Takeaways
- Coinbase is a publicly traded company that operates a cryptocurrency exchange.
- Coinbase account holders can trade Bitcoin, Ethereum, and 240+ digital assets.
- You can earn rewards by taking Coinbase's tutorials and educational videos.
- Coinbase is very liquid and offers quick crypto conversions into U.S. dollars.
- Coinbase offers multiple tiers of accounts based on your level of crypto investing, including the standard platform, Advanced Trading, and Coinbase One.
Overall App Review
Coinbase makes our Best of Cryptocurrency Exchanges awards list for its user-friendly and scalable offerings. With the Coinbase app, you can get up and running in minutes and trade crypto right away.
Best for: First-time and experienced cryptocurrency investors
Why we like it: The Coinbase app is one of the most downloaded apps for crypto investing for a reason. Its extensiveness right out of the gate is super impressive. Plus, with the mobile app, you can monitor your crypto holdings easily for on-the-go money management.
on Coinbase Website
Coinbase
Smart Money Rating: 4.9/5
Best For: Investing in Crypto
Bonus Offer: Up to $200 for Getting Started (Terms Apply)
Cryptocurrency has become a mainstay in modern investing. New investors are looking for platforms that are easy to use, secure, and offer access to a wide range of digital assets. Coinbase, one of the world's largest cryptocurrency exchanges, has established itself as a leading platform for buying, selling, and managing crypto holdings.
Coinbase is a massively popular cryptocurrency app, so we chose to review it. Users willing to rate the app really love it, giving it a 4.7 on the App Store and 4.5 on Google Play, with over 50 million downloads (yes, you read that right).[1][2] Our team downloaded the Coinbase app and tested the web-based version to see how it works and how your investing could benefit from Coinbase. Here's what we found.
What Is Coinbase?
Coinbase is a cryptocurrency exchange that allows users to buy, sell, trade, and store digital assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies. The platform is especially popular with crypto newcomers because of its user-friendly mobile app, straightforward processes, and extensive security features. Coinbase has around 8 million monthly active trading users.[3]
Coinbase is also a publicly traded company on Nasdaq (COIN), which means it has a layer of transparency and regulatory oversight. The Securities and Exchange Commission regulates Coinbase.
>> How to Invest in Bitcoin? Here are 7 Steps to Buy Bitcoin
How Coinbase Works
Part of the draw to Coinbase is how easy it is to set up an account. Here’s how to get started:
1. Sign Up—Create an account using your email address and verify your identity with a government-issued ID and personal information.
2. Link a Payment Method—You can fund your account with a debit card, bank account, PayPal (for withdrawals), or wire transfer.
3. Buy or Sell Crypto—Once your account is funded, you can choose from hundreds of cryptocurrencies to buy. You can purchase crypto in real time and store your holdings in your Coinbase wallet.
4. Track Your Portfolio—The Coinbase trading platform and app show each asset's real-time prices, market performance, and historical trends.
5. Withdraw Funds—You can convert your cryptocurrency holdings into cash and withdraw your funds to your linked bank account at any time.
>> What are crypto wallets? Read more about Hot Wallets
How Much Does Coinbase Cost?
Coinbase's fee structure can be a bit confusing and opaque, especially for first-time users. The platform used to charge a flat fee plus a percentage, but now it uses a variable spread-based pricing model.
Here's how it breaks down:
- Standard Coinbase Fees: Typically, they range from 0.5% to 1.5% per transaction, depending on market conditions and payment method.
- Coinbase Advanced Fees: Lower trading fees based on a maker-taker model, starting at 0.40% (taker) and 0.60% (maker) and decreasing with volume.
- Credit/Debit Card Purchases: You can incur fees up to 3.99%.
- Bank Transfers (ACH in the U.S.): Usually free.
- Withdrawal: ACH transfers are free; wire transfers may incur an additional fee
Pros of Coinbase
The Coinbase app scores high among users because it has an easy-to-navigate interface that allows you to get very technical with your trades. Here are some of its strongest points:
- Beginner-Friendly Interface—The Coinbase app is designed for ease of use. Buying and selling crypto can be done in just a few clicks, and the layout is very clean, intuitive, and educational.
- Wide Range of Cryptocurrencies—Coinbase supports over 240 digital assets, including major coins like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Cardano, as well as lesser-known altcoins such as Chainlink, Uniswap, and Aave. This wide range of options allows you to diversify your crypto portfolio and explore emerging projects in the blockchain space.
- Strong Security Features—Coinbase is known for its strong security. It stores most assets in offline cold storage, offers two-factor authentication, and provides FDIC insurance on cash balances up to $250,000.[4]
- Regulated and Transparent—As a publicly traded company, Coinbase operates under greater scrutiny and compliance standards than many other cryptocurrency exchanges.
- Crypto Staking and Rewards—You can earn interest or rewards on select cryptocurrencies simply by holding them in your Coinbase account.
Smart Tip:
Coinbase offers Coinbase Learn, with interactive modules and videos that reward you in crypto for learning about different coins and blockchain technology.
Cons of Coinbase
Even with its amazing features, Coinbase might not be the best fit for your crypto needs. Here are some drawbacks to consider:
- High Fees—Coinbase's fees are relatively high compared to other exchanges, especially for small transactions. Coinbase Advanced offers lower fees, but the main platform is still more expensive than its competitors.
- Limited Control Over Wallets—Users who store crypto on Coinbase cannot access their private keys. For complete control, you would need to transfer assets to Coinbase Wallet, a separate app.
- Customer Service Issues—Many users have reported slow or unhelpful responses from customer support, especially during times of high market activity.
- Not Ideal for Active Traders—While Coinbase Advanced offers more trading tools, serious traders may prefer platforms with advanced charting, deeper liquidity, or lower fees.
Is Coinbase Worth It?
We think so. Coinbase is an excellent starting point for anyone new to cryptocurrency. It seems to be the right combination of ease of use with a broad selection of digital assets, strong security, and an educational investment approach. However, the convenience comes at a cost. If you plan to trade frequently or want advanced trading tools, you may be better off upgrading to Coinbase Advanced or another exchange.
Coinbase is a reliable and trusted entry point for most users interested in investing in digital assets. The Coinbase app is excellent for learning, experimenting, and building your first crypto investment portfolio.
Get Smart With Your Money
Fresh weekly articles delivered straight to your inbox.
Enter your name and email for free tips and tricks.
Coinbase Review Methodology
Our team signed up for the free Coinbase trading platform and tested both the mobile app and desktop interface. We explored the different features, using hands-on, real-world testing to better understand the user interface, ease of account opening, and feel of the budgeting platform.
Smart Summary
Coinbase is one of the world's leading cryptocurrency exchanges, known for its user-friendly interface, strong security, and wide selection of digital assets. It is particularly well-suited for beginner investors looking to enter the world of crypto with confidence. The Coinbase app has an easy-to-navigate interface and allows you to get up and running in a matter of minutes. Coinbase can offer you exposure to alternative investments quickly.
Smart Money requires our expert writers to rely on trusted primary sources—academic research, government reports, expert interviews, original reporting, and peer-reviewed data—to deliver precise and up-to-date content. All of our content is thoroughly fact-checked. We also incorporate relevant research from reputable publishers when it aligns with our editorial focus. For a closer look at our rigorous journalistic standards, explore our editorial guidelines.
(1) App Store. Coinbase. Last Accessed May 12, 2025.
(2) Google Play. Coinbase. Last Accessed May 12, 2025.
(3) Securities and Exchange. Coinbase 10-K. Last Accessed May 12, 2025.
(4) Coinbase. Coinbase Insurance overview. Last Accessed May 12, 2025.
