Coinbase is a well-known cryptocurrency exchange that makes it easy to buy, sell, and exchange cryptocurrency. Coinbase makes buying Bitcoin as easy as buying a stock through an online brokerage, but look out for the fees and poor customer service.
Pros
- Can make withdrawals via PayPal
- Available in dozens of countries
- Can purchase cryptocurrency with debit or credit cards
Cons
- Higher and complex fee structure
- Limited trading types
- The platform tracks your cryptocurrency purchases
Coinbase
Coinbase is a cryptocurrency trading and investing platform that offers users the ability to buy, sell, and exchange over 100 tradable cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin. Coinbase is a large company with over 98 million users and $256 billion in assets on the platform. Beginners will likely prefer the original Coinbase platform for simple buy and sell orders. More advanced users can access additional features and order types through Coinbase Pro, available to any Coinbase user. Cryptocurrencies are a relatively new asset class that can be risky and volatile, which isn’t suitable for all investors. However, if you’re interested in cryptocurrency, Coinbase is an excellent option for newbies and veterans alike. Investing in cryptocurrencies, Decentralized Finance (DeFi), and other Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) is highly risky and speculative, and the markets can be extremely volatile. Consult with a qualified professional before making any financial decisions. This article is not a recommendation by Investopedia or the writer to invest in cryptocurrencies nor can the accuracy or timeliness of the information be guaranteed. Company Overview Coinbase was founded in 2012 as a place to send and receive Bitcoin. The company has grown to support dozens of unique cryptocurrencies and has more than 4,900 employees worldwide. Coinbase is a decentralized company with no main headquarters. Coinbase operates with users in more than 100 countries, and customers trade approximately $309 billion per quarter. Coinbase manages a robust cryptocurrency ecosystem supporting 13,000 financial institutions. Coinbase runs two separate trading platforms in addition to a standalone cryptocurrency wallet service. Between the suite of Coinbase products, you’re likely to find anything you need to start and manage a cryptocurrency portfolio or trading plan. Cryptocurrencies Available on Coinbase Coinbase supports trading of over 100 cryptocurrencies and regularly puts new coins on the list. There are too many to list here, so here’s a glance at some of the most popular currencies on Coinbase: Bitcoin (BTC) Ethereum (ETH) Cardano (ADA) Solana (SOL) Polkadot (DOT) USD Coin (USDC) Dogecoin (DOGE) Uniswap (UNI) Litecoin (LTC) Shiba Inu (SHIB) Algorand (ALGO) Stellar Lumens (XLM) Polygon (MATIC) DAI (DAI) SushiSwap (SUSHI) Trading Experience As mentioned above, the company runs two different platforms known as Coinbase and Coinbase Pro. Each allows you to buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies but offers unique features. Coinbase Trading on Coinbase is beginner-friendly and easy to use for anyone with basic computer skills. Coinbase is available on the web or through Android and iOS mobile devices. If you’ve ever traded stocks through an online brokerage, you’ll find a somewhat similar experience. On the main dashboard, you’re able to view your Coinbase portfolio, and you’re never more than a couple of clicks away from a screen to buy and sell currency.