Coinbase is a NASDAQ-listed cryptocurrency exchange serving 100M+ users globally. Known for ease of use, regulatory compliance, and institutional-grade security.
- NASDAQ-listed company
- User-friendly interface
- Strong security record
- Coinbase Earn education
- Higher fees on Simple
- Spread can be wide
- Customer service complaints
- Limited altcoins vs DEX
Fees & costs
- Min. deposit
- €$2
- Trading
- Simple: 0%-3.99% spread, Advanced: 0%-0.6% maker/taker
- Stock fee
- N/A (Crypto only)
- Spread
- Spread included in Simple, Advanced from 0%
- Deposits
- Free (SEPA, ACH)
- Withdrawals
- Network fees + Coinbase fee
- Inactivity
- None
Platforms & features
Who this fits best
Note: higher fees on simple.
How to use in practice
First-Time Crypto Buying
Use Coinbase's simple interface to buy your first Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other cryptocurrencies with familiar payment methods.
Purchase Bitcoin using Apple Pay or a linked bank account in minutes, with a straightforward buy flow that guides you through each step.
Learning While Earning
Participate in Coinbase Earn to learn about new cryptocurrencies through short videos and quizzes while earning crypto rewards.
Complete a 5-minute course about a new cryptocurrency project and receive free tokens to add to your portfolio.
Earning Passive Income Through Staking
Stake supported cryptocurrencies directly on Coinbase to earn rewards without managing your own validator nodes.
Stake your ETH holdings to earn staking rewards while Coinbase handles the technical complexity.
Tips for beginners
- 01
Use Coinbase Advanced for lower fees
Coinbase Simple has higher spreads built into prices. Switch to Coinbase Advanced (free) for maker/taker fees as low as 0%-0.6%, especially for trades over $100.
- 02
Complete Coinbase Earn courses
Coinbase Earn offers free crypto rewards for learning about different projects. It's a risk-free way to diversify your portfolio with small amounts of various cryptocurrencies.
- 03
Enable vault for long-term storage
Coinbase Vault adds a 48-hour withdrawal delay and requires multiple approvals, providing extra security for crypto you don't plan to trade frequently.
- 04
Set up recurring purchases for DCA
Use Coinbase's recurring purchase feature to automatically buy crypto on a schedule. This dollar-cost averaging approach removes the stress of timing the market.
Account opening steps
- 1.
Create Account
Sign up with your email address and create a strong password
- 2.
Verify Email
Confirm your email address through the verification link
- 3.
Complete KYC
Upload government-issued ID (passport/driver's license) and complete facial verification
- 4.
Add Payment Method
Connect your bank account, card, or PayPal for deposits
- 5.
Start Trading
Buy, sell, and stake 250+ cryptocurrencies on Coinbase
Extended guide
Complete Guide to Crypto Investing with Coinbase
Getting Started
Creating a Coinbase account is straightforward. Visit coinbase.com or download the app, then sign up with your email. You'll need to verify your email, add a phone number for two-factor authentication, and complete identity verification by uploading a government-issued ID.
Once verified, add a payment method. Bank transfers (SEPA in Europe, ACH in US) are free but take 1-3 days. Cards and PayPal are instant but have higher fees. For European users, SEPA deposits are the most cost-effective option.
Key Features and How to Use Them
Coinbase Simple vs Advanced: The default Simple interface is beginner-friendly but has higher spreads. Switch to Advanced (Settings > Advanced Trade) for professional charting and lower maker/taker fees. This is free and recommended once you're comfortable with basics.
Coinbase Earn: Navigate to the Earn section to find educational courses about different cryptocurrencies. Watch short videos, complete quizzes, and earn small amounts of crypto. It's an excellent way to learn about new projects while building a diversified portfolio.
Staking: Eligible cryptocurrencies can be staked directly from your Coinbase account. Navigate to the asset page and look for staking options. Rewards are automatically distributed, though Coinbase takes a commission on staking rewards.
Coinbase Wallet: For more control, consider the separate Coinbase Wallet app. This is a self-custody wallet where you control your private keys and can access DeFi applications. Your main Coinbase account is custodial (Coinbase holds your keys).
Tips for Success
Always use Coinbase Advanced for trades above small amounts—the fee savings are significant. Take advantage of Coinbase Earn to diversify with free crypto. For long-term holdings, consider Coinbase Vault for added security, or transfer to Coinbase Wallet for self-custody.
Be mindful of payment method fees. Bank transfers are free while cards charge 3.99%. Set up recurring purchases if you want to dollar-cost average into Bitcoin or Ethereum over time.