Coinbase is a leading, publicly traded cryptocurrency exchange offering a suite of products beyond trading, including staking, wallets, and payment solutions.
But is Coinbase trustworthy?
No, Coinbase is not a scam. Based on our review, Coinbase is a secure and regulated crypto platform.
👉 Share your Coinbase experience in the comments.
Key Takeaways
- Licensed & Regulated: Operates in 45 U.S. states and complies with global financial regulations, employing 2FA, KYC, and insurance protections.
- User-Friendly: Offers Simple Trade for beginners, an intuitive interface, and a mobile app for seamless trading.
- Rewards & Promotions: New users can earn bonuses like $5 in Bitcoin for signing up.
- Diverse Crypto Selection: Supports 250+ cryptocurrencies, from Bitcoin to meme coins.
About Coinbase
Coinbase Global, Inc. is a publicly traded crypto exchange founded in 2012 by Brian Armstrong and Fred Ehrsam.
| Attribute | Details |
|----------------------|------------|
| Website | Coinbase |
| HQ | Wilmington, DE, USA |
| CEO | Brian Armstrong |
| Founded | 2012 |
| Cryptos Listed | 160+ |
| Services | Staking, Pay, Wallet, Card, Advanced Trading |
| Fiat Support | USD, EUR, GBP |
| Fees | 0.00%–0.60% (volume-based) |
Highlights:
- Surpassed 1M users in 2014 and partnered with major brands like Overstock.
- 2022 Super Bowl ad boosted app downloads to #2 on iOS overnight.
- 100M+ users by 2022, making it the largest U.S. crypto exchange.
Safety & Regulation
Coinbase is fully regulated (e.g., NYDFS BitLicense) and implements:
- Cold Storage: 90%+ user funds held offline.
- Crime Insurance: Covers theft/breaches (up to $255M).
- KYC/2FA: Mandatory verification for account security.
Common Issues:
- Slow customer support (though responsive in our tests).
- KYC delays for non-English documents or restricted countries.
Accepted Countries
Available in most countries except sanctions-restricted regions (e.g., OFAC-sanctioned nations).
Supported Countries Include:
- United States, UK, Australia, Canada
- Singapore, South Africa, Nigeria
Restrictions: Bypassing geo-blocks risks account suspension.
Trading Offer
250+ Cryptos, including:
- Major Coins: Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Cardano (ADA).
- Meme Coins: Dogecoin (DOGE), Shiba Inu (SHIB).
- Trading Pairs: BTC/USDT, ETH/USDT, SOL/BTC, etc.
Trading Types
- Simple Trade: Buy/sell instantly (higher fees).
- Advanced Trade: Lower fees, complex tools (e.g., limit orders, futures).
Fees
| 30-Day Volume | Taker Fee | Maker Fee |
|------------------------|-------------|-------------|
| <$10K | 0.60% | 0.40% |
| $10K–$50K | 0.40% | 0.25% |
| >$400M | 0.05% | 0.00% |
Withdrawal Fees:
- ACH: Free
- Wire Transfer: $25 (USD)
👉 Compare fees across platforms.
Payment Methods
- Deposits: Debit card, PayPal, Apple/Google Pay (instant).
- Withdrawals: 1–5 business days (bank transfer).
Mobile App
- iOS/Android: Rated 4.7/5 for speed and usability.
- Features: Full trading, staking, and portfolio tracking.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
- High liquidity, 250+ cryptos.
- Strong security & regulation.
- Beginner-friendly.
❌ Cons:
- Higher fees for simple trades.
- No demo account.
FAQs
Is Coinbase safe?
Yes—regulated, insured, and uses cold storage.
How long does verification take?
2 days to 1 week (varies by region).
Can I withdraw to PayPal?
Yes, withdrawals take minutes.
What’s the minimum deposit?
No minimum for ACH; $10 for wire transfers.
Final Verdict
Coinbase is legitimate, secure, and ideal for beginners/professionals. While fees are steep, its reputation and features justify the cost.