11 min read

©️ Coinbase Review (UK) 2025

The cryptocurrency industry is relatively young but has already received trusted leaders in this sphere. If you ask any crypto investor where he buys, sells, or swaps coins, the answer will be an exchange.

Naturally, not every crypto exchange deserves the title of a leader, but Coinbase has already proved to be in a top position. It has become the most widely visited place to trade coins in the UK and is trusted by over 103 million, with it considered one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges globally.

Having grown from a tiny American exchange established in 2012 into a worldwide renowned platform, Coinbase has achieved one of the highest market capitalizations of $69.64 billion as of February 2025. At the same time, if you look at the Coinbase rating on Trustpilot, you may be surprised to see such a low figure! Why is it so? Can you trust Coinbase like millions of others, or is choosing an alternative exchange in the UK better?

This Coinbase review will clear up everything you may be interested in about this exchange, so do not lose a chance to get an unbiased look at the platform in this article.

What is Coinbase

coinbase

Coinbase Global Inc., a leading cryptocurrency exchange, serves crypto enthusiasts in over 170 countries. It is the largest US crypto exchange by trading volume, founded in March 2012 by Brian Armstrong and Fred Ehrsam. Its mission is to build a fair, accessible, efficient, and transparent crypto economy.

The company has already achieved substantial milestones, reflected in its impressive growth figures. Currently, the company goals are represented in the following numbers:

  • 103+ million users;
  • $439 billion quarterly volume traded;
  • $404 billion assets on the platform;
  • 170+ countries;
  • 3700+ employees.

The crypto platform facilitates buying, selling, trading, investing, earning, and utilizing digital assets. It is accessible in 20 languages and via mobile apps for Android and iOS, offering anytime, anywhere access. A groundbreaking achievement was its listing as the first cryptocurrency company on the US exchange, boasting an estimated $86 billion valuation. Further innovation emerged during the pandemic, with its announcement as the first remote trading platform without a formal headquarters.

Coinbase features

Coinbase Exchange has several features that have helped it become one of the best crypto swap platforms operating today. 

Ease of use: It offers one of the least effortless registration procedures with relatively fast verification. You can link a bank account to the platform to save on transaction fees and trade select cryptos whenever you wish. The website interface is also user-friendly and easy to navigate.

Security and insurance: The main benefit of the platform is Coinbase insurance for all funds stored on it. According to the platform, only 2% of all user coins are stored online. The rest (98%) are sent to cold storage for better security. Cash balances are stored in US custodial accounts, treasuries, and market funds.

Additionally, cash balances are held in secure US custodial accounts, treasuries, and market funds, further bolstering user security.

Mobile app: Being the same functional and easy to use, Coinbase has prepared mobile apps for Android and iOS users to provide them with trading flexibility.

Earning opportunities: Coinbase has prepared several educational classes that allow deepening knowledge in cryptocurrency and rewarding cryptocurrency with an equivalent of up to $115 for successful results.

Different tools for everyone: The service supports crypto-to-crypto trading, but users can also buy and sell cryptocurrency for fiat money, borrow cash using Bitcoin as collateral, spend crypto using a card and earn rewards, store coins in the wallet, learn more about the cryptocurrency, and be rewarded for that, among other things.

Is Coinbase available in the United Kingdom?

The United Kingdom is one of the countries where crypto enthusiasts can use Coinbase services and make the most of cryptocurrency on this platform. There are no restrictions for UK and European users, so it is worth checking this platform’s services if you plan to use it.

Coinbase is among the 14% of applicants who have secured a UK Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license approved by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Coinbase services

  • According to different Coinbase reviews, the range of services is quite varied. The most popular of them look as follows:

    • Coinbase Pro: this is a special Coinbase version created for professional traders. It offers more sophisticated charts and trading options, but the main benefit of this solution is lower trading fees that drop when the volume increases.
    • Coinbase card: The service is developing a payment Visa card that will allow users to spend crypto in a new way and earn rewards. You can join the card wishlist only in the US (except for Hawaii), but it can be used anywhere the Visa card is accepted.
    • Coinbase wallet: This is a self-hosted wallet of the platform that allows the storage of crypto and NFTs in one place, trading over 500 assets on decentralized exchanges, earning interest, and accessing them from a mobile device thanks to the brand app.
    • Private client: Navigating the crypto market can be more exciting with a high-touch team of experts. You will get access to ultra-high-net-worth individuals, personal investment vehicles, trusts, and family offices. Other client benefits are personalized support, best-in-class protection, and a dedicated trading desk with professionals trading on the user's behalf.

    There is also a range of solutions offered to businesses:

    • Prime: an integrated solution that provides secure custody, an advanced trading platform, and prime services for users to manage their crypto assets in one place.
    • Custody: This is a standalone business capitalized independently under the New York State Banking Law. It supports segregating all digital assets and holds them to benefit clients.
    • Exchange: Businesses can get Coinbase API to offer their users access to the liquidity of the best crypto spot exchange.
    • Commerce: This service allows anyone to accept crypto quickly, possibly convert it to fiat, access the global customer base, and forget about chargebacks.
    • Asset hub: Thanks to this service, startups can list their new coins on the Coinbase trading platform.
    Analytics: Access to this data powers crypto compliance for governments, financial institutions, and crypto businesses.

How to use Coinbase

It is absolutely easy to become a Coinbase member and trade on the platform. However, if you want to have a closer look at the procedure, here are the main points about how to use the exchange, what banking options and currencies are supported, and what fees and limits to expect.

Registration and verification

When you decide to become a Coinbase account holder, start your way by downloading a mobile app or opening the official website. There, you will see the Get Started button that redirects users to the registration page to enter the following details:

  1. First name.
  2. Last name.
  3. Email.
  4. Password.

 

coinbase sing up

You must also certify that you are over 18 years old and have read the User Agreement and Privacy Policy. The next step is email verification: open your email, find the letter from Coinbase, and follow the link provided to complete it.

New account holders are required to provide a phone number for verification via SMS code, enabling two-factor authentication (2FA). Following successful phone verification, complete identity verification by uploading a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license or state ID in the US; passport, national ID card, or equivalent elsewhere). Once verified, link your bank account or card and begin trading.

Supported Coins and Fiat Currencies

The list of Coinbase currencies supported consists of over 50 coins and includes such popular assets as Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, Cardano, Tether, Bitcoin Cash, Uniswap, and others. The range of fiat currencies used to fund a Coinbase wallet is impressive, including USD, GBP, EUR, CAD, and others. UK users can deposit and withdraw both GBP and EUR.

Payment Options

Payment methods accepted by Coinbase differ depending on the country. When it comes to banking options available in the UK, there are 5 of them, but each can be used for different purposes.

Coinbase UK users can buy and sell cryptocurrency using bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and PayPal.

  • Faster Payments and SEPA Transfer are for deposits and withdrawals that take 1-3 business days.
  • 3D Secure Card allows instant purchases but is unsuitable for deposits and withdrawals.
  • PayPal and Instant Card Withdrawals can be used only to cash out funds.
  • Coinbase Pay - it can be used to fund a non-custodial wallet like Coinbase Wallet or MetaMask.
Steps to Add a Payment Method
  1. Tap on the payment method box
  2. Connect a payment method
  3. Verify your payment method

Additional information

  • The name on the bank account must match the name on the Coinbase account
  • Deposits cannot be sent from a business account
  • Deposits cannot be sent from pooled accounts, such as a WISE payment

Buying and selling

Any crypto trade on Coinbase begins with signing in to the account created. You can then access the Buy/Sell category on the upper right-hand side. If you want to proceed with the crypto purchase, complete the following steps:

  1. Select the Buy field.
  2. Choose the asset you want to buy.
  3. Enter the amount you want to get in crypto or the amount you wish to give in your local currency.
  4. Choose the payment method.
  5. Confirm the order after checking the preview page.
  6. Complete the process by pressing the Buy button.

If you want this purchase to be recurring, press the One Time Purchase button and set up the frequency you wish.

If you want to sell coins owned, pass through the following procedure:

  1. Select the Sell field.
  2. Choose the coin you want to sell.
  3. Enter the amount to give.
  4. Check the Preview Sell page.
  5. Press the Sell button to complete.
  6. The money will automatically land in your Coinbase fiat wallet. Then, it can be withdrawn to your bank account or used to buy coins on the exchange.

Fees

Spending with the Coinbase Card has no transaction fees. Coinbase charges fees on all crypto transactions, including buying, selling, and converting. Fees are calculated at the time of order placement and depend on several factors, including:

  • The payment method used;
  • Size of the order;
  • Market conditions (volatility and liquidity).
Transaction Fees
  • Network Fee
  • Gas Fee
  • Lightning Network Processing Fee
  • Trading Fee

Users can learn the exact fee on the preview page before submitting the transaction. On average, these fees vary from 1.5% to 4%. Crypto conversions are charged a 2% fee.

It is free to use fiat and crypto wallet services. Credit transactions are charged a flat fee of 2%. Coinbase card allows spending USDC for free, while purchases and ATM withdrawals in all other cryptocurrencies are charged a flat 2.49% transaction fee.

Limits

Limits depend on the country of the user's location and the payment method used. They can be found in the Account Limits section of account settings. If you want to increase the limits, you can increase the account level by passing through additional stages of identity verification. 

The minimum amount to buy or sell cryptocurrency is 2.00 denominated in your local currency, e.g., $2 or €2. There are no maximum limits on the coins you want to sell. The limits for cash out depend on the banking method used.

  • Currencies: 200+ options
  • Trade Limits: Yes

Customer support

Coinbase has a professional Help Center for users. They can find it on the bottom menu and choose what kind of assistance is required: for individuals, businesses, or developers. There is a search line to enter a query to get results quickly, and the Message Me button is at the bottom right corner of the screen to get an instant response.

The platform offers an extensive FAQ section where users can find answers to many questions. The Contact Us button is under it for users who have not found what they were looking for. The exchange can assist on popular social media platforms, too.

Coinbase customer support is highly responsive and professional and available 24/7  through chat, phone, and email.

Pros&cons

Looking at the coinbase.com review it can be difficult to imagine any negative aspects connected with the platform, but are there any? Let’s consider both advantages and disadvantages of the Coinbase exchange.

Pros:

  • Years of successful and secure operation in the crypto industry;
  • Various tools and services;
  • Qualified and fast customer support;
  • High liquidity;
  • Simple and easy to use interface suitable for beginners;
  • Rewards for learning and staking;
  • Wide range of banking options.

Cons:

  • Quite high fees in comparison with other exchanges;
  • Registration and verification required;
  • No control of wallet keys;
  • Not a big variety of altcoins.

Is Coinbase UK safe?

Despite the fact that Coinbase is headquatered in the US, it complies with European laws to operate on its territory legally. It sticks to the General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”). Since February 2025, the firm has gained the FCA’s approval through its UK-based subsidiary, CB Payments. Today, it provides fiat services to UK residents. All personal information is stored by maintaining physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards in compliance with the applicable laws and regulations. Furthermore, the exchange ensures user funds to prevent them from unexpected losses.

Is Coinbase right for you?

coinbase

Coinbase is the right choice if you look for security and ease of use. However, you may regret your choice if you compare fees which are relatively higher than on other platforms. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate all the pros and cons as well as consider platform functionality prior to making the choice since not all exchanges can guarantee such a range of solutions like Coinbase.

F.A.Q.

Q: How much does Coinbase charge?

Coinbase fees differ depending on the amount of the order and payment method used in market conditions. If you want to see the exact fee, you should place the order and check the preview page to see how much you are charged.

Q: Is Coinbase secure?

Security is one of the greatest benefits of Coinbase. The exchange has never been hacked and all the funds stored by it are insured. It protects personal information provided by users and operates in accordance with the laws. It also offers additional levels of account protection like 2FA and wallet encryption.

Q: How can you earn on Coinbase?

The platform supports coin staking and offers the Coinbase Earn solution that allows learning about cryptocurrencies using its educational content and getting rewards for successful results.

Q: How long does it take to make a purchase or conversion?

If you are a registered user who completed verification and connected a bank account to the Coinbase platform, you can expect to get instant transactions without delays. However, deposit and withdrawal procedures may last for several days.

Q: Is the Coinbase card available in the UK?

Yes, it is. Users can order a card in the majority of the EU countries, including the UK, and spend cryptocurrency with its help.

Summary

Coinbase has become a trusted and reliable assistant for many crypto enthusiasts. It is a number-one solution for people who want to get cryptocurrency for the first time as well as users who seek security on a user-friendly and easy-to-use exchange operating worldwide. Despite a quite limited number of coins and higher fees, Coinbase remains one of the top-visited crypto exchanges in the world, and it is not surprising!