Coinbase

Coinbase review: our verdict

Coinbase is the most recognizable crypto exchange in the United States and our top pick for beginners. Its app makes buying your first Bitcoin straightforward, and its status as a publicly listed, regulated company gives many new investors peace of mind. The trade-off is cost: Coinbase is more expensive than most rivals, especially if you use the simple buy button. Switching to Coinbase Advanced narrows that gap considerably.

Coinbase at a glance

Fees

Coinbase has two ways to buy. Simple buys in the standard app carry a Coinbase fee plus a spread built into the price, which makes them convenient but expensive. For lower costs, use Coinbase Advanced, which uses maker/taker pricing. After a September 2026 restructure, US accounts start at 0.50% maker and 0.90% taker, falling to 0.35% / 0.75% from $10,000 in monthly volume, with further reductions at higher tiers. EU and UK accounts start lower. Fee tiers can also be unlocked by holding a USDC balance. Deposit fees depend on your payment method: bank transfers are typically cheapest, cards cost more. Check Coinbase's fee page for your region before trading, and read our guide to crypto fees.

Features

• Simple app: clean interface with guided buying, price alerts and portfolio view.
• Coinbase Advanced: order books, TradingView charts, limit and stop orders.
• Recurring buys: automate dollar-cost averaging daily, weekly or monthly.
• Staking: earn rewards on supported proof-of-stake coins where permitted. See what is staking.
• Coinbase Wallet: a separate self-custody wallet for DeFi and NFTs.
• Base: Coinbase's Ethereum layer 2 network, offering low-cost transactions.

Security

Coinbase holds the large majority of customer crypto in cold storage, supports hardware security keys and authenticator apps, and offers features such as address allowlisting. As a public company it publishes audited financial statements. As with any exchange, your crypto is held by a third party, so we recommend moving long-term holdings to a hardware wallet.

How to get started

1. Download the Coinbase app or visit the official website.
2. Create an account and verify your identity with a photo ID.
3. Enable two-factor authentication with an authenticator app or security key.
4. Link a bank account for the lowest-cost deposits.
5. Buy through Coinbase Advanced with a limit order to minimize fees.

See our full how to buy Bitcoin walkthrough.

Customer support

Coinbase offers a help center, chat support and phone support for account security issues. Response times can be slow during busy market periods. Beware of fake Coinbase support accounts on social media; Coinbase will never ask for your password or seed phrase.

Coinbase alternatives

• Kraken: strong security record and lower fees for many traders. Compare in Coinbase vs Kraken.
• Binance: lower fees and more coins, but not available to US residents. See Binance vs Coinbase.

Who should use Coinbase?

Beginners and US investors who value simplicity, regulation and a well-known brand over the lowest possible fees. Active traders should use Coinbase Advanced or compare cheaper alternatives.

Frequently asked questions

Is Coinbase safe?

Coinbase is one of the most regulated and established exchanges, with strong security practices. No exchange is risk-free, so keep only what you need there and secure your account with strong 2FA.

Why are Coinbase fees so high?

Simple buys include both a fee and a spread. Using Coinbase Advanced with limit orders and funding via bank transfer significantly reduces costs.

Can I withdraw crypto from Coinbase to my own wallet?

Yes. You can send most supported assets to an external wallet, paying a network fee.

Is Coinbase available in my country?

Coinbase operates in the US, UK, EU and more than 100 countries, but available features vary by region.

This review is for educational purposes only and is not financial advice. Fees and features change; always confirm details on Coinbase's official website.