Coinbase is one of the most popular cryptocurrency platforms, offering users a straightforward option for buying, selling, converting, and managing digital assets. Coinbase Global is listed on Nasdaq and files reports with the SEC. Our Coinbase review is designed to help you understand what Coinbase offers you as a trader and whether you should consider using it.
Earn up to $2,000 when you buy $50 in crypto. Terms apply. New US users only: a single first purchase of $50 or more gets a random Bitcoin reward of $10 to $2,000, and 99% get $10 to $100. Assets and offer as of October 2026.
- Stores more digital assets than any other company
- Customer assets held 1:1 and never lent without permission
- Two-factor authentication on by default, with security key support
- Hundreds of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Ethereum
- Publicly traded U.S. company (NASDAQ: COIN) that files reports with the SEC
There are several factors that should be part of your decision process, including:
- Security
- Reputation
- Trading fees
- User experience
- Supported cryptocurrencies and trades
- Safe storage for digital assets (Coinbase Wallet is an example)
While there are plenty of cryptocurrency exchanges that offer all of the above, Coinbase consistently rates near the top and has the best security overall. Keep reading our Coinbase review to learn what we think of Coinbase and get the details you need to make an educated decision about whether it’s the right crypto trading platform for you.
Current Coinbase offer for new US users
Earn up to $2,000 when you buy $50 in crypto. Terms apply.
New US users who make a single first purchase of $50 or more get a random Bitcoin reward between $10 and $2,000. 99% of users get $10 to $100, and several smaller purchases that add up to $50 don’t count (as of October 26, 2026).
What Is Coinbase?
Coinbase is one of the largest and most popular cryptocurrency exchanges in the world. Founded in 2012 by Brian Armstrong and Fred Ehrsam, the company was started in a two-bedroom apartment at a time when Bitcoin was trading for just $6.
The company’s original mission was to “make crypto easy to use” and we think they’ve succeeded in attaining and sustaining that mission.
Coinbase reports $246 billion in assets on its platform and customers in more than 100 countries (as of June 30, 2026). It says it stores more digital assets than any other company.
In the world of cryptocurrency trading, there aren’t many companies that have long histories. Operating since 2012, Coinbase is well-known and widely respected. The exchange’s user-friendly platform, large selection of cryptocurrencies, and top-notch security have made it one of the most popular cryptocurrency exchanges.
Buy Your First $50 of Crypto on Coinbase
Key Features of Coinbase
Each cryptocurrency change has its own features. Coinbase is no exception. Here are some of the most important features you’ll find if you sign up for Coinbase.
- Hundreds of cryptocurrencies to buy, sell and trade
- Cryptocurrency staking
- Buy, sell, trade, and convert cryptocurrency
- Free crypto transfers to other Coinbase users
- Two-factor authentication on by default, with security key support
- Access to advanced charting, additional pairings and trade options, and tiered fees that reward high volume with Advanced Trades
- In-depth knowledge base
- Coinbase One membership, from $4.99 a month (as of October 2026)
Coinbase at a Glance
| Coinbase | |
|---|---|
| What you can trade | Hundreds of cryptocurrencies |
| Trading fees | A Coinbase fee plus a spread on simple buys and sells, both shown before you confirm |
| New-user offer | Random Bitcoin reward of $10 to $2,000 on a single first purchase of $50 or more; 99% get $10 to $100 (as of October 26, 2026) |
| Coinbase One | From $4.99 a month or $49.99 a year (Basic, as of October 2026) |
| Security | Two-factor authentication on by default, security key support, assets held 1:1 |
| Self-custody option | Coinbase Wallet |
We’ll get into a lot more detail about Coinbase security in the next section, and after that, we’ll walk you through the fee structure and other important details.
Is Coinbase Safe?
You might be wondering if Coinbase is the safest crypto exchange. We think it is, and here’s our rundown of their security measures.
- State-of-the-art encryption on the Coinbase website and mobile app
- End-to-end encryption for all trades and transfers
- Most user assets are kept in cold storage, where they’re safe from hacking
- Crypto isn’t FDIC- or SIPC-insured. Coinbase holds US customers’ cash in custodial bank accounts, Treasuries or money-market funds
- Coinbase carries crime insurance that covers a portion of the crypto it holds against theft. It’s important to note that this insurance will not protect you if you give out your password to a third party.
- Password protection, two-factor authentication (2FA) and security key enablement
- Coinbase holds all assets 1:1
- Compatible with multiple crypto wallets, including the Coinbase Wallet
We feel that the combination of security measures and crime insurance makes Coinbase very safe for users. Provided you don’t make the mistake of sharing your log-in information with anybody else, there’s very little risk that your digital assets will be compromised or stolen.
To dive deeper into Coinbase’s safety measures, read our article: IS COINBASE SAFE?
Who Should Use Coinbase and Coinbase Wallet?
Is Coinbase right for you? Our take is that the target audience for Coinbase is beginning cryptocurrency traders and casual traders. People who want to start small and get started with crypto trading will be well served by Coinbase’s user-friendly dashboard and interface, 24/7 customer service, and straightforward trades. There are plenty of cryptocurrencies available for trading.
We’d also note that it’s very easy to transition from Coinbase to Advanced Trade (formerly known as Coinbase Pro) or even Coinbase One, a premium subscription that includes zero-fee trades, as you increase your crypto holdings.
Advanced traders may be better off with a different platform, or could even get their start with Coinbase One to take advantage of free trading at higher volumes.
What about Coinbase Wallet? You don’t need to be a Coinbase user to download and use Coinbase Wallet. Our Coinbase Wallet review is that it’s ideal for people who are interested in decentralized apps (DApps) and want a secure self-custody option for their cryptocurrencies and other digital assets, including NFTs.
Make Your First Crypto Trade on Coinbase
User Experience
One of the most impressive things about the Coinbase user experience is how straightforward and intuitive it is.
On both the website and the mobile app, new users can jump right in and start trading once their account is approved. Keep in mind that Coinbase verifies your identity when you sign up, so approval may not be instant.
The process to make a simple trade on Coinbase takes just a few minutes.
- Choose the cryptocurrency you want to buy and click it.
- Enter an amount
- Click “Buy”
- Review fees
- Finalize your transaction
Coinbase shows every fee on the preview screen before the trade is complete. On a simple buy or sell you pay a Coinbase fee, which depends on your payment method, order size and the asset, plus a spread built into the price. Advanced Trade uses maker/taker fees instead.
If you want more complex trades, you can simply switch to Coinbase Advanced Trade and use their interface instead.
Coinbase Pros and Cons
Pros
- Simple buy, sell and convert screens that suit beginners
- Hundreds of cryptocurrencies to trade
- Two-factor authentication on by default, with security key support
- Advanced Trade and Coinbase One for more active traders
Cons
- Fees on simple buys can be higher than on some other exchanges
- Crypto isn’t FDIC- or SIPC-insured
- On the exchange, Coinbase holds your crypto, not you
Coinbase Review: Our Verdict
Our overall take at the end of this Coinbase review is that it’s a good choice for beginners and casual traders who don’t plan on making high volume trades. Coinbase’s fees are a little higher than some of the other crypto trading platforms out there, but the user experience is excellent and so are the security measures.
Since it’s free to set up a Coinbase account and you can start with a small purchase, we think beginners will be well served by giving Coinbase and Coinbase Wallet a try.
Start Buying Crypto on Coinbase Today
FAQs
Coinbase has a good reputation and takes security seriously. We think that overall, they’re very trustworthy and a good choice for crypto investors.
Coinbase shows every fee before a trade is final, and you can back out if necessary. On a simple buy or sell you pay a Coinbase fee, which depends on your payment method, order size and the asset, plus a spread built into the price. Advanced Trade uses maker/taker fees that can be lower for high-volume traders. Sending crypto to another Coinbase user’s balance is free.
Coinbase is reliable and user friendly. The main downside for experienced and high-volume traders is that the fees are higher than they are for other exchanges. However, using Advanced Trading or Coinbase One can save you money on fees.
New US users who make a single first purchase of $50 or more get a random Bitcoin reward of $10 to $2,000, and 99% get $10 to $100 (as of October 26, 2026). To learn more, read: HOW TO GET FREE CRYPTO ON COINBASE! You may also earn rewards for staking eligible crypto.
Using any digital or mobile platform comes with some risks, and crypto prices can fall. Coinbase turns on two-factor authentication by default, supports security keys and carries crime insurance on a portion of the crypto it holds, though that insurance doesn’t cover a stolen password. You can increase your protection by choosing a strong password, using a security key and never sharing your login.