Coinbase review: fees, products and risks
The best-known US exchange, built for beginners. Facts checked 18 October 2026.
Best for
Beginners who want a regulated exchange with a simple interface.
Watch out for
Fees for instant purchases are noticeably higher than on advanced exchanges, and the coin list is smaller.
Fees and facts
- Spot trading fee
- higher, check the price list (indicative)
- About the fee
- Fees differ by how you buy; check the exchange.
- Payments
- Cards, bank transfer and SEPA
- Products
- Spot, staking, advanced trading
- Regulation
- A regulated, publicly listed US company with licences in several other regions
Security and regulatory history
In May 2025 Coinbase disclosed a data breach in which overseas support staff were bribed to leak customer data. Customer data, not funds, was exposed.
Pros
- Very beginner-friendly
- Regulated and publicly listed
- Strong security practices
- Learn-and-earn programmes
Cons
- Higher fees
- Smaller choice of coins
- Limited margin and futures products
Crypto assets are highly volatile and you can lose everything you invest. Exchanges can be hacked or fail. This is information, not investment advice. How we make money.