Coinbase Review 2025: Pros, Cons, and How It Compares

Seedly rating
3.8/5

The bottom line:

Coinbase is one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges globally, offering access to over 250 cryptocurrencies. However, beware of Coinbase's fee structure, which can be less transparent and sometimes higher than competing platforms. The company has also faced regulatory scrutiny.

Jump to: Full Review

Trading fees
Maker fee: 0.00% - 0.4%
Taker fee: 0.05% - 0.6%

Minimum investment
S$1

Pros

• Extensive cryptocurrency selection.

• User-friendly interface.

• Robust security measures.

• Educational resources.

Cons

• Complex and potentially high fees.

• Customer support challenges.

• Fee transparency concerns.

Trading platforms

Coinbase provides two main trading platforms: the standard Coinbase platform and Coinbase Advanced Trade. The standard platform is designed for ease of use, making it simple to buy and sell cryptocurrencies. Coinbase Advanced Trade offers more sophisticated tools and lower fees for experienced traders.

Coinbase also offers Coinbase One, a subscription service that provides zero-fee trading and other benefits, which may appeal to high-volume traders.

Learn to Earn programme

Coinbase’s "Learn to Earn" programme is an excellent way for users to expand their knowledge of cryptocurrency. You can watch short educational videos, complete quizzes, and earn small amounts of cryptocurrency as a reward. This makes learning about crypto both engaging and potentially profitable.

Swift withdrawals

Unlike some exchanges that impose waiting periods, Coinbase generally allows for quick withdrawals of cryptocurrency after you've made fiat purchases. This provides greater flexibility and faster access to your funds.

High fees & lack of transparency

Coinbase supports various payment methods, each with its own fee structure. These fees can be difficult to locate and understand upfront. While fees are displayed before you confirm a transaction, it's not always easy to compare them with other exchanges beforehand. Concerns have been raised about Coinbase's fee transparency, which has become less clear over time, making it harder for users to make informed cost comparisons.

Customer support issues

Although Coinbase advertises 24/7 customer support via chat, phone, and email, access to human support can be limited. Most inquiries are initially handled by automated chatbots, which can be frustrating when you need to speak with a real person. Getting support can also be particularly challenging for users who are not logged into their accounts.

• Cryptocurrency traders seeking convenience.

• Traders who want to easily convert one cryptocurrency to another.

Coinbase's fee structure is often cited as a point of contention. It's complex and lacks transparency, with fees varying based on payment method, trade size, and market conditions. Here's a breakdown of how the platform handles fees:

• Standard Coinbase platform: This platform typically charges a spread fee of around 0.5% on cryptocurrency purchases and sales.

• Additional transaction fees: These are levied on top of the spread and depend on your chosen payment method. Credit or debit card transactions generally incur higher fees, while bank transfers (if supported in Singapore) may offer a more cost-effective option.

On the contrary, Coinbase Advanced Trade offers a more transparent pricing model, employing a maker-taker fee structure that scales based on your monthly trading volume.

Coinbase stands out for its accessibility, allowing users to purchase as little as S$1 worth of Bitcoin (BTC) and other cryptocurrencies. However, it's crucial to be aware that small trades may be subject to a relatively high percentage fee, so it's worth considering this when making smaller transactions.

With support for trading in over 210 cryptocurrencies, Coinbase boasts one of the most extensive selections of digital assets among crypto exchanges. This wide variety provides users with ample choices for their trading activities. However, it's important to remember that the availability of specific cryptocurrencies can change frequently due to additions and delistings.

Coinbase facilitates easy conversions between different digital currencies, offering over 300 crypto-to-crypto trading pairs. This feature simplifies the process of trading between various digital assets.

Coinbase allows users to earn staking rewards on up to nine cryptocurrencies, with annual percentage yields (APY) reaching approximately 5.07% in some cases. However, it's important to note that Coinbase's staking programme has faced regulatory scrutiny in the past. If you're considering staking, it’s vital to be aware of any Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) guidelines and regulations concerning cryptocurrency staking.

While Coinbase advertises 24/7 customer support, accessing it can be challenging. Here's what you need to know:

• Automated chatbots: Most customer inquiries are initially handled by automated chatbots.

• Phone support: Phone support is primarily reserved for account security issues, such as unlocking compromised accounts.

• Email support: Email support is available, but it may not be easily accessible for users who do not have an account.

• Callback requirement: Users must log in to their accounts to request a callback, which ensures verification before speaking with a support agent.

On a positive note, Coinbase Learn provides a wealth of valuable educational content that can help new investors understand the complexities of cryptocurrency trading.

As one of the world's leading cryptocurrency exchanges, Coinbase has built a reputation for its security and user-friendly interface. The standard Coinbase platform is designed with beginners in mind, offering a straightforward and intuitive experience for buying and selling cryptocurrency.

That’s not all – Coinbase also caters to more experienced traders through its Coinbase Advanced Trade platform. It provides sophisticated trading tools, such as market, limit, and stop orders, and offers lower fees for high-volume traders.

When deciding if Coinbase is suitable for you, consider these factors:

• Ease of use: If you are a beginner, the standard platform is very user-friendly.

• Trading needs: Advanced Trade provides the tools for experienced traders.

• Fee sensitivity: Coinbase fees can be complex and sometimes higher than other exchanges, so compare carefully.

• Funding options: Payment options for Singaporean users are somewhat limited, so beware of potential fees.

Coinbase offers a global platform for cryptocurrency trading, but it's important to understand its functionality and potential limitations in Singapore.

For instance, funding your Coinbase account in Singapore can present some limitations. While credit or debit cards are a primary option, it's important to be aware that these methods often come with associated fees. This can impact the overall cost of buying and selling cryptocurrencies on the platform. If you feel wary about Coinbase, here are some of the best cryptocurrency exchanges to use in Singapore.

Additionally, when choosing a cryptocurrency exchange in Singapore, it's important to check that any exchange adheres to the MAS regulations. Coinbase generally adheres to these regulations, but it's always advisable to stay updated on the latest regulatory developments.

Coinbase is just one of many options for cryptocurrency trading in Singapore. Here's a comparison to some other popular platforms, like Binance Singapore, Coinhako, and Gemini:

Ultimately, the best exchange for you will depend on your individual trading needs, priorities, and risk tolerance. Alternatively, you can consider investing in stocks. Here’s our guide to buying and trading stocks in Singapore for beginners.