Coinbase
The Most Trusted Gateway to Crypto
Coinbase Advanced only (not Simple Trade or Prime). Based on spot + perps volume in the first 14 days after first eligible trade.
| Condition | Reward |
|---|---|
| > $10,000 | $50 USDC |
| > $5,000 – $10,000 | $20 USDC |
| > $100 – $5,000 | $5 USDC |
Coinbase, founded in 2012 by Brian Armstrong and Fred Ehrsam, has grown into the most recognized cryptocurrency exchange in the United States. Listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange in April 2021, Coinbase operates as a publicly accountable, regulated platform for buying, selling, and managing digital assets. With over 100 million verified users across 100+ countries, it stands as the global benchmark for trust and compliance in the crypto industry.
Key Features
Advanced Trade
Built for active traders, Advanced Trade offers real-time order books, limit orders, stop orders, and a professional charting interface — all within the Coinbase ecosystem. Fees are significantly lower than Simple Buy, making it the smart choice for frequent traders.
Staking & Rewards
Earn passive income on your holdings with native staking. Supported assets include ETH, SOL, ADA, and more, with APYs reaching up to 12%. Rewards are credited directly to your account — no lock-up periods for most assets.
Coinbase Wallet
A fully non-custodial wallet app that gives you complete control of your private keys. Store assets, interact with DeFi protocols, collect NFTs, and swap tokens — all without leaving Coinbase's ecosystem.
Coinbase One
A subscription plan that waives all trading fees on up to $10,000/month of trades and provides priority customer support. Pays for itself quickly for any active trader.
Learn & Earn
Complete short educational videos to earn small amounts of various cryptocurrencies. An easy way to build knowledge while diversifying your portfolio for free.
Fee Structure
| 30D Volume | Maker | Taker |
|---|---|---|
| ≥ $0 | 0.0150% | 0.0300% |
| > $1M | 0.0125% | 0.0250% |
| > $5M | 0.0100% | 0.0225% |
| > $10M | 0.0050% | 0.0200% |
| > $50M | 0.0040% | 0.0175% |
| > $100M | 0.0030% | 0.0160% |
| > $250M | 0.0015% | 0.0150% |
| > $500M | 0.0000% | 0.0140% |
| > $1B | 0.0000% | 0.0120% |
| > $2.5B | 0.0000% | 0.0100% |
| > $5B | 0.0000% | 0.0075% |
Coinbase has two fee tiers: Simple Buy (up to ~4.5% via convenience fee + spread) and Advanced Trade (0.40% maker / 0.60% taker at the lowest volume tier). For the best rates, always use Advanced Trade. Fees decrease as your 30-day volume increases.
Security & Trust
- Publicly listed on NASDAQ — subject to US SEC oversight
- 98% of customer crypto stored in offline cold storage
- USD deposits insured by FDIC up to $250,000
- SOC 1 Type II and SOC 2 Type II compliance certified
- Mandatory two-factor authentication (2FA) on all accounts
Who Should Use It?
Coinbase is ideal for anyone taking their first steps into crypto, as well as intermediate traders who value a regulated, trusted environment. Its clean interface, extensive educational resources, staking options, and 240+ asset selection make it the top choice for anyone who prioritizes safety and ease of use.
Getting Started
Create Your Account
Sign up at coinbase.com with your email address. Use our referral link to claim your $10 Bitcoin welcome bonus.
Verify Your Identity
Complete KYC verification by uploading a government-issued ID. Most verifications are approved within minutes.
Add a Payment Method
Link a bank account (ACH/wire), debit card, or PayPal. Bank transfers offer the lowest fees and highest limits.
Start Trading
Go to Advanced Trade for the best rates. Search for Bitcoin, ETH, or any of 240+ assets, set your price, and place your order.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Regulated and FDIC-insured — maximum trust and safety
- Beginner-friendly interface with excellent onboarding
- 240+ supported cryptocurrencies across all major sectors
- Staking and earn programs for passive income up to 12% APY
- Public company on NASDAQ with full financial transparency
Cons
- Simple Buy fees are high (~4.5%) — use Advanced Trade instead
- Customer support can be slow during high-traffic periods
- Best fee rates require Coinbase One subscription
- Limited derivatives and leverage trading options
Final Verdict
Coinbase is the safest, most accessible on-ramp into crypto. Its regulatory compliance, insured deposits, and polished interface make it the clear choice for beginners and anyone who values trust over minimal fees. Sign up using our link and get $10 in Bitcoin on your first purchase of $100 or more.
Start on Coinbase