Coinbase
5 comparisons available
About Coinbase
Coinbase is the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the United States, founded in 2012 by Brian Armstrong and Fred Ehrsam. The company went public via direct listing on Nasdaq in April 2021, becoming the first major crypto company to list on a US stock exchange. Coinbase serves over 110 million verified users across 100+ countries and holds approximately $330 billion in assets on behalf of customers. The platform offers buying, selling, and custody of 260+ cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and USDC (a stablecoin Coinbase co-founded). Coinbase Advanced Trade caters to professional traders with lower fees, while Coinbase One offers a subscription for zero trading fees. Coinbase also operates Coinbase Wallet (self-custody), Coinbase Prime (institutional services), and Base (an Ethereum Layer 2 blockchain it launched in 2023). Revenue in 2024 exceeded $6 billion, driven by transaction fees and subscription services. Coinbase is regulated by FinCEN as a Money Services Business and holds BitLicenses across multiple US states.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Coinbase safe?
Coinbase is one of the most regulated crypto exchanges, publicly traded on Nasdaq with SEC oversight. It holds customer funds 1:1 with reserves and stores 98%+ of assets in cold storage. The FDIC insures USD balances up to $250,000. While no exchange is risk-free, Coinbase is among the safest options available.
Coinbase vs Binance: which is better?
Coinbase is better for US beginners — fully regulated, simple interface, insured USD deposits. Binance offers lower trading fees (0.1% vs Coinbase's ~1.5%), more cryptocurrencies, and higher liquidity. Binance.US (the US-compliant version) is more limited than Coinbase. For most US retail users, Coinbase is safer and more compliant; serious traders often use Binance for lower fees.
How does Coinbase make money?
Coinbase earns revenue primarily from trading fees (spread + commission), subscription services (Coinbase One at $29.99/month), institutional custody fees, staking rewards (sharing yield with users), and interest on USDC held on the platform.
Top Alternatives to Coinbase
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Crypto.com
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