Introduction
Is Coinbase available in your region? How secure is it? Is it a scam platform? What's the difference between Coinbase and Coinbase Pro?
This comprehensive review covers Coinbase's trading volume, global ranking, security evaluation, fee structure, supported countries, platform features, and a balanced pros & cons analysis.
1. Coinbase Exchange Overview
| Key Details | |
|---|---|
| Founded | May 2012 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, California, USA |
| Supported Cryptocurrencies | 18+ |
| Website | www.coinbase.com |
| Languages | English (No Chinese support) |
Coinbase, also known as "Bitcoin Base," is the largest U.S.-based cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume. It focuses on providing secure, compliant crypto trading, storage, and investment services. Notably, Coinbase co-issued the stablecoin USDC with Circle.
Platform Highlights:
- Targets both retail and institutional investors.
- Operates in 100+ countries, primarily in North America and Europe.
- Ranked #2 on CoinMarketCap for spot trading volume (trailing Binance).
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Security | 2FA, cold wallet storage (98% offline), KYC verification |
| Fees | Maker: 0.40%, Taker: 0.60% (higher than competitors) |
| Deposit Methods | Credit card, bank transfer, PayPal, crypto transfers |
| Withdrawal Methods | PayPal, crypto transfers |
2. Is Coinbase Trustworthy?
Conclusion: Coinbase is a publicly traded company (NASDAQ: COIN) and a licensed U.S. exchange, making it a legitimate platform—not a scam.
Company Background
- Founders: Brian Armstrong (ex-Airbnb engineer) and Fred Ehrsam (ex-Goldman Sachs trader).
Milestones:
- Launched GDAX (now Coinbase Pro) in 2015.
- Partnered with Circle to issue USDC.
- Went public in April 2021 ($56/share; $136B market cap).
Business Model
- Revenue Sources: Trading fees (primary) and custody service fees.
Services:
- Retail: Coinbase, Coinbase Wallet, Coinbase Earn.
- Institutional: Coinbase Prime, Custody, Ventures.
Supported Regions
Available in 100+ countries, including:
- North America: U.S., Canada.
- Europe: UK, Germany, France, etc.
- Asia: Singapore, Japan (Not licensed in Taiwan).
⚠️ Warning: Beware of phishing scams impersonating Coinbase.
3. Global Ranking & Market Share
- Spot Trading Volume: Ranked #2 globally (~$1.12B daily).
- Market Share: ~9% (vs. Binance’s 50% dominance).
- Limitation: Conservative asset listings and no leveraged trading.
4. Security Evaluation
Compliance & Safeguards
- Regulation: Fully compliant in operational regions (except Taiwan).
- Storage: 98% assets in cold wallets; insured custodial services.
Incident Response
- 2021 Breach: 6,000+ users affected; reimbursements issued.
5. Coinbase vs. Coinbase Pro
| Feature | Coinbase | Coinbase Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Target Users | Beginners | Advanced traders |
| Fees | Higher (1.49% bank transfers) | Lower (0.4% maker fee) |
| Cryptos Listed | 18 | 234 |
| UI Complexity | Simple | Advanced |
👉 Compare fees across platforms
6. User Reviews
Common Complaints:
- High fees (3.99% for card purchases).
- Account freezes due to strict AML policies.
- No Chinese support.
PTT (Taiwan Forum) Feedback:
- Slow customer service.
- Withdrawal delays (e.g., 1 month for PayPal transfers).
Google Play Ratings:
- ★★★☆☆ (3/5) — cited expensive fees vs. Binance.
7. Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| High security/compliance | Expensive fees |
| Good for institutional traders | Limited crypto options |
| Transparent operations | No leverage trading |
Final Verdict:
- Recommended for: U.S./EU users prioritizing security.
- Alternatives: 👉 Binance or OKX for lower fees.
FAQ
Q1: Is Coinbase safe for long-term crypto storage?
A1: Yes, with insured cold storage, but diversify across exchanges.
Q2: Why are Coinbase fees higher than Binance?
A2: Stricter U.S. compliance increases operational costs.
Q3: Can I use Coinbase in Taiwan?
A3: Not officially licensed; account freezes are common.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and not financial advice. Invest at your own risk.