Coinbase review
A publicly listed US exchange with strong regulatory standing and reliable custody, offset by fees that run higher than offshore venues for active traders.
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Maker fee
0.00%–0.40%
Taker fee
0.05%–0.60%
Founded
2012
Markets
United States, United Kingdom, European Union
What works
- Publicly listed and subject to US disclosure requirements
- Strong custody and security track record
- Deep USD liquidity and straightforward fiat rails
- Clear tax and reporting tools for US users
What doesn’t
- Simple-mode fees are high; you must use Advanced Trade
- Support response times can lag during volatility
- Fewer exotic assets than offshore competitors
Coinbase is the default choice for US-based investors who prioritise regulatory clarity and custody assurance over the lowest possible trading cost. Casual buyers should use the Advanced interface to avoid the simple-mode spread, and high-frequency traders will find cheaper execution elsewhere. For everyone else, the combination of a listed parent company, insurance on custodial holdings and a mature security record makes it the least-surprising venue on this list.