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Coinbase Review

Coinbase Review

Discover Coinbase, the NASDAQ-listed exchange blending security, diverse crypto services, and global reach for a seamless trading experience.

Summary: Coinbase, a NASDAQ-listed cryptocurrency exchange, is recognized for its industry-leading regulatory compliance and diverse offerings. Hosting over 240 digital currencies, it caters to a global audience with a suite of products for beginners and professional investors. Its commitment to transparency is reflected in a clear, tiered fee structure. 

Additionally, its Layer 2 solution, Base, signifies its innovative spirit in enhancing the Ethereum ecosystem and providing its users access to a scalable Web3 experience. As a trusted leader in the crypto space, Coinbase marries innovation with steadfast security and regulatory adherence.

Coinbase Review
5.0 out of 5.0 by Datawallet.
Coinbase is a trusted, NASDAQ-listed cryptocurrency exchange known for its robust security measures, extensive digital asset offerings, and commitment to regulatory compliance, catering to both retail and institutional investors.
Available Assets
240+ crypto assets.
Regulation & Licensing
The SEC, FCA, FinCEN and other Tier-1 Regulators.
Deposit Methods
Bank Wire, Cryptocurrency, Debit Card, Credit Card, PayPal and more.

Content Guide
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What is Coinbase?

Coinbase stands tall as one of the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchanges. It's not just big; it's also one of the most by-the-book exchanges out there, having earned its spot on the NASDAQ. This means it plays by the rules set by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), making it a trusted choice for users around the globe.

The platform is a one-stop shop for crypto enthusiasts, offering a whopping selection of over 240 digital currencies. It's not just about variety, though. Coinbase is a heavyweight in handling assets, with over $113 billion in customer assets under its care and a staggering $145 billion in trades every quarter. Its services stretch across more than 100 countries, underlining its global appeal.

At its core, Coinbase owes its innovative spirit to its founders, Brian Armstrong and Fred Ehrsam, and early pioneers like Balaji Srinivasan and Dan Romero, who've all played their part in steering the platform to where it is today.

Coinbase Earn

Coinbase Products and Services

Coinbase truly distinguishes itself from the market due to its diverse suite of products and services that cater to a diverse clientele, ranging from novices in the crypto world to seasoned institutional investors. Here is a high-level overview of some of their most popular applications:

  • Buy and Sell: Buy, sell and swap over 200 crypto assets with industry-leading fees and security on web, iOS and Android.
  • Coinbase Earn: Positioned as Coinbase's staking centrepiece, Earn empowers users to earn up to 10% APY by staking their crypto holdings. This feature not only rewards users but also fortifies the underlying blockchain networks, enhancing their stability and efficiency.
  • Coinbase Advanced: Designed for experienced traders, Coinbase Advanced offers an advanced trading interface with granular charting tools, diverse order types, and a tiered fee structure optimized for high-volume trading activities.
  • Coinbase Wallet: Emphasizing user autonomy, the self-custody Coinbase Wallet provides robust security for cryptocurrency storage and seamless integration with DApps like Uniswap and AAVE, opening doors to the wider DeFi ecosystem.
  • Coinbase Commerce: Facilitating the convergence of digital and traditional commerce, Coinbase Commerce equips merchants with tools for easy integration of cryptocurrency payments, thereby extending the practicality of digital currencies in everyday commerce.
  • Coinbase Card: The Coinbase Card, a Visa debit card, blends the flexibility of crypto assets with the convenience of fiat spending. It seamlessly converts crypto to fiat at the point of sale, simplifying the transaction process for users.
  • Coinbase Derivatives: A CFTC-regulated platform offering various derivative products for diverse trader needs. It allows trading without direct crypto ownership and provides secure, accessible markets focusing on risk management. Note: UK retail clients have restricted access.

Coinbase's extensive suite effectively bridges diverse user needs with the dynamic world of cryptocurrencies, positioning it as a cornerstone platform in the digital currency ecosystem.

Coinbase Ear

Base Layer 2

Base is the official Layer 2 (L2) solution by Coinbase, tailored to elevate the Ethereum ecosystem. It's a robust, low-cost platform crafted for developers, aiming to usher in the next wave of blockchain adopters. As an L2 built on Ethereum, Base offers the assurance of security, stability, and scalability necessary to empower on-chain applications. Its compatibility with Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) codebases allows for seamless transitions of users and assets from Ethereum Layer 1 and other interoperable networks.

Base stands out by offering its extensive features with minimal costs. It provides an environment akin to Ethereum's but at significantly reduced expenses, facilitating features like Account Abstraction and APIs for gasless transactions. Rooted in Optimism’s OP Stack, Base is an open-source initiative contributing to a network of interoperable L2 solutions. 

Its integration with Coinbase not only provides smooth fiat onramps and integrations but also taps into Coinbase’s vast ecosystem, propelling its growth and hosting emergent applications such as Friend.tech and Aerodrome, with over $290 million in Total Value Locked.

Base Layer 2 TVL

Coinbase Fees

Coinbase adopts a transparent and user-friendly fee structure. Here is an overview of information found in their fees FAQ and throughout their official documentation:

Trading Fees

  • Maker-Taker Model: Coinbase operates on a maker-taker fee model. Orders providing liquidity (maker) and those taking liquidity (taker) incur different fees. These are determined by the pricing tier at order placement, not after trade completion.
  • Fee Tiers: Taker fees range between 0.05% and 0.60%, and maker fees range from 0.00% to 0.40%. Fees vary based on 30-day USD trading volume, with higher volumes benefiting from lower fees.

Special Fees

  • Non-displayed Fills: Fills from Iceberg orders or significant taker orders executed against non-displayed orders incur standard taker/maker rates plus an added 0.5 bps.
  • Fiat Deposit and Withdrawal Fees: Vary by method, including ACH (free), Wire (USD), SEPA (EUR), and Swift (GBP), each with specific charges.
  • Miner Fees: Based on network transaction estimates, these are disclosed at transaction time for transparency.

Staking Fees

  • Commission Rates: No fee to stake or unstake, but a commission is taken from network rewards. Standard rates are 35% for certain cryptos and 25% for ETH, with some promotions offering lower rates.

Coinbase's fee structure is tailored to be equitable and transparent, rewarding higher trading volumes with reduced fees and ensuring all costs are clearly communicated to users.

Coinbase Regulation and Licensing

Coinbase upholds a strict adherence to regulatory compliance and licensing across various jurisdictions. This commitment ensures user safety and operational integrity. Here's a high-level overview of Coinbase's regulatory framework in different regions:

  • United States: In the U.S., Coinbase is a registered Money Services Business with FinCEN and adheres to regulations by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for securities-related products. It also possesses the BitLicense from the New York State Department of Financial Services.
  • Australia: Coinbase is registered with AUSTRAC to meet anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws.
  • Europe: Coinbase is a regulated entity under financial authorities such as the Central Bank of Ireland and adheres to the EU’s Fifth Anti-Money Laundering Directive (5AMLD).
  • United Kingdom: In the UK, Coinbase is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), meeting the standards set for financial service providers.
  • Singapore: Holding a license under the Payment Services Act from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), Coinbase is authorized to offer digital payment token services.

Through its comprehensive regulatory credentials, Coinbase reinforces its commitment to security, transparency, and user protection globally.

Coinbase Institutional

Coinbase Institutional and Prime are the go-to platforms for sophisticated investors entering the dynamic crypto markets and web3 domains. These platforms provide a comprehensive suite of tools for every stage of the investment lifecycle, with Coinbase Prime acting as a full-service prime broker. Institutions gain direct access to a wide range of assets and unrivalled liquidity, ensuring they can capitalize on digital asset opportunities.

Emphasizing security and innovation, Coinbase Institutional has become the cornerstone for the world's leading institutions. With over $114 billion in safeguarded assets and a substantial quarterly institutional trading volume, it offers a seamless experience integrating trading, financing, and custody. This holistic approach empowers institutions to navigate the evolving digital landscape confidently, backed by Coinbase's expertise and robust infrastructure.

Bottom Line

Coinbase shines as a beacon of reliability and regulatory leadership in the digital asset market. Its pioneering efforts in embracing U.S. regulations and its listing on the NASDAQ epitomize its commitment to transparency and trustworthiness. This strategic approach not only fortifies investor confidence but also sets a benchmark for integrity in the space. With a forward-thinking ethos, Coinbase continues to sculpt the digital finance landscape, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of product innovation while steadfastly upholding the pillars of security and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got More Questions? We've Got Answers.
A Guide to Commonly Asked FAQs.

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