Coinbase

The most beginner friendly exchange: backed with institutional strength

If you’re just getting started with crypto, Coinbase is probably one of the first names you’ll come across. It’s one of the easiest places to buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrency,  especially if you're using traditional money like dollars, euros, or pounds. This guide breaks down what Coinbase is, what it’s used for, and what to watch out for if you're new to crypto.

Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 mins to learn more https://tiny.cc/UK-FCA-Info

Background of Coinbase

Let’s rewind to 2012 - crypto was still underground, and Bitcoin was barely a blip on most people’s radar. That’s when Coinbase entered the scene, founded by Brian Armstrong and Fred Ehrsam. Their goal? Make crypto simple and accessible for everyday people. Starting out as a basic service to buy Bitcoin with a bank card, Coinbase quickly grew into one of the most recognized and regulated crypto exchanges in the world. Known for its clean design and beginner-friendly interface, it’s often the first stop for newcomers stepping into crypto for the first time

Fast forward to 14th April, 2021 and ​Coinbase's stock was first listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbol "COIN". This marked a significant milestone as Coinbase became the first major cryptocurrency company to go public, debuting with a valuation exceeding $100 billion. Coinbase’s listing on the stock market was regarded as a big leap forward for the company versus their competition as this added a layer of transparency not often found in the crypto industry.

What is Coinbase?

Coinbase is a crypto exchange, which means it lets you trade between regular money (called fiat) and digital currencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many others. It is like the front door to the world of crypto - built for ease, security, and simplicity. It’s where beginners go to dip their toes into Bitcoin and where more experienced users manage their crypto portfolios. Some might describe Coinbase as the polished retail store of the crypto exchange world - user-friendly and designed for clarity.

Coinbase is a global cryptocurrency exchange that allows users to buy, sell and hold cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and other DeFi products and keep track of them in one place. Some of the most popular coins on the platform include:

• Bitcoin (BTC)
  
• Ethereum (ETH)
  
• Solana (SOL)
  
• Cardano (ADA)
  
• Avalanche (AVAX)
  
• Chainlink (LINK)
  
• Dogecoin (DOGE)
  
• Polygon (MATIC)
  
• Uniswap (UNI)
  
• USD Coin (USDC)
  
• Tether (USDT)
  
• Litecoin (LTC)
  
• The Graph (GRT)
  
• Aave (AAVE)
  
• Shiba Inu (SHIB)

Crypto can be traded for fiat (or other crypto) on the trading platforms or purchased directly using these payment methods:

• Credit/Debit Card
• Bank Transfer (ACH in the US)
• SEPA (for EU users)
• Apple Pay / Google Pay (in supported countries)

Coinbase is available in over 100 countries, and unlike some exchanges that have to spin off regional versions, the same Coinbase.com platform is used nearly everywhere. You won’t need to jump through hoops to get access - if your country is supported, you’re good to go.

That said, not every feature is available everywhere, such as, advanced trading tools (like futures) are limited to certain users or geographies. The UK, under their FinProm regime, have very tight rules for cryptocurrency platforms that prohibit offering a retail user any monetary or non-monetary incentive to invest in crypto assets. This means offering new customer bonuses, as an example, are no longer allowed for UK users.

But the basics? Buying, selling, swapping are available right out of the box. Coinbase is like your clean-cut, suit-and-tie friend who’s into crypto but makes it all feel way more approachable. If other exchanges are like the wild west equivalent of a trading hub, Coinbase is more like your friendly neighbourhood bank - but for Bitcoin and friends. Built with beginners in mind, it’s easy to use, secure, and works great for anyone just starting out.

Coinbase products

1. Buy & Sell: The Basics, Done Right
   This is Coinbase 101. You pick a coin, choose how much you want, pay with your card or bank, and boom - you’ve got crypto in your wallet. It’s designed to be idiot-proof (in the best way), and fees are transparent, though usually a bit higher than some other exchanges.
   
2. Advanced Trade: For When You're Feeling More Confident
   Once you're comfortable, you can level up to the "Advanced Trade" interface. It has real-time charts, limit orders, and lower fees - ideal for people who want more control without jumping into full-blown pro territory.
   
3. Coinbase Wallet: Your Keys, Your Crypto
   If you want to go full self-custody, Coinbase offers a separate mobile wallet app where you control the private keys. Great for people who want more sovereignty over their assets while still using Coinbase to fund it. 
   
4. Coinbase Card: Spend Crypto
   Coinbase offers a crypto card powered by an FCA-licensed e-money institution. With the Coinbase card, you can spend crypto like cash anywhere Visa cards are accepted.  
   
5. Recurring Buys: Set It and Forget It
   Coinbase makes it easy to automate your purchases. Set up a weekly or monthly buy and dollar-cost average into crypto without lifting a finger.
   
6.  Coinbase One: Take Control of Fees and Taxes
   With Coinbase One there are no trading fees on hundreds of assets up to £10,000 each month, with a spread applied.  They offer a 24/7 support team 365 days a year, to assist with any queries. Plus, access a pre-filled tax form to simplify crypto tax season

What we think makes Coinbase stand out

Ease of use
The platform’s simple layout makes it easy to buy, sell, and hold crypto assets with just a few taps, often making it the first stop for crypto beginners. There’s no need to navigate complex order books, users can purchase assets using fiat currency with a few clicks.

Regulatory compliance
As a U.S.-based company, Coinbase complies with stringent regulatory standards. It’s registered with FinCEN and operates legally in many jurisdictions around the world. While this means KYC (Know Your Customer) is required, it also means users benefit from additional legal protections and transparency.

Asset security
Coinbase states that it stores over 98% of customer funds in cold storage and is known for its strong security protocols. The company also offers optional features like two-factor authentication (2FA), biometric logins, and address whitelisting.

A gateway to institutional access
Beyond its retail app, Coinbase also runs Coinbase Advanced for traders who want more control and lower fees, and Coinbase Prime, an institutional platform used by hedge funds, family offices, and large enterprises.

How do you buy crypto on Coinbase?

Is Coinbase a trusted platform?

We think so, Coinbase is considered one of the safest exchanges out there. It’s regulated in the U.S., uses strong security measures, and has insurance for stored funds. Coinbase is often seen as the “safe pair of hands” in crypto. Unlike many offshore exchanges, it prioritizes legal compliance and transparency. It’s one of the few platforms that openly works with regulators to build the future of compliant crypto access making it a preferred choice for users who want peace of mind.

Coinbase was voted as the most trusted crypto exchange in a 2024 Qualtrics survey conducted un the UK.

However, like any platform, it's not perfect. For extra protection, it is always good practice to move crypto to a private wallet after buying. 

What's the difference between Coinbase and Coinbase Wallet?

• Coinbase (the exchange) holds your crypto for you. It's convenient but means you don’t control the private keys.
• Coinbase Wallet is a separate app that gives you full control of your coins — but you’re responsible for your own security.

Think of the exchange like a bank, and the wallet like cash in your hand.

What are the fees?

Coinbase charges a fee for each trade you complete and the fee percentage depends on how you buy:

Method	Approximate Fee
Debit/Credit Card	2% - 3%
Bank Transfer	1% - 1.5%
Coinbase Advanced Trade	Lower (for experienced users)

If you’re just buying a small amount to get started, this is normal, but fees can add up over time.

Summary of pros & cons

Pros

• Extremely beginner-friendly
• Strong regulatory and security reputation
• Supports fiat withdrawals to bank accounts
• Transparent, publicly listed compan

Cons

• Higher fees than pro-level exchanges
• KYC (Know Your Customer) is mandatory
• Limited advanced features on the basic app

Final take

So there you have it -  a quick dive into Coinbase.com, one of the easiest ways to enter the crypto market, especially for users who value compliance, security, and simplicity. While it might not be the cheapest platform for high-frequency traders, its ease of use and reputation make it a go-to for anyone dipping their toes into crypto.

With its clean interface, strong security, and beginner-friendly tools, Coinbase makes it simple to buy your first Bitcoin or build out a full portfolio. It’s built for people who want to keep things straightforward, without missing out on key features. Happy stacking! 💸📱