Coinbase is a NASDAQ-listed cryptocurrency exchange that says it serves 100M+ users globally. Dutch customers are served by Coinbase Luxembourg S.A., which holds a MiCA authorisation from the CSSF.
- NASDAQ-listed company
- User-friendly interface
- Client crypto held segregated (per user agreement)
- Coinbase Earn education
- Higher fees on Simple
- Spread can be wide
- Customer service complaints
- Only Coinbase-listed assets; no DEX access
Fees & costs
- Min. deposit
- €$2
- Trading
- Simple: spread plus Coinbase-kosten (afhankelijk van betaalmethode, grootte en asset). Limietorders in Simple: 1% extra uitvoeringskosten. Advanced: geen spread, volumegebonden maker/taker-kosten; maker vanaf 0,0% bij hogere volumeschijven.
- Stock fee
- N/A (Crypto only)
- Spread
- Spread zit in Simple in de prijs; Advanced heeft geen spread
- Deposits
- Free (SEPA, ACH)
- Withdrawals
- Netwerkkosten; SEPA-opname gratis
- Inactivity
- None
Platforms & features
Who this fits best
Note: higher fees on simple.
How to use in practice
First-Time Crypto Buying
Use Coinbase's simple interface to buy your first Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other cryptocurrencies with familiar payment methods.
Purchase Bitcoin using Apple Pay or a linked bank account in minutes, with a straightforward buy flow that guides you through each step.
Learning While Earning Rewards
Participate in Coinbase Earn to learn about new cryptocurrencies through short videos and quizzes while earning crypto rewards.
Complete a 5-minute course about a new cryptocurrency project and you may receive a small amount of tokens, whose value can go down.
Staking for Rewards
Stake supported cryptocurrencies directly on Coinbase to earn rewards, which are not guaranteed, without managing your own validator nodes.
Stake supported ETH to earn staking rewards, minus Coinbase's commission, while Coinbase handles the technical side. Market and network risks remain.
Tips for beginners
- 01
Use Coinbase Advanced for lower fees
Coinbase Simple has a spread built into prices. Coinbase Advanced has no spread and charges volume-based maker/taker fees (maker as low as 0.0% at higher tiers). Compare both in the order preview, especially for larger trades.
- 02
Complete Coinbase Earn courses
Coinbase Earn offers small crypto rewards for learning about different projects. The value of those rewards can fall, and crypto remains a high-risk asset.
- 03
Enable vault for long-term storage
Coinbase Vault adds a 48-hour withdrawal delay and requires multiple approvals, providing extra security for crypto you don't plan to trade frequently.
- 04
Set up recurring purchases for DCA
Use Coinbase's recurring purchase feature to automatically buy crypto on a schedule. This dollar-cost averaging approach removes the stress of timing the market.
Account opening steps
- 1.
Create Account
Sign up with your email address and create a strong password
- 2.
Verify Email
Confirm your email address through the verification link
- 3.
Complete KYC
Upload government-issued ID (passport/driver's license) and complete facial verification
- 4.
Add Payment Method
Connect your bank account, card, or PayPal for deposits
- 5.
Start Trading
Buy, sell, and stake 250+ cryptocurrencies on Coinbase
Extended guide
Complete Guide to Crypto Investing with Coinbase
Getting Started
Creating a Coinbase account is straightforward. Visit coinbase.com or download the app, then sign up with your email. You'll need to verify your email, add a phone number for two-factor authentication, and complete identity verification by uploading a government-issued ID.
Once verified, add a payment method. Bank transfers (SEPA in Europe, ACH in the US) take 1-3 days; SEPA has no Coinbase fee. Cards and PayPal are instant but have higher fees. For European users, SEPA deposits are the most cost-effective option.
Key Features and How to Use Them
Coinbase Simple vs Advanced: The default Simple interface is beginner-friendly but has higher spreads. Switch to Advanced (Settings > Advanced Trade) for professional charting and lower maker/taker fees. Advanced has no spread but charges maker/taker fees; it suits you better once you're comfortable with the basics.
Coinbase Earn: Navigate to the Earn section to find educational courses about different cryptocurrencies. Watch short videos, complete quizzes, and earn small amounts of crypto. It is a way to learn about new projects; the value of rewards can fall.
Staking: Eligible cryptocurrencies can be staked directly from your Coinbase account. Navigate to the asset page and look for staking options. Rewards are not guaranteed and Coinbase deducts a commission first.
Coinbase Wallet: For more control, consider the separate Coinbase Wallet app. This is a self-custody wallet where you control your private keys and can access DeFi applications. Your main Coinbase account is custodial (Coinbase holds your keys).
Tips for Success
For larger trades, compare Simple and Advanced in the order preview. Coinbase Earn can provide small amounts of crypto. For long-term holdings, consider Coinbase Vault for added security, or transfer to Coinbase Wallet for self-custody.
Be mindful of payment method fees. SEPA bank transfers have no Coinbase fee, while cards carry higher fees. Set up recurring purchases if you want to dollar-cost average into Bitcoin or Ethereum over time.
Editorial review
Coinbase is een van de bekendste cryptobeurzen ter wereld, opgericht in 2012 en genoteerd aan de NASDAQ. Nederlandse klanten krijgen hun cryptodiensten van Coinbase Luxembourg S.A. Dat bedrijf heeft een MiCA-vergunning als cryptodienstverlener (CASP) van de Luxemburgse toezichthouder CSSF en mag die diensten ook in Nederland aanbieden. In de VS valt Coinbase onder onder meer FinCEN en NYDFS, in het VK onder de FCA. Met meer dan 250 ondersteunde cryptocurrencies en een minimale storting van $2 is Coinbase toegankelijk voor beginners.
Coinbase biedt twee producten: de standaard app (Simple) met een spread en Coinbase-kosten die per betaalmethode, ordergrootte en asset verschillen, en Coinbase Advanced met volumegebonden maker/taker-kosten zonder spread. Bij Advanced is de maker-fee 0,0% bij hogere volumeschijven; de actuele tarieven zie je na het inloggen. Voor regelmatige traders loont het om Advanced te bekijken, omdat de kosten in de gewone app hoger kunnen uitvallen. Sterke punten zijn de NASDAQ-notering, een gebruiksvriendelijke interface en Coinbase Earn voor educatie.
De keerzijde is dat de spread in de standaard app bovenop de prijs komt; vergelijk de totale kosten in het orderoverzicht. Klantenserviceklachten zijn een terugkerend punt van kritiek, en de keuze in altcoins is beperkter dan bij Binance. Crypto valt niet onder het depositogarantiestelsel of een beleggerscompensatiestelsel en de waarde kan sterk schommelen; je kunt je inleg verliezen. Coinbase past vooral bij beleggers die een herkenbare, gereguleerde naam belangrijker vinden dan de laagste handelskosten.