues. It remains one of the best online platforms for buying and storing cryptocurrencies.

Who is Coinbase suitable for?

Coinbase is suitable for all levels of crypto investors, however, its beginner friendly platform and features make it a top choice for those new to the cryptocurrency industry. Coinbase also has low competitive fees, which makes it an enticing option for day traders or those who buy and sell frequently. 

Is Coinbase good for beginners?

Yes, Coinbase is one of the best crypto trading platforms for beginners. It offers a wide range of features suitable for new crypto investors. Alongside its comprehensive trading suite, it has a vast range of educational content, both in video and text format, that are ideal for beginners. 

Our methodology

Helping people make better financial decisions is at the heart of our mission at Invezz. 

We test each broker to provide clear, accessible guidance on the service it offers and how it compares to the 63+ other trading platforms we review. Testing is carried out by our panel of industry experts, analysts, and active traders who sign up to the platform, conduct research, and score the service.

To supplement our practical testing and experience, we research the service to gather any further relevant information and provide context to help you decide whether the broker is right for your investing needs. We read online customer reviews, app reviews on the Play Store and App Store, and conduct user surveys to get feedback from real people about what works, and what doesn’t.

The trading platform is awarded a final score based on 130+ data points across 8 ranking categories: cost, reliability, user experience, deposit & withdrawals, investing options, range of products/markets, research & analysis tools, and the availability of educational & learning resources.

We work closely with the individual brand to ensure all factual information displayed here is accurate. All data is then fact-checked by an independent reviewer. You can learn more about our expert panel and how we test, rate, and review platforms in our review process. 

FAQs